New Zealand · CATHEDRAL COVE TOURS

The 15 Best Cathedral Cove Tours

23 tours  ·  from $82

The arch is reachable on foot, but the walk is long and the water route is the good one. These 15 compare the kayak trips, the boat runs and the combined Hot Water Beach days, with prices and tide-dependent start times.

Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruise - The glass-bottom view and what you may actually see
Boat Tours in Whitianga, Cathedral Cove Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitianga Tours

Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruise

1.Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 937 reviews · from $93Our pick

From Whitianga Wharf, join a small-group cruise along Cathedral Cove and the Coromandel coast. See fish through clear glass panels, learn about Māori and European history, watch for seals and dolphins, and snorkel from the boat if conditions allow. Crews may include guides such as Caitie, Aliza, Brian, or Olivia.

“We had a great tour. It was very informative and professional. The boat was very comfortable, and the crew looked after us very well.”

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Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour - Sea caves, rock gardens, and kayak sailing
Canoes & Kayaks, Cathedral Cove Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour

2.Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 887 reviews · from $127

Paddle from Hahei Beach into Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve with a small group of up to eight. Guides such as Georgia, Ollie, Brad, Nathan, and AJ lead the way through sea caves and rock gardens, then serve cappuccinos, hot chocolate, tea, and cookies at Cathedral Cove.

“This was an excellent activity - a real memorable highlight of our 3 week trip around NZ. The kayaks were stable and easy to manoeuvre and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended.”

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Whitianga: 2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise - Leaving Whitianga Wharf for Mercury Bay
2-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in Whitianga, Cathedral Cove Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitianga Tours

Whitianga: 2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise

3.2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 816 reviews · 2 hours · from $83

Set out from Whitianga Wharf on a two-hour cruise with Ocean Leopard Tours. Your English-speaking guide, often Sam or Justin, takes you close to Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Lonely Bay, sea caves, pinnacles, and blowholes in a cushioned, sun-shaded boat. Bring a jacket, sunscreen, and camera.

“Fantastic experience with our guide Sam ensuring a safe and informative boat ride which far exceeded our expectations. What a beautiful bay!”

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2 Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise with Shade Canopy - Leaving Whitianga Wharf
2-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in Whitianga, Cathedral Cove Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitianga Tours

2 Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise with Shade Canopy

4.2 Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise with Shade Canopy

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · from $96

Cruise from Whitianga with a guide such as Sam, Justin, Zinnia, or Liam, passing Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach, Cathedral Cove, Hahei, and Orua Sea Cave. The shaded boat carries up to 16 people and focuses on coastal views, marine life, geology, and local stories. Swimming and snorkeling are not included.

“The tour takes you to several beautiful coves and beaches with great photo opportunities. The boat ride itself is a little adventure. Highly recommend”

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One Hour Cathedral Cove Boat Tour in Hahei - Leaving Hahei Beach on the Hahei Explorer
1-Hour Experiences, Cathedral Cove Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

One Hour Cathedral Cove Boat Tour in Hahei

5.One Hour Cathedral Cove Boat Tour in Hahei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 340 reviews · from $89

Ride the Hahei Explorer from Hahei Beach along 14 kilometers of Coromandel coast. Your skipper, such as Ryan, Scott, Andy, or Oscar, shares local stories and geology while you enter sea caves, view Cathedral Cove from the water, and watch for marine life. Lifejackets and dry bags are supplied.

“Great experience and had so much fun. It’s very convenient to park our car and go to the meeting point. Staff are very friendly and helpful.”

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Cathedral Cove & Coromandel Peninsula Small-Group Day Tours - Hot Water Beach and the tide-time gamble
Cathedral Cove Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whitianga Tours

Cathedral Cove & Coromandel Peninsula Small-Group Day Tours

6.Cathedral Cove & Coromandel Peninsula Small-Group Day Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 248 reviews · from $164

Travel from Auckland to the Coromandel in a group of no more than 15, with guides such as Ark, Cam, Pearl, and Hanoz sharing local stories along the way. Walk to Cathedral Cove, stop in Hahei for lunch, and, when tides allow, dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach with supplied spades.

“I quite enjoyed this tour because you get to spend a good amount of time in each destination and it allows you enough time to hike and swim at the cathedral cove. Also, our tour guide Ari made several stops so we could stretch our legs anRead more”

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Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Activity - Shakespeare Cliff and the volcanic coast
Cathedral Cove Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitianga Tours

Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Activity

7.Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Activity

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 244 reviews · from $86

From Whitianga, cruise with Mercury Bay Discoveries along the Cathedral Cove coast aboard a low-emission catamaran. Guides such as Adam, Libby, Graeme, and Mateo share local stories while you view sea caves, beaches, and volcanic cliffs, then snorkel with provided gear. Tea, coffee, a toilet, and hot shower are onboard.

“Was a great tour of the mind blowing Cathedral Cove. Adam, Mateo and Libby were amazing tour guides and made our family feel welcomed, safe and excited. The tour itself was fabulous. A very comfortable boat. The trip took you to all of tRead more”

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Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove - A spacious catamaran with room to choose your own pace
Boat Tours in Whitianga, Cathedral Cove Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whitianga Tours

Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

8.Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 190 reviews · 3h 30m · from $86

Spend 3.5 hours sailing from Flaxmill Bay toward Cathedral Cove with Boom Sailing. Crew members such as Hamish, Bridgette, Mat, and Katerina may invite you to help with the sails, or you can stretch out on beanbags, swim, snorkel, and enjoy coffee, wine, beer, fruit, or baked treats.

“Bridgette and her Greek colleague were both great hosts who took good care of is with drinks, fruits and blankets for the windy day! They patiently explained how the sail boat works and also let us try our hand at maneauvering it. Thank you for an amazing day!”

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Auckland: Cathedral Cove and Coromandel Small Group Tours - The Coromandel drive makes the long day worthwhile
Auckland Tours, Cathedral Cove Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Auckland: Cathedral Cove and Coromandel Small Group Tours

9.Cathedral Cove and Coromandel Small Group Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 185 reviews · from $155

Leave Auckland for a full day on the Coromandel Peninsula with guides such as Aled, Dave, Simon, and Brendon. Walk to Mautohe Cathedral Cove, visit Hot Water Beach when tides allow, enjoy snacks and drinks, and travel in a comfortable modern vehicle.

“This tour with Aled was one of the absolute highlights of my trip to New Zealand! From the very beginning, he impressed me with his warm personality, passion, and great local knowledge. The walk down to Cathedral Cove was stunning, and standing in front of the famous rock arch was simply breathtaking. Aled pointed out the best photo spots and even showed hidden corners away from the crowds. The hike up Mount Paku was another incredible part of the day. The climb was easy and fun, and the reward at the top was unforgettable — a panoramic view over the coastline, bays, and islands that I will never forget. Visiting…”

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Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Tour - From Whitianga Marina to the volcanic coast
Cathedral Cove Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whitianga Tours

Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Tour

10.Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 110 reviews · 2h 30m · from $83

Spend 150 minutes cruising from Whitianga through volcanic cliffs, Cathedral Cove, Orua Sea Cave, Champagne Rocks, islands, and beaches. Skippers such as Adam and Graham provide commentary, while your crew supplies snorkel gear and swim vests for a sheltered-water stop when conditions allow.

“One disappointment was that a family who arrived late were given the best seating.”

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From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Cruise with Snorkeling - Leaving Whitianga Wharf for Mercury Bay
Boat Tours in Whitianga, Cathedral Cove Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Whitianga Tours

From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Cruise with Snorkeling

11.Cathedral Cove Cruise with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 109 reviews · from $82Best value

Join Brian aboard the open 7.8-metre Cave Cruzer for a lively two-hour trip from Whitianga to Cathedral Cove. Expect fast boat rides, volcanic cliffs, hidden coves, Orua Sea Cave’s remarkable acoustics, Whale Cave, optional snorkeling, and a short rock jump.

“Our captain was incredible! He was funny and informative! The music playing while racing through the water was just such an experience!! Getting to go inside the caves was something we will all never forget! Truely one of the best tours we’ve ever done! DO JT!!”

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Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve: Snorkeling Boat Trip - Finding Fish, Reefs, and Rays
Boat Tours in Whitianga, Cathedral Cove Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Whitianga Tours

Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve: Snorkeling Boat Trip

12.Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve: Snorkeling Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 52 reviews · 2 hours · from $85

From Hahei, you’ll ride a small speedboat past Cathedral Cove to sheltered snorkeling sites around the marine reserve. Expect a warm full wetsuit, quality gear, clear instruction from a scuba instructor, floatation aids, and about one hour in the water. Non-swimmers are welcome.

“Virkelig meget værdi for pengene! Vi så rokker og massere af fisk. Vi elskede også turen med jetboat! Nok min yndlings betalte aktivitet på ferien!”

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From Auckland: Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Tour - A small van and a long road from Auckland
Auckland Tours, Cathedral Cove Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Auckland: Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Tour

13.Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 33 reviews

Travel from Auckland in a small group of up to 11 with an English-speaking driver-guide. Walk to Cathedral Cove, stop in Hahei for a café lunch, then try digging a natural spa pool at Hot Water Beach. Tide and weather control both headline stops.

“Ótima! As pessoas do grupo também eram muito legais. Viajo sozinha e fiz umas amizades nesse tour.”

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Hahei Explorer Cathedral Cove Boat Tour - Approaching Cathedral Cove from the water
Boat Tours in Whitianga, Cathedral Cove Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whitianga Tours

Hahei Explorer Cathedral Cove Boat Tour

14.Hahei Explorer Cathedral Cove Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 31 reviews · 1 hour · from $86

From Hahei Beach, a small group of up to 10 people cruises 14km of volcanic coast to Cathedral Cove, sea caves, blowholes, bays, and marine reserve waters. Your English-speaking guide provides relaxed local commentary. The boat ride lasts one hour and includes life jackets and optional dry bags.

“Very nice Cruise on the océan to discover cathedral cove and other ocean caves… Seeing fishes ! Nice comments from a nice fellow during the cruise!!! Hermetic bags for valuable items are provided! Useful ! A good choice !”

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Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach with Lunch from Auckland - The three-hour road south from Auckland
Auckland Tours, Cathedral Cove Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews

Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach with Lunch from Auckland

15.Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach with Lunch from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $161

Travel from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula in a small group of up to 11. With guides such as Jaime, Doug, and Aaron, you’ll visit Hahei Beach, walk to Cathedral Cove, dig a warm sand pool at Hot Water Beach, and enjoy a coastal picnic lunch.

“Rain or shine, the tour still on. Doug, our tour guy made sure we were able to enjoy our trip even the weather was bad.”

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