Whitianga: Cathedral Cove - Inside Sea Caves 'Thrills' Cruise Discount Tickets

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

Meeting point

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
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. Including what to expect when the boat reaches speed.
2. Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve
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.
3. Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve
Iconic rock formations, Narnia filming locations, and the famous Te Hoho Rock - seen from the water, in a way most visitors never experience.
4. Mercury Bay
Experience Champagne Bay and its ancient blowholes and cave systems carved by centuries of wave action. Cave Cruzer is the only vessel on the bay that goes inside.
5. Orua Sea Cave
New Zealand's second-largest sea cave. Brian cuts the engine, plays music, and lets the acoustics do the rest. Music from here on our return.
Duration: 10 mins
6. Gemstone Bay
Visit Gemstone Bay or the best spot on the day. Snorkel in the marine reserve or watch from the boat. Rock jumping available for those who want it.
Duration: 30 mins
7. Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve
View fish in the Marine Reserve from the boat without getting wet, however you can get closer having a short snorkel/swim if desired. Mask & snorkel supplied.
Duration: 15 mins
8. Hahei
Pass Hahei & view the headland that was once a Maori Pa (village) site & see through the cave & out the other side, we call the keyhole.
9. Optional rock jumping available here, conditions dependant.
Duration: 15 mins
10. Poikeke Island
Cruise through the heart of a volcanic rock arch rising straight from the sea at Poikeke Island. Watch for dolphins in the Bay of Islands on the way out, then pass through Hole in the Rock if conditions allow.
11. Whitianga Wharf
Music on, full throttle back.

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

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

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

Supplied by Cave Cruzer

Reviews

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Based on 294 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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