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Whitianga
Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Thrilling Boat Tour, Caves & Snorkeling
- Duration2 hours
- Max Travelers12 people
- Free CancellationUp to 24 hrs
- CategoryAdventure Tours, Agent Low Quality Product
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. 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.
Gallery
What's included
Snorkel gear
Access to caves and blowholes unreachable by other vessels
High-speed runs between stops
Life jackets and safety briefing
Live guided commentary throughout
What's Not included
Food and beverages
Transport to Whitianga Wharf
Itinerary
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.
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.
Iconic rock formations, Narnia filming locations, and the famous Te Hoho Rock - seen from the water, in a way most visitors never experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Optional rock jumping available here, conditions dependant.
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.
Music on, full throttle back.
Good to know
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 10 kg
Bring sunscreen, and a secured hat u2013 the boat moves fast on open water
Bring a jacket or windproof layer depending on the season
Bring a camera or phone for photos
Bring your swimwear if you plan to snorkel or rock jump
Tour departure times vary, duration approximately 2hrs, check availability online
Check in at the Cave Cruzer boat, on the floating pontoon, opposite 13 The Esplanade, Whitianga Wharf, 15 minutes before departure
All guests must be comfortable with high-speed manoeuvres and the jarring associated with fast boats
Not suitable for children under 10 kg; no lap sitting
Snorkelling and rock jumping are subject to sea conditions on the day and cannot be guaranteed
Cave 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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.