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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.
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
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.
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.
Admission ticket free -
1
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.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Cooks Beach
Learn why Captian Cook was sent to New Zealand, and venture inside Cooks Beach Blowhole (subject to conditions).
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Hahei (Pass by)
Visit Champagne Bay to see dramatic cave entries and ancient blowholes carved by centuries of wave action. Cave Cruzer goes inside. Other boats cannot.
Admission ticket free -
4
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Gemstone 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.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Optional rock jumping available here, conditions dependant.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
See and pass through our very own "Hole in the Rock".
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Whitianga Wharf
Tour concludes.
1 minute • Admission ticket free
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
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
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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