Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Thrilling Boat Tour, Caves & Snorkeling
Overview
The Cathedral Cove tour offers a unique combination of high-speed thrills and small cave experiences that other boats cannot provide. The Cave Cruzer, a 7.8-meter vessel, can navigate inside small caves, giant blowholes, and more.
- 🚤 Explore over 24 kilometers of spots only accessible by boat for stunning wildlife and coastal views.
- 📸 Capture unique, unimpeded photos with no roof on the boat for the best views.
- 🎶 Enjoy music while experiencing the acoustics of New Zealand's second-largest sea cave, Orua.
- 🌊 Optional rock jumping and snorkeling available (approximately 10 minutes) among the fish or just view over the side.
- ⚠️ All activities are subject to conditions on the day.
To keep footprints lighter, Tinggly offers instant digital delivery, a never-expiring benefit, and global options.
- Live guided commentary throughout
- Life jackets and safety briefing
- High-speed runs between stops
- Access to caves and blowholes unreachable by other vessels
- Snorkel gear
- Transport to Whitianga Wharf
- Food and beverages
Meeting point
Return details
- 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. (pass by)
- 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. (pass by)
- Iconic rock formations, Narnia filming locations, and the famous Te Hoho Rock - seen from the water, in a way most visitors never experience. (pass by)
- 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. (pass by)
-
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.
-
Gemstone BayVisit 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. (pass by)
-
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. (pass by)
- Music on, full throttle back. (pass by)
If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met,
you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.