Premium Private Charter

Premium Private Boat Tour: Cathedral Cove & Hidden Coastline

1 review

from $555 per group

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meeting point: Hahei Beach, Wigmore Crescent
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Hahei Explorer

Overview

This is a private, 1.5-hour trip along the Coromandel coast with Hahei Explorer, an operator that has been running Cathedral Cove boat tours since 1992. You start on Hahei Beach, where you board an amphibious vessel and head out into the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve.

The route takes in Cathedral Cove itself, along with the volcanic cliffs, offshore islands, sea caves and quiet bays that sit beyond it. The amphibious vessel is built for this coastline, which the operator describes as giving unparalleled access to this stretch of shore. Your skipper handles the commentary, covering the geology, Māori history and marine life of the area, and since the trip is private, you can shape the route with the skipper based on what you want to see and the conditions on the day.

It suits travellers who are short on time, families, or anyone marking a special occasion who would rather have the boat to themselves than join a shared departure. Lifejackets, dry bags and a qualified skipper and guide are included; food and drinks are not.

Empty bench seats along a covered tour boat's side, scuffed grey deck and rail, blurred bay and pale cliff beyond.

What's Included

Included

Qualified skipper and guide
Dry bags
Lifejackets

Not Included

Food & drinks

Itinerary

Meet at Hahei BeachMake your own way to the end of Wigmore Crescent in Hahei, where the tour meets on the beach. Pickup is not included.
Board the amphibious vesselYou board the amphibious boat on Hahei Beach. The whole tour runs for 1.5 hours.
Cruise the marine reserveHead out into the waters of the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve along the volcanic coastline, past cliffs and offshore islands.
Cathedral Cove and sea cavesTake in Cathedral Cove and explore sea caves and rock formations close up. The itinerary can be tailored with the skipper.
Return to Hahei BeachThe skipper recommends the best spots on the day, then the boat returns to Hahei Beach to finish the tour.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points to know before booking.

$555from, per group

1 hr 30 minduration

5.0across 1 guest reviews

6guests at most

Getting there. There is no hotel pickup. The meeting point is the end of Wigmore Crescent in Hahei, on the beach, so you need to arrange your own transport to get there.
Time and pace. The tour runs for 1.5 hours, which makes it a realistic option when you cannot fit in the walk to Cathedral Cove. One reviewer who skipped the walk found the boat a good alternative and still spent roughly half an hour at the cove before moving on.
What is provided. A qualified skipper and guide, lifejackets and dry bags are all included. You do not need to bring your own safety gear or dry storage for cameras and phones.
Bring your own refreshments. Food and drinks are listed as not included, so bring your own water and snacks if you want them.
Wildlife and photos. A reviewer reported seeing seals and fish in the marine reserve during the trip. Sea caves also feature on the route, so keep a camera ready and use the dry bags for anything you would rather not get wet.
Leave the stroller. Baby strollers are not allowed on the boat, and littering is not allowed. Plan accordingly if you are travelling with very young children.

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Common issues. Pickup is not included, so you must get yourself to Hahei Beach, and food and drinks are excluded. Strollers are not permitted on the vessel, which may matter for families with infants. The route itself depends on conditions on the day, so specific caves or bays are never guaranteed. Travellers should also expect an amphibious vessel rather than a conventional boat.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

A qualified skipper and guide, lifejackets and dry bags are included. The tour is private, so your group has the boat to yourselves for the full 1.5 hours.

Is Food Or Drink Provided?

No. Food and drinks are listed as not included, so bring your own water and snacks if you want them.

Is There Hotel Pickup?

No, pickup is not included. The meeting point is the end of Wigmore Crescent in Hahei, on the beach where the boat launches.

How Long Is The Tour?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours. It starts and finishes on Hahei Beach aboard an amphibious vessel.

Can I Bring A Stroller Or Young Children?

Baby strollers are not allowed on the boat. Check the booking page or contact the operator about the minimum age if you are travelling with an infant.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. For cancellations inside that window, check the booking page for the terms before reserving.