2-Hour Volcanic Coast Cruise

Whitianga: 2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Tour

★ 4.8 894 reviews

from $84 per person

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

Duration: 2 hours
Meeting point: Whitianga Wharf, The Esplanade
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Ocean Leopard Cathedral Cove Boat Tours

Overview

This two-hour cruise departs from Whitianga Wharf and runs along roughly 12 kilometres of volcanic coastline aboard a purpose-built boat with cushioned forward-facing seats, a sunshade and an onboard toilet. The route passes Cooks Beach, Lonely Bay and Hahei before reaching Cathedral Cove inside Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve. Along the way the skipper gives live commentary on local history, geology and Māori heritage, and the boat passes sea cliffs, volcanic formations, blowholes and bays. When swell permits, the trip also enters the Orua Sea Cave, which one reviewer described as a highlight.

The pace is relaxed. Wildlife sightings are possible in Mercury Bay, though sightings can never be promised.

One reviewer described the crew helping an elderly parent on board, which gives a sense of how the trip runs. The onboard toilet is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, so check with the operator if that is relevant. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own refreshments.

Overcast sea off a line of pale eroded cliffs near Hahei, short choppy waves and a lone moored boat in muted light.

What's Included

Included

2-hour scenic cruise
Cathedral Cove viewing
Onboard toilet - Please note it's not suitable for guests with limited mobility

Not Included

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Meet at Whitianga WharfArrive at Whitianga Wharf on The Esplanade in Whitianga. Be there 15 minutes before departure.
Board the tour boatSettle into cushioned forward-facing seating under the sunshade. The boat has an onboard toilet, though it is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Cruise the volcanic coastHead out along the coastline past Cooks Beach, Lonely Bay and Hahei, with live commentary from the local skipper on history, geology and Māori heritage.
View Cathedral CoveCruise to Cathedral Cove within Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve and take in the cove and its surroundings from the water.
Orua Sea CaveWhen sea conditions allow, the boat visits the Orua Sea Cave. This stop is optional and depends on the swell on the day.
Return to Whitianga WharfCruise back along the coast, keeping a lookout for wildlife, before docking at the wharf.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the trip smoother, based on what travellers report back.

Where this tour sits among 5 tours in Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruises listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Coast and Cave, 2.5 Hours$70
Scenic Cruise, 2 Hours$78
Scenic Caves and Coastline Cruise$79.44
2-Hour Volcanic Coast Cruise (this tour)$84
Ocean Leopard, Volcanic Coast$85.11

Dress for windchill. Bring a warm jacket, and some travellers felt clearer advice about windchill on the water would have helped. A sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses are also recommended.
Arrive early. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The boat leaves from Whitianga Wharf on The Esplanade, so plan to be at the meeting point with time to spare.
Bring your own food. Food and drinks are not included. Pack whatever you want to eat and drink for the trip.
Comfortable seating. The boat has cushioned forward-facing seating and a sunshade. One reviewer noted the padded seats were welcome in the swells, so expect some motion.
Wildlife is a bonus. The booking page says to keep a lookout for dolphins, whales or orcas. Treat any sighting as luck rather than a promise.
Camera ready. Bring a camera, and reviewers describe close-up views of the coastline that could not be seen otherwise. Binoculars are also recommended.

Ready To GoCheck availability →

Common issues. Weather drives everything here. Rough conditions can close the Orua Sea Cave, and trips are sometimes rearranged for poor weather, as one reviewer experienced when the operator contacted them to reschedule. One reviewer also felt the trip ran a little shorter than expected. The onboard toilet is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, and no food, drinks or hotel transfers are provided. Packing a warm layer matters, since some travellers felt windchill advice before the trip would have helped.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Tour?

The price covers the two-hour scenic cruise, viewing of Cathedral Cove from the water, live commentary from a local skipper, and use of the onboard toilet. Food, drinks and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where Does The Tour Start?

It departs from Whitianga Wharf on The Esplanade in Whitianga. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. Hotel transport is not provided.

Is The Tour Suitable For People With Limited Mobility?

The onboard toilet is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, so check with the operator before booking if that applies to you. One reviewer described the crew helping an elderly family member on board.

Will We See Dolphins Or Whales?

The booking page says to keep a lookout for dolphins, whales or orcas. All wildlife sightings depend on the day and cannot be guaranteed.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

Trips can be rearranged for poor weather, and one reviewer reported the operator contacting them to reschedule. The Orua Sea Cave is only entered when sea conditions allow. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a jacket and a camera, plus binoculars, a sunhat, sunscreen and refreshments. A warm layer is worth packing even on a calm day, since windchill on the water catches some travellers out.