The 15 Tours in Whitianga That Earn Their Price

1.Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 937 reviews · from $93Our pick

Spend about two hours aboard a small glass-bottom boat from Whitianga Wharf. Cruise past Cathedral Cove, sea caves, pinnacles, cliffs, and blowholes while guides such as Brian, Aliza, Olivia, and Michael explain local geology, Māori and European history, and marine life. Snorkeling gear is supplied, and you can swim from the boat if conditions allow.

“We had a great time, the crew were excellent. The weather was quite choppy but exhilarating and fun!”

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2.2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 816 reviews · 2 hours · from $83

From Whitianga Wharf, you’ll spend two hours on a purpose-built boat exploring Mercury Bay, Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Lonely Bay, islands, caves, blowholes, and volcanic rock formations. Guides such as Sam and Justin add lively local stories, while cushioned seats and a sunshade make the ride comfortable. Wildlife sightings are possible but never promised.

“A fantastic way to experience the coastline around Cathedral Cove: absolutely beautiful and genuinely impressive from the water. We were lucky enough to spot blue penguins, snapper, and blue maomao along the way, which made the trip even more special. The Orua Sea Cave was a real highlight, especially learning about the meeting point of the Asian and Pacific tectonic plates above it. Huge credit to our guide Sam, who was brilliant throughout: knowledgeable, informative, and genuinely lovely. This was easily one of the highlights of our North Island trip and something I’d highly recommend.”

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3.2 Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise with Shade Canopy

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · from $96

Cruise from Whitianga with guides such as Sam, Justin, Liam, and Zinnia along Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach, Hahei, and Orua Sea Cave. Expect cushioned seats, a shade canopy, coastal stories, close views of rock formations, and a brisk ride that can feel chilly or windy. Swimming and snorkeling are not included.

“its a beautieful trip along the coast, blue water and great view of the volcanic coast. lucky the weather was good”

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4.Cathedral Cove & Coromandel Peninsula Small-Group Day Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 248 reviews · from $164

Spend about 12 hours exploring the Coromandel from Auckland in a small group of no more than 15. Guides such as Ark, Cam, Simon, Pearl, and Hanoz lead the scenic drive, Cathedral Cove walk, and, when tides allow, a Hot Water Beach visit with spades provided.

“This was my favorite tour of the trip. Mark was our driver and guide and he was the most laid back, kind person. Everything was really well timed and we had plenty of time to enjoy Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. He found a great spot to dig and it was such a cool experience!”

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5.Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Activity

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 244 reviews · from $86

Cruise the Cathedral Cove coast from Whitianga aboard a low-emission catamaran for about 2.5 hours. Your crew, including guides such as Adam, Libby, Graeme, Mateo, or Sienna, shares local stories while you view sea caves, beaches, islands, and volcanic cliffs. Snorkeling gear, tea, coffee, a toilet, and a hot freshwater shower are provided.

“Excellent excursion. New boat was very comfortable. Captain and his assistant were very knowledgeable and competent. Beautiful scenery. We got to go snorkeling off the boat but the water was very cold in early November.”

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6.Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 190 reviews · 3h 30m · from $86

Join Boom Sailing for a 3.5-hour catamaran trip from Flaxmill Bay near Cooks Beach. Sail past Cathedral Cove, help with the ropes if you wish, then swim or snorkel in the marine reserve when conditions allow. Crew members such as Hamish, Hazel, Mat, Sam, and Bridgette are known for a relaxed, personal approach.

“A lovely 3.5 hours cruising out to Cathedral Cove from Marmaratotara Bay. Captain Mat and 1st mate Bridget were attentive and great hosts. If staying in Whitianga, and taking the passenger ferry from the Whitianga Wharf across (no vehicles allowed), leave enough time to comfortably walk to the meeting spot. There is no public transportation from the ferry to the meeting spot, however it’s a good walk of about 30 minutes with some hills to climb. Alternatively, the drive to Cooks Beach is about 40 minutes to the meeting spot from Whitianga.”

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7.Adventurous Zipline Tour in Coromandel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 175 reviews · from $91

You’ll ride an 18-minute mountain railway to eight ziplines stretching 705 meters through native forest, gullies, and streams. Two guides provide safety gear, wet-weather clothing, and practical help throughout the 2.5-hour trip. Expect forest walks, views, local history, and stories of kauri restoration at Driving Creek.

“Fun adventure for all skill levels. Awesome way to learn about the land and spend time looking at beautiful scenery. The guides were fun and it was great to meet fellow travelers. Hannah and Katie were great!”

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8.Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 110 reviews · 2h 30m · from $83

Spend 150 minutes cruising from Whitianga through volcanic bays, past Champagne Rocks and isolated beaches, and into Orua Sea Cave. Stop to swim and snorkel among snapper in the Te Whanganui-o-Hei marine reserve. The modern vessel has a toilet, shower, tea, coffee, and room to move, with guides such as Adam, Graham, Chris, and Koral leading the trip.

“Wonderful area, cliffs and rock formations and beaches great to sea. I enjoyed the snorkelling as well. The guides were very informative and friendly.”

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9.Coromandel: Guided Zipline Tour Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 62 reviews · 2h 30m · from $87

Ride a 15-minute mountain railway into Coromandel’s native forest, then follow two English-speaking guides across eight ziplines, with the longest stretching 200 metres. Expect tree platforms up to 25 metres high, short forest walks, conservation stories, free guide-taken photos, and wet-weather gear. Guides such as CJ and Emily have led especially careful, playful outings.

“2 young very enthusiastic guys who were very professiobal and a lot of fun”

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10.Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve: Snorkeling Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 52 reviews · 2 hours · from $85

From Hahei Beach, your small group heads by speedboat past Cathedral Cove to a sheltered snorkel site. Experienced scuba-instructor skippers provide warm wetsuits, quality gear, flotation aids, and clear help for beginners. You get about one hour in the water, with a chance to see rays, fish schools, rocky reefs, and colorful shallow areas.

“Great, the guides know where to see the most fish!!!”

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11.Captivating Railway Journey in Coromandel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews · from $35Best value

Take a 1-hour-15-minute ride on Driving Creek Railway, New Zealand’s only mountain railway. Your guide explains how artist and conservationist Barry Brickell built the line through regenerating native forest. The train crosses 10 bridges, passes through 3 tunnels, and reaches EyeFull Tower for wide Hauraki Gulf views.

“Am amazing experience unlike any other, you shouldn't miss this unique rail and pottery experience that will take you through beautiful some forest up to stunning views.”

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12.Hahei Explorer Cathedral Cove Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 31 reviews · 1 hour · from $86

Cruise 14km of volcanic coast from Hahei Beach on a one-hour small-group trip limited to 10 people. Your English-speaking guide points out Cathedral Cove, sea caves, blowholes, hidden bays, Māori history, and marine life. Life jackets and optional dry bags are supplied, but there is no toilet on the boat or beach.

“The rep on the beach was a great help with the tour guide on the boat was brilliant, I would highly recommend this trio👌 👌 👏 👏 👏”

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13.Coromandel: Aldermen Islands Marine Reserve Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 2 hours · from $98

Join local skipper Richie for a two-hour cruise from Tairua to the Aldermen Islands. You will see dramatic island formations, watch for dolphins, seals, turtles, whales and seabirds, then swim or snorkel when conditions allow. The boat carries no more than 12 people, and Coromandel Ocean Adventures is the only operator licensed to visit the islands.

“Just a really superb outing. A beautiful day, a very comfortable boat and a great guide made this a standout trip for us. The snorkelling was super - and though the undersea area has a way to go to recover - the water was crystal clear and lots of life under there!”

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14.From Tairua: 2 Hour Cathedral Cove Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 2 hours · from $83

Join Coromandel Ocean Adventures for a two-hour boat trip from Tairua Marina to Cathedral Cove, Boat Harbour, Orua Sea Cave, Hot Water Beach, and the Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve. Your English-speaking guide shares local details, looks for marine life, and may offer time for a short swim or snorkel when sea and tide conditions allow.

“Great trip. Very entertaining and lovely tour guide. Saw a lot of animals on our trip. Even managed to see a whale in the water (made the tour go longer, but so worth it!) Highly recommended! Especially if you don't want to drive up all the way to Whitianga for a trip to Cathedral Cove.”

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15.Hahei: Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour – Refreshments included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 3 hours · from $122

Join a small group of up to eight for a three-hour guided kayak from Hahei Beach through the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. No experience is needed. Expect sea caves, rock gardens, wildlife, kayak sailing, and a Cathedral Cove beach stop with cappuccinos, hot chocolate, cookies, and time to swim or explore. Guides may include Nathan or Marti.

“Lovely little kayak trip out to an island, then to Cathedral Cove. Time for a swim and a shower under a waterfall, then real coffee on the beach - yum! Nathan was fun and informative, and the equipment was in good nick.”

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