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Cathedral Cove 1
A person climbing a rocky cliff. 2
Cathedral Cove Boat Tour - Cruise 3
Cathedral Cove Boat Tour - Cruise 4
Cathedral Cove Boat Tour - Cruise 5

Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Cruise, Caves & Snorkelling

By Cave Cruzer
10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$115 per adult
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Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

At 7.8 metres, Cave Cruzer is the only vessel of its size in Mercury Bay, small enough to navigate inside caves and blowholes larger boats cannot enter, open-topped so nothing blocks your view above.

Two hours along 24 kilometres of protected Coromandel coastline. You will pass Shakespeare Cliff, named by Captain Cook in 1769, and reach Cathedral Cove, Te Hoho Rock, the Sleeping Dragon, and Narnia filming locations, seen from the water.

The tour closes inside Orua, New Zealand's second-largest sea cave. Brian plays music inside so you can hear the acoustics for yourself.

Brian's local knowledge of the geology, Maori history, and marine life of Mercury Bay is what separates this from a boat ride. Optional snorkelling and rock jumping available, subject to conditions.

Activity location

  • Shakespeare Cliff Lookout
    • 3591, Cooks Beach, Waikato, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Cave Cruzer Cathedral Cove Boat Tours
    • The Esplanade
    • 3510, Whitianga, Waikato Region, New Zealand

Check availability

Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Cruise, Caves & Snorkelling

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English
Language options: English
Price details
AU$114.89 x 1 AdultAU$114.89
Total
Price is AU$114.89

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Snorkel gear
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Access to caves and blowholes unreachable by other vessels
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Life jackets and safety briefing
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Live guided commentary throughout
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Food and drinks
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Transport to Whitianga Wharf

Know before you book

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Tour departure times vary, duration approximately 2 hours, check availability online.
  • Check in at the Cave Cruzer boat on floating pontoon, opposite 13 The Esplanade, Whitianga Wharf, 15 minutes before departure.
  • Snorkelling and rock jumping, route are subject to sea conditions on the day and cannot be guaranteed
  • Caves and blowhole access is subject to tide and swell conditions
  • Marine wildlife sightings: dolphins, orca, seals, whales cannot be guaranteed
  • Secure hats and glasses before departure; the boat cruising speed 55 km’s on open water
  • Not suitable for children under 10 kg; no lap sitting

Activity itinerary

Whitianga (Pass by)

Meet the crew at the Cave Cruzer boat, on the floating pontoon, opposite 13 The Esplanade. Safety briefing before departure. History of Whitianga while making our way to the sea.

Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

  • 5m
Brian points out the cliff formation Captain Cook named in 1769 and shares the storey of how Mercury Bay got its name. The volcanic coastline opens up as you head south.

Cooks Beach

  • 5m
Learn why Captian Cook was sent to New Zealand, and venture inside Cooks Beach Blowhole (subject to conditions).

Cathedral Cove Beach

  • 10m
The centrepiece of the tour. Iconic rock formations, Narnia film locations, and the famous Te Hoho Rock - seen from the water, the way most visitors never see it.

Hahei (Pass by)

Visit Champagne Bay to see dramatic cave entries and ancient blowholes carved by centuries of wave action. Cave Cruzer goes inside. Other boats cannot.

Orua Sea Cave

  • 10m
New Zealand's second-largest sea cave. Brian takes the boat in and plays music so you can hear the acoustics for yourself. Music from here on our return. Then explore inside NZ's second largest Sea Cave "Orua" & experience the amazing acoustics when we play music. Cave Cruzer is the only tour to provide this experience.

Gemstone Bay

  • 15m
Visit Gemstone Bay or the best spot on the day. Gear up and snorkel among fish in the marine reserve, or watch them from the side of the boat.

Whale Cave

  • 5m
Optional rock jumping available here, conditions dependant.

Poikeke Island

  • 5m
See and pass through our very own "Hole in the Rock".

Whitianga Wharf

  • 1m
Tour concludes.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Shakespeare Cliff Lookout
    • 3591, Cooks Beach, Waikato, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Cave Cruzer Cathedral Cove Boat Tours
    • The Esplanade
    • 3510, Whitianga, Waikato Region, New Zealand

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Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. We offer one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Cooks Beach your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.