Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve

Based in Whitianga, this scenic boat cruise showcases Mercury Bay’s stunning coastal paradise at its very best. Embark on a 2-hour journey across the rugged volcanic shores of the bay and explore its beautiful beaches including Hahei and Lonely Bay. The highlight of the tour is the world-famous Cathedral Cove at Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve. The site has a rich Maori heritage, attracts around 150,000 visitors per year, and was used as a filming location for the blockbuster movie Narnia. Sit back and relax as you sail around the bay, and marvel at its stunning natural landscapes that stretch across the peninsula. Along the way, listen to your guide share entertaining live commentary about the bay and the wildlife that lives here. Make sure to keep an eye on the water too, as there's always a chance to see dolphins, whales and orcas in their natural habitat.

Embark on a sailing trip from Flaxmill Bay, a small cove nestled between Cooks Beach and Whitianga to see the iconic sights of Mercury Bay and Cathedral Cove. Lend a hand with the sailing or simply sit back and relax on comfy beanbags and admire the picturesque scenery.  Board our large, modern catamaran, and after a short safety briefing, set sail out to the calm waters of the bay.  As you sail, spot the area's most notable sights with the help of your guide. Keep your cameras ready as you sail past Cathedral Cove. You will enjoy some snacks and drinks during the journey.  Once the boat sets anchor, if conditions are good, choose to swim or snorkel in the marine reserve with the wonderful sea life, or simply chill out on board and soak up the scenery. Please note: swim and snorkel are optional. The tour concludes back at the starting point in Flaxmill Bay. 

Cave Cruzer 7.8 metres, the only vessel this size able to navigate inside small caves, giant blowholes & caves. Dedicated to explore more spots only accessible by boat over 24kms, getting you closer, for the best unique, unimpeded (no roof) photos & views of wildlife in the Marine Reserve & majestic, volcanic, coastal views possible on the day. See Cathedral Cove, Shakespeare Cliff, Lonely Bay, Cooks & Hahei beaches & more. The only tour with music to experience the acoustics of New Zealand's 2nd largest sea cave, Orua. The prefect mix of time for pictures, local history & geological info. Optional Rock jumping & Snorkel amongst the fish or just view over the side.

The only Cathedral Cove tour combining high speed thrills, excitement & small cave experiences other boats can’t offer. Cave Cruzer 7.8 metres, the only vessel this size able to navigate inside small caves, giant blowholes & caves. Dedicated to explore more spots only accessible by boat over 24kms, getting you closer, for the best unique, unimpeded (no roof) photos & views of wildlife in the Marine Reserve & majestic, volcanic, coastal views possible on the day. See Cathedral Cove, Shakespeare Cliff, Lonely Bay, Cooks & Hahei beaches & more. The only tour with music to experience the acoustics of NZs 2nd largest sea cave, Orua. The prefect mix of time for pictures, local history & geological info. Optional Rock jumping & Snorkel amongst the fish or just view over the side.

Special Deal - Book onto our specialised snorkel boat tour and keep the snorkel gear for the rest of the day FREE OF CHARGE Snorkeling & Diving in and around Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Coromandel Peninsula NZ...at its BEST! Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel is located at the gateway to the world famous Cathedral Cove and Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve. Operating from Hahei, we are surrounded by islands offering divers, snorkelers, and sightseers untouched and breath-taking scenery both above and under the water. Book a dedicated Cathedral Cove Snorkel Boat Tour or Dive Tour today - non swimmers welcome as we provide swimming/floating aides. Snorkel tours Hop on our boat and explore some of the great snorkeling sites around Hahei, that simply can’t be accessed from shore. There are some stunning areas of our coast, with rocky reefs and drop offs or shallow colourful plateaus teaming with life. Book in as a single snorkeler or, better still, get a group together and fill the boat. We provide top quality gear, full warm wetsuits and floatation aides for non swimmers. Drop in for a dip - there's more than one way to see the Cathedral Cove - full warm suits supplied on all snorkel boat trips.

Explore 12 kilometers of rugged volcanic coastline from the water on a fascinating boat trip departing from Whitianga. Relax as you discover the best of Cathedral Cove, look out for local marine life, and gaze at nearby islands and beautiful beaches. Board your boat in Whitianga and immerse yourself in its surrounding coastal scenery. Listen to insightful live commentary as you come across iconic locations such as the breathtaking Cathedral Cove, Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach, and Hahei. Pass by towering rock pinnacles and enter giant blowholes and sea caves. Spot marine life in the early morning, with calm sea conditions and low sparkling sunlight that beams across the Mercury Bay coast.

Our journey to the breathtaking Cathedral Cove and the surrounding marine reserve showcases the region’s stunning volcanic landscapes and diverse marine life with snorkeling and swimming opportunities. Although Cathedral Cove is one of the highlights of this tour, there is more dramatic scenery to discover on the Pacific coastline, including Orua Sea Cave, Champagne Rocks, isolated islands, and pristine sandy beaches. Throughout the journey, our professional and friendly guide and skipper will showcase their in-depth knowledge of the natural wonders and rich history of the land, providing commentary over our built-in speaker system. Your comfort is our priority, with tea and coffee available, a shower, and a toilet on board for your convenience. Our experienced staff will ensure your safety and hope to provide you with an unforgettable experience when discovering our magical coastline with us.

Start your day with a convenient hotel pickup in Auckland CBD between 6:15 AM to 6:30 AM, ensuring you are ready 15 minutes prior. The journey begins with a drive to Kopu, where a brief 15-minute break allows for restroom use and a quick coffee stop. Continue traveling to Hahei Beach for a breathtaking boat ride to Cathedral Cove, famously featured in "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian." This scenic adventure, lasting around 1 hours, reveals pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. *Terms & Conditions. Due to weather condition, if the boat operators cancels the trip, we will alternatively offer Hot Water Beach Tour or "The lost Spring - Geothermal pool at Whitianga. We don't have control over weather, and we do offer any refund on the weather condition cancellations by the boat operators. Afterward, enjoy a scenic ride to Whitianga and enjoy a delicious lunch (at your own cost) at one of the restaurants in Albert Street, Whitianga. Post-lunch, embark on the enchanting Driving Creek Railway tour, showcasing engineering marvels and artistic creations amidst the lush Coromandel Peninsula. Conclude your tour with a return to Auckland CBD via Thames, where you'll be comfortably dropped off at your hotel, having experienced a day filled with scenic beauty, historic charm, and delightful culinary and cultural experiences.

Join a small group day trip from Auckland to visit the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. See ancient native Kauri Forests, white-sand beaches, and more. Experience the exciting activities and opulent landscapes Coromandel has to offer including a visit to the iconic Cathedral Cove and a stop at the Hot Water Beach. Renowned for its untouched native forests, white sandy beaches, and breathtaking natural formations, the Coromandel Peninsula is simply a must-see location when visiting New Zealand. Your day trip will begin with a convenient pickup and only 2 hours away from the Auckland city, the peninsula is famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, misty forests, and laid-back vibes. On the way, travel south through the lovely Waikato countryside and soak in the incredible scenery. You will be accompanied by a passionate and experienced driver/guide who knows the area well, and journey to the Coromandel passes through fresh native forest and along dreamy coastlines before reaching the first stop at Cathedral Cove. Embrace a rare opportunity to see Cathedral Cove, a breathtaking natural rock formation made famous by appearing in The Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian movie. You will be left to enjoy Cathedral Cove for 1 hour time to explore, photograph, swim and simply enjoy this special place. Walk beneath the sweeping cove giving you an opportunity to take that perfect photo. From here, stop for a kiwi style picnic lunch at a beach café at your own expense. After lunch, head to the world-famous Hot Water Beach, a very special geothermal beach and the only beach in the world that produces natural hot water from below. Dig your very own spa pool in the sand and relax on the beach, taking in the beautiful views of the coastline. Once you've had a decent soak, head back to Auckland, topping off a day trip to be remembered forever.

Discover the wonders of the Coromandel Peninsula, a haven for ecotourism. Explore the region's natural beauty and rich history on a guided tour. Embark on a boat ride through the marine reserves, witness volcanic scenery, ride the Driving Creek Railway, and relax at Hot Water Beach. Embark on a captivating boat ride through the Coromandel’s marine reserves, where the azure waters reveal an array of hidden gems. Navigate through enchanting coastal islands, vibrant reefs, and towering sea caves. One of the highlights is the world-famous Cathedral Cove, known for its iconic archway and stunning beach. As you glide through these waters, keep an eye out for the diverse marine life that calls this area home, including playful dolphins, curious seals, and the charming little blue penguins. While sightings of these creatures are not guaranteed, the chance to see them in their natural habitat adds to the thrill of the journey. The Coromandel Peninsula is a canvas of dramatic volcanic landscapes, best appreciated from the sea. As you approach these magnificent formations, your guide will provide insightful commentary, enriching your understanding of the region’s geological history and its unique features. Marvel at the sheer cliffs, intricate rock formations, and the powerful blowholes that have shaped this coast over millennia. After exploring the coastline, continue your adventure with a visit to the Driving Creek Railway. Enjoy a scenic 1-hour train ride that winds through native forests and tunnels, climbing steadily up the hill to the Eyeful Tower. At the summit, be captivated by panoramic views over the island-studded Hauraki Gulf and the lush Coromandel landscape. No visit to the Coromandel Peninsula is complete without experiencing the famous Hot Water Beach. Here, dig your own private pool in the sand and relax in naturally heated water. Two underground fissures release water at temperatures as high as 64°C (147°F) at a rate of up to 15 liters per minute. This mineral-rich water, brimming with calcium, magnesium, potassium, fluorine, bromine, and silica, creates a soothing and therapeutic spa experience right on the beach. Whether you’re soaking in your hand-dug pool or marveling at the phenomenon, Hot Water Beach offers a unique and memorable encounter with nature.