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Offered languages
- English
Discover Cathedral Cove and Mercury Bay’s spectacular volcanic coastline on a premium 2-hour sightseeing experience from Whitianga. Travel aboard Ocean Leopard, purpose-built for comfort and exceptional views, with forward-facing seating, generous shade and plenty of space to enjoy the journey.
Explore 12 kilometres of dramatic coastline, including Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Lonely Bay and Cooks Beach, and venture through the protected waters of Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve. See towering volcanic cliffs, pinnacles, blowholes and hidden sea caves, including the immense Orua Sea Cave.
Along the way, your experienced local skipper brings the coastline to life with stories of its volcanic origins, Māori history, marine life and local characters. With the full two hours dedicated to exploring the coast, there’s plenty to see, photograph and experience.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Esplanade rd,across the road from the Harbor House Cafe.
Itinerary
-
1Whitianga Wharf
Departure point
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Lonely Bay
Beautiful photos of Lonely Bay and Shakespeare Reserve
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Cooks Beach
We get up close to sectacular Cooks Blow Hole at the North West end of Cooks Beach and see right through the top from the boat.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Cruise into spectacular Cathedral Cove and pause to take in the iconic natural arch, white-sand beach and towering cliffs from the water. Your local skipper shares stories of the area’s geology, history and marine environment, with time to enjoy the scenery and capture photos. No beach landing.
8 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Cathedral Cove Walk
Experience Cathedral Cove from the water on our scenic boat tour. Cruise into the bay for spectacular views of the famous natural arch, beach and surrounding volcanic coastline while your local skipper shares the stories, geology and history of the area. Please note this is a boat-based experience with no beach landing or walking component.
8 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Cruise through the protected waters of Te Whanganui-a-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve, home to spectacular volcanic coastline and a rich marine environment. Your local skipper shares stories about the reserve, its marine life, geology and history as you explore Cathedral Cove, dramatic cliffs, rock formations and sea caves.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Hot Water Beach
We see Hot Water Beach from a distance just before entering Orua Sea Cave, the second largest sea cave in NZ
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
Venture inside the immense Orua Sea Cave, one of New Zealand's largest sea caves accessible by boat. Experience its towering volcanic walls and remarkable acoustics as your skipper manoeuvres into this spectacular natural formation. Entry is weather and sea-condition dependent.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is accessible for the mobility impaired, however wheelchairs cannot board the boat
- Snorkeling/swimming is not a part of this tour
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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