Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Cruise, Caves & Snorkelling

5.0 (62 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

62 reviews

5.0

Cathedral Cove — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Cooks Beach Blowhole — 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.

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.

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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: Snorkel gear
Included: Access to caves and blowholes unreachable by other vessels
Included: Life jackets and safety briefing
Included: Live guided commentary throughout

Not included

Not included: Food and beverages
Not included: Lunch: 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.
Stop 2

5 min

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.
Cooks Beach

5 min

Learn why Captian Cook was sent to New Zealand, and venture inside Cooks Beach Blowhole (subject to conditions).
Stop 4

10 min

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

Passing 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.
Stop 6

10 min

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

15 min

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.
Stop 8

5 min

Optional rock jumping available here, conditions dependant.
Stop 9

5 min

See and pass through our very own "Hole in the Rock".
Stop 10

1 min

Tour concludes.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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.

End point

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.

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

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