Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Cruise, Caves & Snorkelling Discount Tickets

5.0
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 62 reviews |

Get your discount tickets for the Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Cruise, Caves & Snorkelling, 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. Two hours along 24 kilometres of protected Coromandel coastline. You will pass Shakespeare Cliff, named by Captain Cook in 1769, and reach Cathedral Cove, Te Hoho Rock, the Sleeping Dragon, and Narnia filming locations, seen from the water. The tour closes inside Orua, New Zealand's second-largest sea cave. Brian plays music inside so you can hear the acoustics for yourself. Brian's local knowledge of the geology, Maori history, and marine life of Mercury Bay is what separates this from a boat ride. Optional snorkelling and rock jumping available, subject to conditions.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Tour departure times vary, duration approximately 2 hours, check availability online. Check in at the Cave Cruzer boat on floating pontoon, opposite 13 The Esplanade, Whitianga Wharf, 15 minutes before departure.

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.
2. Shakespeare Cliff Lookout
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.
Duration: 5 mins
3. Cooks Beach
Learn why Captian Cook was sent to New Zealand, and venture inside Cooks Beach Blowhole (subject to conditions).
Duration: 5 mins
4. Cathedral Cove Beach
The centrepiece of the tour. Iconic rock formations, Narnia film locations, and the famous Te Hoho Rock - seen from the water, the way most visitors never see it.
Duration: 10 mins
5. Hahei
Visit Champagne Bay to see dramatic cave entries and ancient blowholes carved by centuries of wave action. Cave Cruzer goes inside. Other boats cannot.
6. Orua Sea Cave
New Zealand's second-largest sea cave. Brian takes the boat in and plays music so you can hear the acoustics for yourself. Music from here on our return. Then explore inside NZ's second largest Sea Cave "Orua" & experience the amazing acoustics when we play music. Cave Cruzer is the only tour to provide this experience.
Duration: 10 mins
7. Gemstone Bay
Visit Gemstone Bay or the best spot on the day. Gear up and snorkel among fish in the marine reserve, or watch them from the side of the boat.
Duration: 15 mins
8. Optional rock jumping available here, conditions dependant.
Duration: 5 mins
9. Poikeke Island
See and pass through our very own "Hole in the Rock".
Duration: 5 mins
10. Whitianga Wharf
Tour concludes.
Duration: 1 mins

Inclusion

Snorkel gear

Access to caves and blowholes unreachable by other vessels

Life jackets and safety briefing

Live guided commentary throughout

Exclusion

Food and beverages

Lunch

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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tour departure times vary, duration approximately 2 hours, check availability online.

Check in at the Cave Cruzer boat on floating pontoon, opposite 13 The Esplanade, Whitianga Wharf, 15 minutes before departure.

Snorkelling and rock jumping, route are subject to sea conditions on the day and cannot be guaranteed

Caves 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; the boat cruising speed 55 km’s on open water

Not suitable for children under 10 kg; no lap sitting

Supplied by Cave Cruzer

Reviews

5.0

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 62 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
59
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 stars
0

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