Things to do in Whitianga

Explore Cathedral Cove from the luxury of our purpose built tour boat, complete with sunshade and cushioned seats. This scenic boat cruise strikes the perfect balance of comfort and professionalism, and showcases Mercury Bay’s stunning coastal paradise at its finest. Embark on a 2-hour journey across the rugged volcanic shores of the bay and explore its beautiful beaches including Hahei and Lonely Bay. We’ll get you closer to the key attractions than bigger boats can, and provide a service that’s second to none. 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 more than 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.

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.

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 (10mins approx.) amongst the fish or just view over the side.

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. 

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 (10mins approx.) amongst the fish or just view over the side.

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.