The 7 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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise

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

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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”

Check availability →Read our full review

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review