Cathedral Cove Cruise: Volcanic Coast, Sea Caves & Local Guide

Summary

Cathedral Cove’s volcanic coast by boat, sea caves and local stories

You’ll step onto a shaded boat at Whitianga for a 2-hour Cathedral Cove cruise with a local guide who knows every stretch of this volcanic coast. Watch sunlight spill through Cooks Blow Hole, glide past Hahei Beach and into Orua Sea Cave, and hear stories you won’t get from any signboard. There’s something about seeing those arches from the water — it stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the salt in the air — sharp, almost sweet — as we climbed onto the Ocean Leopard boat at Whitianga. The seats were soft enough that I stopped worrying about my dodgy back right away. Our guide, Matt (he grew up around here), grinned and asked if anyone had sunscreen. “Trust me,” he said, “the New Zealand sun doesn’t mess around.” Someone laughed. I tried to tie my hat tighter but still lost it to the wind for a minute.

We drifted past Lonely Bay and Shakespeare Reserve, cliffs streaked white and orange against all that blue. Matt pointed out birds nesting in cracks I wouldn’t have spotted — he called them by their Māori names, which I probably mispronounced even in my head. It felt like we were sneaking along the edge of something ancient. When we reached Cooks Blow Hole, everyone leaned forward at once to see sunlight pouring straight through the rock overhead. It was quieter than I expected; just water slapping hull and someone’s camera clicking.

I didn’t realize Cathedral Cove would look so different from the water — arches bigger than they seem in photos, water clear enough you could see shadows of fish darting under us. We passed Hahei Beach (lots of tiny figures on the sand) and then Hot Water Beach off in the distance. The Orua Sea Cave was next — second biggest in New Zealand apparently — and it echoed when Matt called out just to show us how deep it went. I still think about that sound bouncing back at us, weirdly comforting.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise

• Depart from departure point
• Take photos at Lonely Bay and Shakespeare Reserve
• View Cooks Blow Hole up close
• Explore marine reserve and Cathedral Cove
• Pass by Hahei Beach and islands
• See Hot Water Beach and enter Orua Sea Cave

Top questions

How long is the Cathedral Cove cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours from departure to return.

Does the tour include swimming or snorkeling?

No, swimming or snorkeling are not part of this tour.

Is there shade on the boat during the cruise?

Yes, the boat has a shade canopy for sun protection throughout the trip.

Are lifejackets provided on this Cathedral Cove cruise?

Yes, lifejackets are included for all passengers onboard.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is accessible for those with mobility impairments but wheelchairs cannot board the boat itself.

Where does the Cathedral Cove cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Whitianga on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula.

Will we see Hot Water Beach during this tour?

You will see Hot Water Beach from a distance before entering Orua Sea Cave.

What’s included

Your day includes a 2-hour guided cruise along Cathedral Cove’s volcanic coastline with cushioned seating under a shade canopy and all safety equipment including lifejackets provided onboard before returning to Whitianga port.