Book a boat or kayak tour for your clients
Trade Update - September 2023
Experience Cathedral Cove
by sea for now
The walkways are closed,
but your clients can still visit
Experiencing Aotearoa New Zealand's iconic Cathedral Cove on a boat or kayak tour has always been high on the list of sought after activities in The Coromandel. Approaching through the sheltered waters of Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve and along the volcanic coastline, the cove is revealed in all its grandeur. Visitors gain insight into the geology that formed the cove, its history and stories, plus the wildlife that makes its home here. This makes for a rich and memorable experience, especially for those who might have been challenged to access via the now closed walkways and stairs.
There is still risk of landslips from the cliffs above and the beach itself has not yet re-opened for visits, although we expect passengers will be able to land over summer when all safety measures are in place. Not all tours will allow passengers to go ashore, but the best way to visit this summer is with one of our experienced local operators and guides.
We have a number of trade-ready boat and kayak tours you can book, operating out of Whitianga and Hahei. The tours are 1-3 hours duration and they get very close to view Cathedral Cove while taking in the other dramatic features of the volcanic coast and the wildlife in the marine reserve.
We expect the water taxi between Hahei Beach and the cove to be able to operate over summer and some tours may offer safe beach access. To ensure your clients have the best possible experience and know what to plan for, please book a boat or kayak tour.
The operators listed below are the main ones that are available through our IBOs but for more wholesale/group options, please contact us.
Glass Bottom Boat
A 2-hour guided scenic boat tour operating throughout the day from Whitianga. What sets this tour apart is guests are submersed in the magical wonderland of the marine reserve by looking through the glass panels to explore an underwater world rich in marine life and biodiversity. Snorkelling in the reserve by arrangement.
Launching from the beach in Hahei, this is a 3-hour experience, Cathedral Cove up-close on every Classic Tour. Expected to be landing on the beach again soon for capuccinos and stories. The marine reserve is a huge playground in a kayak, no experience needed in these sheltered waters.
Hahei Explorer
See all the highlights of this amazing coastline (and the cove) in one hour, launching from Hahei Beach. Max ten passengers per boat, this small craft can get into some intriguing places when the tide and sea conditions allow. The original Cathedral Cove boat tour, operating since 1992.
Ocean Leopard Tours
Running out of Whitianga throughout the day, The Full Monty is a 2-hour scenic tour and the Highlights Tour is 90 minutes. Private charters and snorkel trips are also an option.
Boom Sailing
Cruising out of Flaxmill Bay with plenty of room to relax on spacious trampoline decks, this is safe, stable and perfect sailing for guests of any age. An eco-friendly way to get up close to Cathedral Cove. Relax and soak up the scenery, or swim and snorkel with the abundant sea life.
The Coromandel Loop
Download our updated driving times around the Pacific Coast Highway. Just a reminder that SH25a is currently closed but expected to be open in March 2024. The Pacific Coast Highway, SH25 and SH2 are the best ways to see all our diverse region has to offer.
Help us build a better experience at Cathedral Cove
This special place is protected by local iwi Ngāti Hei and the Department of Conservation. The damage to the tracks as a result of weather events earlier in the year has given us the unexpected opportunity to reimagine the wider Cathedral Cove visitor and conservation experience. This will include engaging our communities to explore regenerative options that will help make our environment, society and people better through tourism. Visiting responsibly with a local businesses will help support this endeavour.
