Cave Cruzer Tour: Explore Marine Reserve & Sea Caves
4.9
38 Ratings
Whitianga

Explore Cathedral Cove’s hidden gems by boat. Navigate caves, blowholes, and marine reserves. Capture stunning photos and enjoy unique acoustic experiences.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

  • Whitianga - Meet your skipper at Whitianga Wharf for a safety briefing before departure.

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

  • Shakespeare Cliff Lookout - Discover Captain Cook’s visit to New Zealand and learn why he named a cliff after William Shakespeare. Pass by Front Beach, Flaxmill Bay, and listen to some local history.

  • 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 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 inside of 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 - Look inside Whale Cave and hear your skipper share the history of Mahurangi Island. Depending on conditions, this may be your snorkeling stop.
  • Poikeke Island - Pass through our very own “Hole in the Rock.”
What's Included
  • Mask & Snorkels
  • Boat Tour
What's Not Included
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch
Additional Information

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 New Zealand’s 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.

(Access to some attractions subject to conditions on the day)

  • Not Suitable for infants or children under 10kgs as jackets & lap sitting is NOT possible
  • Access is fairly easily, possible for partially disabled persons, please enquire if unsure
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
4.9
(38 Ratings)
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1 star
Coastal28324196477
Mar 31, 2024
Unique, fun, and stunning--great way to see the Cathedral cove and other areas. - This trip was such a blast. We loved our tour guide, Brian. He was so knowledgeable and interesting. The views and overall experience was well worth the time and money. I really liked how he shuffled us around so anyone who wanted in the front of the boat could get a turn and how he played some great tunes as we headed back to the ferry. This tour also offers a spot to jump off a rock in a cave--really cool! Highly recommend this tour to all.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Culture12749085922
Mar 27, 2024
Incredible experience! - Cave Cruzer Adventures gave us the most stunning amazing adventure. From start to finish we felt very safe in Brian's very capable hands. He was super knowledgeable about the area, filling us in on history and sea life stories. Using all sorts of methods to demonstrate the acoustic properties in caves. The opportunity to snorkel through a stunning cave was the icing on the cake. Thank you so much for an awesome day. I cannot rate this business highly enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mepling
Mar 24, 2024
Fast, fun, and lots to explore - Brian explores several caves. Offers a chance to snorkel. Knows a lot about the area and is passionate about the culture. We loved that this boat is fast and he loves to go fast (not a slow boring tour boat). We only had 9 in our group and he brought us into caves that we could fit into. He drives the boat well. The only disappointment (that in all fairness he explained why) was we didn't get to get out and explore under Cathedral cove (which is not supposed to be allowed anyway). He asked our group what we wanted to do with our time and we appreciated that he asked.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kenl3289
Mar 17, 2024
Well worth doing - A great way to see the coast-line, caves and marine life. Great tour guide/boat driver. Well worth the time and money. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maps46997267689
Mar 17, 2024
A 10/10 must do experience! - Such an amazing trip! The ideal way to see the Coromandel in a short space of time. Brian made the trip 10/10 with his facts and cracking sense of humour. The interaction with everyone made it a unique experience. Highly recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stuartashep
Mar 9, 2024
wonderful adventure - Excellent trip despite seashells. Brian was cautious with adventure, and truly beautiful seascapes and cathedral cove. highly recommended
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Wanderwarden
Feb 13, 2024
Fantastic trip! - Thanks Brian for a brilliant time on the water today! To think we very nearly didn't go! That was a cracking two hours of fascinating sights, great company, and the thrill of the 300hp engines sending us across the waves like a roller coaster. Your steering may have had something to do with it as well. Cave Cruzer Boat Tours are a must!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Uklion
Feb 11, 2024
Lovely afternoon trip - We live in the area and chose to take UK friends out for the afternoon. Brian was a knowledgeable, friendly and informative skipper. Very well organised, safe and fun the experience was first class - thanks Brian.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderwarden
Feb 10, 2024
A thrilling trip - The trip nearly didn't go because it was raining. However, we did set off and the weather cleared up, giving us a brilliant time under Brian's captaincy. He looked after us so well, showed us all the sights, including Cathedral Cave, got the boat in close under other caves, and there was even time for snorkeling on the return leg. When we all agreed to it, Brian turned up the power for thrills on the waves too. This trip felt personalised and was worth every cent. I loved it and recommend Cave Cruzer Tours. You're in safe hands with Brian!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hlw55
Feb 10, 2024
Brilliant day out - Brilliant day out. We had walked the coastal path from Hahei to Cathedral Cove a coouple of years back but it was a whole new dimension to see the coves and bays from the sea. The rib was so much more fun than the covered boats as there was a real sense of adventure and you could get inside the coves and blow holes. Brian was spot on. He controls the boat really well. had plenty of anecodtes and history to keep us amused and was good company. We stopped so you could snorkel for 10 minutes around the island. Would thoroughly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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