- Cathedral Cove
From AUD $110
Top destination
All year
Nature
Hahei Beach
Age 0 - 99
All year
Nature
Hahei Beach
Age 0 - 99
Start Location:
South end of Hahei Beach (off Wigmore Crescent), Coromandel
Departure Time:
Summer Season (Nov 1 – Apr 30): 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM |. Winter Season (May 1 – Oct 31): 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM
Duration:
1 hour on the water (allow 1.5 hours total, check-in 20 minutes prior)
Free date changes:
Subject to availability
Small-Group Tour: Intimate boat trip with only 10 to 14 passengers per boat.Fully qualified, professional guides sharing local knowledge and marine history.Fitted life jackets provided for all passengers.Free sunscreen available on board.GST (Tax)Experience the raw beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula on a Cathedral Cove boat tour. Departing from Hahei Beach, this one-hour scenic cruise follows 14 kilometres of dramatic volcanic coastline. Along the way, you will see white cliffs, sheltered bays, and the Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve. AA Travel voted it New Zealand’s number one water-based activity. It is also a convenient way to explore Cathedral Cove without completing the 1.5-hour return walk.
Carved over centuries by volcanic forces and ocean waves, the Hahei coastline is packed with geological wonders. Guided by relaxed yet insightful local commentary, you’ll sail past colorful, rainbow-tinted rock faces, venture into secret sea caverns, and learn about the region’s rich Māori history. Conditions permitting, the tour visits a massive subterranean sea cave where high tide creates a dramatic, 80-foot-high rock blowhole — a highlight of this top New Zealand boat tour.
The crystal-clear waters of the protected marine reserve offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. As you cruise through the bay, you might spot playful bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, or little blue penguins taking a break from the ocean. Look up to see gannets diving into the sea, touch the ancient rock formations, and soak in the untouched sights of one of New Zealand’s most celebrated coastal landscapes.
Operating since 1992, this is the original Cathedral Cove cruise experience. Approaching Cathedral Cove and the surrounding islands by sea offers some of the best photo opportunities in the area. The cruise has a friendly, small-group atmosphere and is suitable for travellers of all ages.
If you are planning a North Island road trip itinerary, this one-hour cruise is well worth considering an absolute must-do.
Looking to add more experiences to your New Zealand campervan itinerary? Here are four recommended North Island activities to consider:
VANZ TRAVEL team
Mickael says: While most visitors spend hours hiking down from the car park, arriving at Cathedral Cove from the water is a total game-changer. Cruising right up to those massive volcanic cliffs, squeezing into hidden sea caves, and watching the blowhole in action gives you a perspective of the Coromandel coast you simply can’t get from land. Plus, skipping the 1.5-hour walk leaves you with way more energy to explore the rest of the peninsula in your campervan. Getting to see the marine reserve’s wildlife up close in just one hour makes this one of the best value-for-time stops on the entire North Island. If you’re anywhere near Hahei, don’t miss it!
Pending
Please note that the card fee is non-refundable.
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