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Things to do in Whitianga

Our most recommended things to do in Whitianga

Whitianga: Cathedral Cove 2 Hour Boat Cruise

1. Whitianga: Cathedral Cove 2 Hour Boat Cruise

Based in Whitianga, this scenic boat cruise showcases Mercury Bay’s stunning coastal paradise at its very best. Embark on a 2-hour journey across the rugged volcanic shores of the bay and explore its beautiful beaches including Hahei and Lonely Bay. 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 around 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.

Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

2. Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

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 introductory session to the boat's main facilities and safety systems, 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.  The tour concludes back at the starting point in Flaxmill Bay. 

Whitianga: Cathedral Cove, Small Caves & Snorkel Boat Trip

3. Whitianga: Cathedral Cove, Small Caves & Snorkel Boat Trip

Discover the scenic Cathedral Cove and smaller caves on this boat trip from Whitianga. Experience the thrill of small, hard-to-get-to caves and discover magnificent offshore views. See New Zealand's 2nd largest sea cave, and get up close to aquatic life in the marine reserve. Leaving Whitianga Wharf, stop to view Shakespeare's Cliff, and pass the stunning Lonely before exploring inside Cooks Beach Blowhole and gazing out through the top. Be amazed at the panoramic scenery at Cathedral Cove. Head south, getting close along the coastline in and out of bays, caves, and blowholes. Take in the mesmerizing volcanic landscape of towering pinnacles and rock sculptures. Marvel at the size of New Zealand's 2nd largest sea cave "Orua" before visiting offshore islands with more caves. Have the option to snorkel and witness sea life in the marine reserve before heading back to Whitianga.

From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve Cruise & Swim

4. From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve Cruise & Swim

Relax & enjoy Shakespeare’s Cliff, Lonely Bay & Cathedral Cove on an open boat with unrestricted stunning views. Experience the thrill of going inside Cooks Blowhole, Whale Cave and our very own “Hole in the Rock”. Regularly going to the places seen in online videos & pictures, venture inside caves others cannot take you! View fish in the Marine Reserve. Learn the history of the area and be amazed by the volcanic formations throughout the Bay. You won’t be disappointed with Coromandel’s fantastic coastline as we go down to the Orua Sea Cave where you will be taken inside the cave and hear the amazing acoustics as we play music.

Other Sightseeing Options in Whitianga

Want to discover all there is to do in Whitianga? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Whitianga

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 158 reviews

Family of 5 - kids 14,16 and 18. We had a great time. Loved going inside the caves. Seas were still a bit rough but the boat managed the high seas smoothly. Guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend this company.

What a joy and what a great crew: genuine, thoughtful and focussed on the experience that is unforgettable! Kudos to Sam, Josh for being top hosts and knowledgeable guides- matt for responsive reaction to our queries.

Sailors Sam and Matt were awesome so cruisy and helpful. Relaxing experience, saw some fish and had a great swim. Saw the beauty of coromandel, would highly recommend

Liam the guide was very knowledgeable of the local area. Enjoyed the great spots shown. Would recommend the tour well worth the drive

Awesome views of the coastline and a well informed guide made for a brilliant trip. Highly recommend the tour.