1-Hour Hahei Boat Tour

Hahei Explorer Cathedral Cove Boat Tour

★ 5.0 57 reviews

from $69 per person

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Duration: 1 hour
Meeting point: Hahei Beach, Wigmore Crescent
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Hahei Explorer

Overview

This is the original Cathedral Cove boat tour, running since 1992 from the sand at Hahei Beach itself. There is no transfer to a harbour: you walk to the end of Wigmore Crescent, meet the crew on the beach, and board a custom-built boat small enough to slide into gaps bigger vessels have to skip. That is the core appeal. In a single hour you cover about 14km of volcanic coastline, threading through sea caves when conditions allow, past blowholes and into bays inside the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve, with Cathedral Cove only minutes from the departure point so most of the hour is spent exploring rather than travelling.

A local skipper handles the driving and the commentary, mixing geology, Māori history and stories from three decades of running these waters. The crew keep an eye out for wildlife in Te Whanganui-o-Hei, though sightings can never be promised.

The tour fits anyone short on time who wants to see the coastline from the water. One reviewer reported a five year old who loved the trip, and another recommended the tour purely for the thrill of the boat ride. Dress for the weather and bring a warm layer. Hotel transport is not part of the package, so you make your own way to Hahei.

The wake of a small covered tour boat spreads over green water toward the white sand crescent of Hahei Beach and pohutukawa-topped cliffs.

What's Included

Included

1-hour sightseeing cruise
Live tour guide commentary
Views of Cathedral Cove and volcanic coastline
Exploration of sea caves and marine reserve
See all the highlights of Hahei, Marine Reserve, Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coastline
Life jacket included
Dry bag for valuables included (optional)
Poncho (optional)

Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks

Itinerary

Meet on Hahei BeachFind the crew at the end of Wigmore Crescent, Hahei, at least 20 minutes before departure. There is no toilet at the departure point.
Board the boatBoard the custom-built vessel straight off the beach. Life jackets are provided, and dry bags and ponchos are available if wanted.
Marine reserve cruiseThe 1 hour cruise explores Cathedral Cove, offshore islands, hidden bays and sea caves along the volcanic coastline, with live skipper commentary and wildlife spotting.
Return to Hahei BeachThe trip finishes back at the same departure point on Hahei Beach.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of the hour on the water.

$69from, per person

1 hourduration

5.0across 57 guest reviews

14guests at most

What to bring. Bring a camera and sunscreen, plus a jacket or warm layer and comfortable clothing suited to the weather. A dry bag is provided as an option for valuables.
Arrive early. Be at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before departure, since boarding happens straight off the beach. Note there is no toilet at the departure point or on the boat, so plan around that before you arrive.
Pace and thrill. One reviewer recommended the tour purely for the thrill of the boat ride. A few first-timers in one group felt nervous seeing the boat but ended up enjoying it.
Good with kids. One reviewer reported their five year old loved the trip and that the skipper explained the areas well for them. Life jackets are supplied for everyone on board. Check the booking page for the minimum age if travelling with younger children.
Wildlife luck. The crew keep watch for wildlife in the Te Whanganui-o-Hei marine reserve. One reviewer reported seeing dolphins on their trip, but animals move on their own schedule, so treat any sighting as a bonus.
No food aboard. Food and drinks are not included. If you want anything to eat or drink, you will need to sort that out yourself.

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Common issues. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need your own transport to Hahei Beach, and no toilet exists at the departure point or on the boat. Trips can change or be reshaped by weather for passenger safety and comfort. One reviewer felt Cathedral Cove itself was the least stunning part of the trip compared with the caves visited later.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Ticket Price?

The price covers the 1 hour sightseeing cruise, live guide commentary from the skipper, the sea cave and marine reserve exploration, a life jacket, and an optional dry bag and poncho. You see Cathedral Cove, the volcanic coastline and the highlights of Hahei and the marine reserve from the water.

Is Food Or Drink Provided?

No. Food and drinks are listed as not included, so anything you want to eat or drink is your own arrangement.

Where Does The Tour Start And Is There Pickup?

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. Everyone meets the crew at the end of Wigmore Crescent, Hahei, right on the beach, and should arrive at least 20 minutes before departure.

Is It Suitable For Children?

One reviewer's five year old loved the trip and the caves, and life jackets are provided for all passengers. Check the booking page for the minimum age before booking with younger children. It is a boat ride on open water, which is worth knowing when deciding with young children.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the booking page for any other conditions.

What Should I Wear And Bring?

Wear comfortable clothing suited to the weather and bring a jacket or warm layer, plus sunscreen and a camera. The departure point has no facilities, so arrive ready to board. Weather can change the itinerary for safety and comfort.