Cathedral Cove boat tours
from Whitianga, Mercury Bay and Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula
Cathedral Cove boat cave exploration from Whitianga Wharf
Go inside sea caves, including Orua Cave, New Zealand's second-largest sea cave
Small-group open boat with a maximum of 12 guests and 360-degree views
Free downloadable tour photos and snorkelling gear supplied when conditions allow
Get in touch with Cave Cruzer to talk through the cave exploration route, conditions on the day and available cruise times. Serving Whitianga, Mercury Bay, Cathedral Cove and the surrounding Coromandel coastline.
See the caves, blowholes and volcanic coastline that land-based viewpoints simply miss
Most visitors experience Cathedral Cove from the walking track or the beach. It is beautiful, but it only shows one small part of the story. The sea caves, blowholes and volcanic formations along this stretch of coast can only be reached from the water, so the most dramatic features stay out of sight for anyone staying on land.

Cave Cruzer runs a relaxed two-hour Cathedral Cove boat cave exploration from Whitianga Wharf, following the Coromandel coastline through Mercury Bay. The open boat carries a maximum of 12 guests, with open-air seating and 360-degree views, and it can slip into small caves that larger boats cannot access. Orua Cave, New Zealand's second-largest sea cave, is a highlight of the route, and music is played inside so you can hear the acoustics for yourself.

The route is shaped by the day's tide, swell and weather, and the skipper stops at each highlight for viewing, local commentary and photographs. A short optional snorkel stop is offered when conditions suit, with masks and snorkels supplied for anyone over ten kilograms. The vessel is Maritime NZ-compliant and marine life is viewed responsibly under a DOC licence, so you can relax and enjoy the coast.
What the Cathedral Cove boat cave exploration involves
  • A relaxed two-hour open-boat cruise focused on sea caves, blowholes and volcanic coastal formations.
  • Departs from Whitianga Wharf and follows the Coromandel coastline through Mercury Bay to Cathedral Cove.
  • Operated by Cave Cruzer, a Whitianga-based Cathedral Cove boat tour operator.
  • Small-group trips with a maximum of 12 guests for a personal, unhurried experience.
  • Includes cave access, with Orua Cave, New Zealand's second-largest sea cave, a key highlight on the route.
  • Music is played inside Orua Cave so guests can experience the cave's acoustics, and again on the return trip to Whitianga.
  • Open-air seating with 360-degree views, plus regular stops for viewing, commentary and photographs.
  • Suits families, couples, local residents hosting visitors, and travellers wanting the best way to see Cathedral Cove sea caves by boat.
  • Optional short snorkel stop when conditions allow, with masks and snorkels supplied; passengers must weigh over ten kilograms.
  • Maritime NZ-compliant vessel, local commentary on Cathedral Cove and Mercury Bay, and responsible marine-life viewing under a DOC licence.
Cave access a small open boat makes possible
The open boat is small enough to enter caves that other vessels cannot reach, and the skipper judges each approach on the day's tide, swell and weather. When conditions permit, that means heading inside sea caves rather than looking at them from a distance.

Orua Cave is the standout. As New Zealand's second-largest sea cave, it is impressive on scale alone, and Cave Cruzer is the only tour company to play music inside so you can hear how the space carries sound.

Along the way the route takes in blowholes and volcanic formations, with the boat visiting more close-up spots than any other operator manages in a trip. Music also plays on the return leg to Whitianga.
A relaxed pace, better photos and no guesswork
Every passenger sits facing forward and close to the rail, with open views to the sides and overhead. The skipper positions and turns the boat at each highlight so you can photograph caves, blowholes and coastline from both sides, and free downloadable tour photos are provided afterwards.

If you would rather take in the scenery than chase adrenaline, this is the cruise for you. The high-speed Cove Thrills Tour covers the same coastline and caves at pace, so you can choose the experience that fits your group.

Before you arrive, the meeting point is Whitianga Wharf, passengers must weigh over ten kilograms, and it pays to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen and dress for the day, with a jacket and long trousers in winter.

It is a relaxed two-hour open-boat cruise from Whitianga Wharf along the Coromandel coastline through Mercury Bay. The route focuses on sea caves, blowholes and volcanic formations, with Orua Cave, New Zealand's second-largest sea cave, a key highlight. There are regular stops for viewing, local commentary and photographs, and free downloadable tour photos afterwards.

Both cover the same coastline and caves, but this cruise is about a relaxed pace and time to take in the scenery, while the Cove Thrills Tour covers the route at high speed. If you would rather enjoy the views and photographs than chase adrenaline, the cruise is the better fit for your group.

Cave access depends on the day's tide, swell and weather, and the skipper judges each approach accordingly. The open boat is small enough to enter caves that larger vessels cannot reach, so when conditions permit you head inside rather than viewing from a distance. Cave Cruzer is also the only tour company to play music inside Orua Cave so you can hear its acoustics.

A short optional snorkel stop is offered when conditions allow, and masks and snorkels are supplied. It is entirely optional, so you can stay on board if you would prefer to simply enjoy the coastline.

All cruises depart from Whitianga Wharf. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and dress for the conditions on the day, with a jacket and long trousers in winter. Please note passengers must weigh over ten kilograms, and the trip takes a maximum of 12 guests.
What: A relaxed two-hour open-boat Cathedral Cove cave exploration cruise visiting sea caves, Orua Cave, blowholes and volcanic coastline, with optional snorkelling.
Where: Departing Whitianga Wharf and covering Mercury Bay, Cathedral Cove and the surrounding Coromandel Peninsula coastline in New Zealand.
Who for: Families, couples, Coromandel residents hosting guests and visitors wanting sea caves and coastal scenery at a relaxed pace.

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Cathedral Cove boat tours
from Whitianga, Mercury Bay and Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula