15 Whitianga Tours Worth Booking

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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2.2-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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3.2 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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4.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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5.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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6.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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7.Adventurous Zipline Tour in Coromandel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 175 reviews · from $91

Ride an 18-minute mountain railway, then zip 705 meters through native forest on eight lines with two guides. Hannah, Katie, Liam, and Tani are among the guide names associated with the experience. Gear, wet-weather clothing, conservation stories, and a small group of up to 10 are included.

“This was a highlight of our trip to NZ. As someone who is scared of heights I felt safe and supported by the two wonderful staff members Liam and Tani.( Hope I spelt that correctly) The setting is beautiful and zipping through the treeRead more”

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8.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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9.Cathedral Cove Cruise with Snorkeling

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

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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10.Coromandel: Guided Zipline Tour Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 62 reviews · 2h 30m · from $87

Ride Driving Creek’s mountain railway for 15 minutes, then follow two English-speaking guides across eight ziplines in Coromandel’s native forest. Expect tree platforms up to 25 metres high, a 200-metre longest line, forest walks, local history, safety gear, wet-weather clothing, and free guide-taken photos.

“Guides were super friendly and kept us all well informed. Also I felt quite safe with the activities. I’d highly recommend if you are into a thrilling adventure.”

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11.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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12.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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13.Coromandel: Aldermen Islands Marine Reserve Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 2 hours · from $98

Join Richie and the Coromandel Ocean Adventures team for a two-hour cruise from Tairua to the Aldermen Islands. Expect dramatic rock islands, seabirds, possible dolphins, seals, turtles, or whales, plus time to swim or snorkel. The boat carries no more than 12 people.

“Richie is a friendly and knowledgeable skipper. We had a great time cruising around the Aldermans with him.”

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14.From Tairua: 2 Hour Cathedral Cove Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 2 hours · from $83

Set out from Tairua Marina with local skipper Rick for a relaxed two-hour cruise along the Coromandel coast. Expect Cathedral Cove, Orua Sea Cave, Hot Water Beach, marine life, local stories, and a possible short swim or snorkel when sea conditions allow.

“Great trip. Very entertaining and lovely tour guide. Saw a lot of animals on our trip. Even managed to see a whale in the water (made the tour go longer, but so worth it!) Highly recommended! Especially if you don't want to drive up all the way to Whitianga for a trip to Cathedral Cove.”

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15.Coromandel: Wheel Throwing Pottery Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 14 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40Best value

At Driving Creek Pottery in Coromandel, you get 90 minutes on the wheel with a professional English-speaking tutor. Clay, tools, an apron, and guidance are supplied. The class suits beginners, with space for up to six people and an optional NZD$20 finish-and-delivery service.

“Super activité où vous pouvez repartir avec votre poterie si vous le souhaitez (pour 20$)”

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