Ocean Leopard - Cathedral Cove & Volcanic Coast Boat Tour

5.0 (461 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

461 reviews

5.0

Ocean Leopard - Cathedral Cove & Volcanic Coast Boat Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Ocean Leopard - Cathedral Cove & Volcanic Coast Boat Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover Cathedral Cove and Mercury Bay’s spectacular volcanic coastline on a premium 2-hour sightseeing experience from Whitianga. Travel aboard Ocean Leopard, purpose-built for comfort and exceptional views, with forward-facing seating, generous shade and plenty of space to enjoy the journey. Ocean Leopard 2 also has an onboard toilet (while our original boat does not have a toilet).

Explore 12 kilometres of dramatic coastline, including Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Lonely Bay and Cooks Beach, and venture through the protected waters of Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve. See towering volcanic cliffs, pinnacles, blowholes and hidden sea caves, including the immense Orua Sea Cave.

Along the way, your experienced local skipper brings the coastline to life with stories of its volcanic origins, Māori history, marine life and local characters. With the full two hours dedicated to exploring the coast, there’s plenty to see, photograph and experience.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 26 people
People per booking: 1–16
Guide: English
Operated by: Ocean Leopard - Cathedral Cove Boat Tours

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–14 years) · Adults (15–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifejackets
Included: Onboard toilet
Included: Blankets

Itinerary

Stop 1

5 min

Departure point
Lonely Bay

5 min

Beautiful photos of Lonely Bay and Shakespeare Reserve
Cooks Beach

10 min

We get up close to sectacular Cooks Blow Hole at the North West end of Cooks Beach and see right through the top from the boat.
Stop 4

8 min

Cruise into spectacular Cathedral Cove and pause to take in the iconic natural arch, white-sand beach and towering cliffs from the water. Your local skipper shares stories of the area’s geology, history and marine environment, with time to enjoy the scenery and capture photos. No beach landing.
Cathedral Cove Walk

8 min

Experience Cathedral Cove from the water on our scenic boat tour. Cruise into the bay for spectacular views of the famous natural arch, beach and surrounding volcanic coastline while your local skipper shares the stories, geology and history of the area. Please note this is a boat-based experience with no beach landing or walking component.
Stop 6

20 min

Cruise through the protected waters of Te Whanganui-a-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve, home to spectacular volcanic coastline and a rich marine environment. Your local skipper shares stories about the reserve, its marine life, geology and history as you explore Cathedral Cove, dramatic cliffs, rock formations and sea caves.
Hot Water Beach

5 min

We see Hot Water Beach from a distance just before entering Orua Sea Cave, the second largest sea cave in NZ
Stop 8

10 min

Venture inside the immense Orua Sea Cave, one of New Zealand's largest sea caves accessible by boat. Experience its towering volcanic walls and remarkable acoustics as your skipper manoeuvres into this spectacular natural formation. Entry is weather and sea-condition dependent.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Esplanade rd,across the road from the Harbor House Cafe.

End point

Esplanade rd,across the road from the Harbor House Cafe.

Using your ticket

Tickets will be taken directly on the boat 15 minutes prior to departure time.

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

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
It is accessible for the mobility impaired, however wheelchairs cannot board the boat
Snorkeling/swimming is not a part of this tour