Whitianga boat tours: exploring Cathedral Cove and the wider Mercury Bay
If you’re looking for the best way to experience the Coromandel Peninsula, getting out on the water is an absolute must. Boat tours from Whitianga, Hahei and Tairua are easily some of the best ways to see the spectacular Mercury Bay coastline and iconic locations like Mautohe Cathedral Cove, Orua Sea Cave, blowholes and more.
Walking distance to the water
Many of the top-rated boat tours and scenic cruises depart from the Whitianga Wharf, which is a flat, 5-minute walk from our holiday homes, Sybil’s Place and The Publican’s. When you stay with us, it’s incredibly easy to head out for a morning adventure and be back at the bach by the afternoon. There are also a handful of tours that depart from Hahei and Tairua, both under a 1-hour drive away.
What you can expect
Along with local knowledge and stories, tours allow you to get a closer experience you just can’t get from land. See schools of fish, seabirds, little blue penguins, and if you’re lucky – marine mammals including dolphins, seals, and whales. With many tours offering swimming and snorkelling opportunities, it’s also the best way to explore the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve and see the thriving marine environment up close.
Boat tours across the Coromandel offer something for everyone – whether you’re after a high-speed cave adventure, family-friendly cruises or sunset sails, here’s a guide to the different tour options to help you plan a perfect day on the water.
Departing from Whitianga
Just a 5-minute walk away from Sybil’s Place and The Publican’s holiday homes. These tours typically take 2+ hours.
- Mercury Bay Discoveries: A 2.5-hour scenic catamaran cruise that covers much of the Mercury Bay coastline, Cathedral Cove, and the surrounding marine reserve with snorkelling and swimming opportunities. Departs from Whitianga Marina and one of the only boats suitable for mobility access.
- Glass Bottom Boat: A 2-hour tour perfect for families and people of all ages. Experience Cathedral Cove and observe the marine reserve’s fish and reefs without getting wet! Large glass floor panels give you a clear view of the marine life below. They also offer a swim and snorkel stop if you do want to jump in. Departs from Whitianga Wharf.
- Sea Cave Adventures: A 2-3 hour tour covering over 25km of volcanic coastline. Their custom built vessel takes you closer, inside the many of the bay’s volcanic sea caves and blowholes. Visit iconic locations like Cathedral Cove and Orua Sea Cave, or take the coast less traveled and experience the picturesque Waitaia coastline and Mercury Islands group. Departs from Whitianga Wharf.
- Ocean Leopard Tours: A 2-hour small group scenic tour on a fast vessel with comfortable seating and shade. Their tour covers 12km of rugged coastline, highlights including Shakespeare’s Cliff, Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach, Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Orua Sea Cave and blowholes. Departs from Whitianga Wharf.
- Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises: A 2-hour tour visiting iconic locations Cathedral Cove, Orua Sea Cave and the many bays and formations in between. They also include high-quality gear if you want to take a dip or snorkel in the Te Whanganui-o-Hei marine reserve.
Sailing tours in Mercury Bay
If you’re looking for a different pace, sailing options include:
- Windborne Sailing Charters: Step aboard a piece of maritime history. Windborne is a stunning 1928 wooden schooner that offers a slow-paced, authentic sailing experience. You’re welcome to help hoist the sails or just relax on the timber decks. Walk the plank and dive into the turquoise waters. Choose from their day trips sailing Mercury Bay (6 hrs) or out to Great Mercury Island (10 hrs), or a sunset cruise to end the day (2.5 hrs).
- Boom Sailing: A modern yellow catamaran departs from Flaxmill Bay (a quick ferry ride from Whitianga + 15 minute walk). Their 3.5 hour tours are a relaxed way to see Cathedral Cove from the water, with plenty of time to lounge on beanbags on the spacious trampoline decks. Once anchored, you can swim or snorkel in the Te Whanganui-o-Hei marine reserve among the thriving marine life.
Departing from Hahei
A 35-minute drive from Whitianga. These tours are ideal if you want less time on the water and to be at Cathedral Cove in minutes.
- The Hahei Explorer: See it all in an hour! This is an exciting 1-hour express tour departs right from the south end of Hahei Beach, so you spend less time travelling and more time exploring the reefs, blowholes, Orua Sea Caves, and Cathedral Cove itself. The vessels are highly maneuverable, so they can get you right inside the caves!
- Cathedral Cove Water Taxi: This is a simple, no-frills 10-minute water taxi that runs every 30 minutes from Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove. If you’re tight on time or don’t want to do the walk to visit Cathedral Cove, hop on the water taxi and get dropped off right on the sand.
Kayaking
- Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours: If you want to earn your morning tea, this 3-hour guided paddle is world-class. Departing from Hahei Beach, you’ll explore the coastline at a slower pace, gliding through rock gardens, interacting with sea life and sea caves before landing on the sand at Cathedral Cove for a coffee or hot chocolate on the beach. No experience is needed, suitable adults and kids, for but the morning departure is recommended for the calmest waters.
Departing from Tairua
A 45-minute drive from Whitianga.
- Coromandel Ocean Adventures: Experience something different! Departing from the Tairua Marina (approx 45 minute drive from Whitianga). Visit the Alderman Islands (Ruamaahu) also known as the Vanishing Volcanoes – a unique island chain with ryolite domes and sweeping cliff faces stretching hundreds of metres into the air. Take a swim or a snorkel, with gear provided. Experience a more untouched side of the Coromandel
Planning a holiday with a group?
Book your next Coromandel getaway with us!
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The best way to book your stay is right here on our website.
While we’re also listed and top-rated on platforms like Airbnb and Bookabach, booking direct with us saves you the guest service fees, which can add up to hundreds of dollars on a long weekend stay – money better spent on scenic boat tour!
We hope you found this guide helpful. Chat to us about your next stay in Whitianga!
If you’re looking for the best base for your next Coromandel getaway, look no further than our holiday homes at Bach Whitianga.
Our holiday homes, Sybil’s Place and The Publicans are two of Whitianga’s top-rated holiday rentals – based on hundreds of positive guest reviews across Airbnb, Booking.com and Bookabach. Guests particularly rate our unbeatable location, high cleaning standards, and value for money.
For more than 14 years, we’ve been hosting guests from all over the globe, taking pride in exceptional cleanliness, excellent communication, and fully-equipping our homes to ensure our guests have comfortable, fuss-free and unforgettable holidays in Whitianga.
If you have any questions about staying with us for your holiday, please get in touch with Rob at hello@bachwhitianga.co.nz. He’ll be happy to answer any queries you have and make sure we can accommodate your group.
Remember, when you book with us directly, you save on platform fees and get the guaranteed best price!
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