Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Thrilling Boat Tour, Caves & Snorkeling

5.0 (298 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

298 reviews

5.0

Piokeke Island Hole in the Rock — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Mahurangi Island — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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. Between stops, Brian opens the throttle.

You will cover 24 kilometres of protected Coromandel coastline at speed. Cave Cruzer goes inside the ancient blowholes and cave systems that line the route. Other boats do not.

Cathedral Cove is the centrepiece, Te Hoho Rock, the Sleeping Dragon, Narnia filming locations, seen from the water. Further along, Whale Cave and the hole in the rock at Poikeke Island are landmarks that only make sense from the water.

The tour heads inside Orua, New Zealand's second-largest sea cave, where Brian plays music so you can hear what 700 cubic metres of rock does to sound.

Optional snorkelling and rock jumping available, subject to conditions.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Cave Cruzer

Ages: Children (1–15 years) · Adults (16–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Use of snorkeling equipment: Snorkel gear
Included: Access to caves and blowholes unreachable by other vessels
Included: High-speed runs between stops
Included: Life jackets and safety briefing
Included: Live guided commentary throughout

Not included

Not included: Food and beverages
Not included: Transport to Whitianga Wharf

Itinerary

Whitianga

Passing 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. Including what to expect when the boat reaches speed.
Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve

Passing by

Brian points out the cliff formation Captain Cook named in 1769 and shares the story of how Mercury Bay got its name. The volcanic coastline opens up as you head south.
Stop 3

Passing by

Iconic rock formations, Narnia filming locations, and the famous Te Hoho Rock - seen from the water, in a way most visitors never experience.
Mercury Bay

Passing by

Experience Champagne Bay and its ancient blowholes and cave systems carved by centuries of wave action. Cave Cruzer is the only vessel on the bay that goes inside.
Stop 5

10 min

New Zealand's second-largest sea cave. Brian cuts the engine, plays music, and lets the acoustics do the rest. Music from here on our return.
Gemstone Bay

30 min

Visit Gemstone Bay or the best spot on the day. Snorkel in the marine reserve or watch from the boat. Rock jumping available for those who want it.
Stop 7

15 min

View fish in the Marine Reserve from the boat without getting wet, however you can get closer having a short snorkel/swim if desired. Mask & snorkel supplied.
Hahei

Passing by

Pass Hahei & view the headland that was once a Maori Pa (village) site & see through the cave & out the other side, we call the keyhole.
Stop 9

15 min

Optional rock jumping available here, conditions dependant.
Stop 10

Passing by

Cruise through the heart of a volcanic rock arch rising straight from the sea at Poikeke Island. Watch for dolphins in the Bay of Islands on the way out, then pass through Hole in the Rock if conditions allow.
Stop 11

Passing by

Music on, full throttle back.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Check in at the Cave Cruzer boat, on the floating pontoon, opposite 13 The Esplanade, Whitianga Wharf, 15 minutes before departure.

Tour departure times vary.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Check availability online.

Expect 1-2 hour delays through Tairua and parking issues during holiday seasons.

End point

Check in at the Cave Cruzer boat, on the floating pontoon, opposite 13 The Esplanade, Whitianga Wharf, 15 minutes before departure.

Tour departure times vary.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Check availability online.

Expect 1-2 hour delays through Tairua and parking issues during holiday seasons.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not suitable for infants or children under 10 kg
Bring sunscreen, and a secured hat – the boat moves fast on open water
Bring a jacket or windproof layer depending on the season
Bring your swimwear if you plan to snorkel or rock jump
Tour departure times vary, duration approximately 2hrs, check availability online
Check in at the Cave Cruzer boat, on the floating pontoon, opposite 13 The Esplanade, Whitianga Wharf, 15 minutes before departure
All guests must be comfortable with high-speed manoeuvres and the jarring associated with fast boats
Not suitable for children under 10 kg; no lap sitting
Snorkelling and rock jumping are subject to sea conditions on the day and cannot be guaranteed
Cave and blowhole access is subject to tide and swell conditions
Marine wildlife sightings - dolphins, orca, seals, whales - cannot be guaranteed