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2 Hour Cathedral Cove & Volcanic Coast Boat Tour
About This Tour
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.
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
✓ Included
- Lifejackets
- Blankets
Itinerary
1
Departure point
2
Beautiful photos of Lonely Bay and Shakespeare Reserve
3
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.
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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.
5
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.
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.
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We see Hot Water Beach from a distance just before entering Orua Sea Cave, the second largest sea cave in NZ
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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.
Good to Know
- 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