Get your discount tickets for the Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Thrilling Boat Tour, Caves & Snorkeling, save up to 9% !
Overview
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.
Meeting and Pickup
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.
Language Offered
English-GUIDE
Itinerary
1. Whitianga
2. Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve
3. Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve
4. Mercury Bay
5. Orua Sea Cave
6. Gemstone Bay
7. Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve
8. Hahei
9. Optional rock jumping available here, conditions dependant.
10. Poikeke Island
11. Whitianga Wharf
Inclusion
Use of snorkeling equipment
Access to caves and blowholes unreachable by other vessels
High-speed runs between stops
Life jackets and safety briefing
Live guided commentary throughout
Exclusion
Food and beverages
Transport to Whitianga Wharf
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
- 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date
Additional Info
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 a camera or phone for photos
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
Secure hats and glasses before departure
Reviews
5.0
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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