Cathedral Cove Tour: High Speed Thrills and Cave Exploration

Experience high-speed thrills and explore hidden caves on the only Cathedral Cove boat tour. Capture stunning photos and enjoy unique marine wildlife encounters.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Whitianga - Arrive 15 minutes before departure at Whitianga Wharf to meet your Skipper and receive a safety briefing before setting off.

  • Ferry Landing Wharf - Discover the history of Kauri harvesting around Ferry Landing and Whitianga from years past.

  • Shakespeare Cliff Lookout - Learn about Captain Cook’s visit to New Zealand and why he named a cliff after William Shakespeare. Pass by Front Beach and Flaxmill Bay while hearing some historical insights.

  • Lonely Bay - Cruise close to Lonely Bay and admire the stunning coastline.

  • Cooks Beach - Understand why Captain Cook was sent to New Zealand and explore the Cooks Beach Blowhole, conditions permitting.

  • Cathedral Cove - Your Skipper will share the area’s history as you approach Cathedral Cove from the sea, marveling at the volcanic formations throughout the Bay.

  • Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve - Observe fish in the Marine Reserve from the boat without getting wet, or opt for a short snorkel/swim if you wish. Mask and snorkel provided.

  • Hahei - Pass by Hahei and view the headland that was once a Maori Pa (village) site. See through the cave and out the other side, known as the keyhole.

  • Hot Water Beach - View Hot Water Beach from a distance, peek inside Ice Cave, and navigate to the Big Bay Blowhole if conditions allow.

Then, explore New Zealand’s second-largest sea cave, “Orua,” and enjoy the incredible acoustics when music is played. Cave Cruzer is the only tour offering this unique experience.

  • Mahurangi Island / Goat Island - Venture into Whale Cave as your Skipper shares the history of Mahurangi Island. This may also be your snorkeling spot, depending on conditions.
  • Poikeke Island - Pass through our very own “Hole in the Rock.”
What's Included
  • Boat Tour
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Bottled water
Additional Information

The only Cathedral Cove tour combining high speed thrills, excitement & small cave experiences other boats can’t offer. Cave Cruzer 7.8 metres, the only vessel this size able to navigate inside small caves, giant blowholes & caves. Dedicated to explore more spots only accessible by boat over 24kms, getting you closer, for the best unique, unimpeded (no roof) photos & views of wildlife in the Marine Reserve & majestic, volcanic, coastal views possible on the day. See Cathedral Cove, Shakespeare Cliff, Lonely Bay, Cooks & Hahei beaches & more. The only tour with music to experience the acoustics of NZs 2nd largest sea cave, Orua. The prefect mix of time for pictures, local history & geological info. Optional Rock jumping & Snorkel amongst the fish or just view over the side.

(All above is subject to conditions on the day)

  • Not Suitable for infants or children under 10kgs
Location
Cave Cruzer Boat Tours
The Esplanade
Arrive 30mins before departure time, meet at the Whitianga Wharf on Esplanade Road, Whitianga.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(265 Ratings)
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831gisellet
Mar 20, 2024
The best tour we have ever done! - Absolutely the best! Our family of 4 w/ 2 kids 4 and 8 year old loved it. Kids were pumped with how fast the boat goes plus visited all these caves and clear crystal waters , amazing spots for snorkeling and the beautiful Cathedral Cove. Just a wonderful experience. A must do with these guys.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
198tedj
Mar 12, 2024
All round good fun - Brian was a top bloke, took us out for some ultimate thrills and ultimate thrills we had. Great to see beaches and caves we would have never got the chance to see. Highly recommend booking.
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Pioneer26718058180
Feb 21, 2024
A magical, thrilling experience! - Memorable experience that the kids are still talking about daily a week later! We did the thrilling ride which wasn’t too rough (no back pains afterwards!) yet very fun, and quite magical when our guide started playing an Adele song to demonstrate the acoustics of one of the caves. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barbaran37
Feb 17, 2024
Great ride! - A fantastic couple of hours speeding around the marine reserve, into Cathedral Cove, and into the second largest sea cave in NZ! Got airborne a few times too! We enjoyed a great trip, knowledgeable guide, and beautiful weather. Snorkelling was fab, amazing marine life to be seen.
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Kyriakosm895
Jan 28, 2024
Unforgettable experience - A lot of fun. Everything was perfect: the tour, the scenery, the experienced captain ... Though the sea was rough at that day we've really enjoyed the tour.
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Gracenu9325ga
Jan 21, 2024
A trip highlight! Can’t recommend enough. - What a highlight!! I booked this tour solo and had such a great time- definitely worth booking the thrills tour for some speed! Brian was a legend and told us lots about the geographical sites as we went around, and played some banging tunes on some of the longer stretches of the trip. We even had time for snorkelling and got to see some amazing fish up close. I had the best time, loads of photo opportunities - can’t recommend enough.
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Mcinneskelly
Jan 20, 2024
Fantastic experience - This was amazing and such a fun experience Brian the tour guide was fantastic myself and my 2 kids loved this experience a very big thumbs up had the most fun
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Aurored9802
Jan 6, 2024
Amazing tour from whitianga - Amazing tour from whitianga, recommand to everyone, kind of speed boat with only 12seats so better book in advance. My friend who is sea sick normally was completely fine during the whole tour so it's a win win. Thank you again
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Joannegh6814in
Jan 5, 2024
Thrilling and informative! - Views were amazing. Bryan was the perfect mix of informative and funny as a tour guide. He really wanted to make sure everyone had a great time!
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Loucabletopping
Jan 4, 2024
5 star family experience - Did the ultimate thrill tour today with my husband and 2 kids (6 and 8) and they ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! A great mix of thrills, info and stunning scenery. I'd highly recommend this as a family activity.
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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