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Offered languages
- English
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.
What's Included
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.
Itinerary
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Whitianga (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Iconic rock formations, Narnia filming locations, and the famous Te Hoho Rock - seen from the water, in a way most visitors never experience.
Admission ticket free -
Mercury Bay (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
1
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Gemstone 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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
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.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Hahei (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
4
Optional rock jumping available here, conditions dependant.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
Whitianga Wharf (Pass by)
Music on, full throttle back.
Admission ticket free
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 10kgs
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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