Cathedral Cove Kayaking: Sea Caves & Marine Reserve

Paddle into sea caves and past rock gardens only this operator can reach

Cathedral Cove kayaking is a 3-hour guided sea kayak tour through the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve, where you paddle through sea caves, past islands and rock gardens, and land at Cathedral Cove itself. The only operator licensed to do it. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide, modern kayaking equipment, and hot chocolate with cappuccino and cookies at the end. Children from age 5 are welcome, and the tour runs year-round in small groups.

The experience

Sea caves, islands and rock gardens fill the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve, and you paddle through them yourself for three hours with a guide who knows the water. The route takes you past local marine life and through passages where the rock walls narrow around the kayak. Cathedral Cove is the landing point (a beach only this company is licensed to reach by kayak), and that access is what sets the day apart from other paddling in the area.

The tour moves at the pace of the group, which stays small. You handle the kayak and the paddle. The guide navigates the route, points out what lives in the reserve and reads the conditions so the day stays safe. Modern equipment means you're not fighting the gear, and the wind on your back when you sail makes the paddling easier than it looks. The three hours include time in the caves, time on the water between stops and time at Cathedral Cove itself before the tour wraps up.

Hot chocolate, cappuccino and cookies wait at the end of the paddle. The tour runs every day of the year, and children from age 5 can join. If you have a physical need or a request (a different paddle size, a concern about the water), contact the operator directly and they'll work to fit you in.

What’s included

• A live guide in English.
• modern kayaking equipment.
• hot chocolate, cappuccino and cookies at Cathedral Cove.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 05:30, the last at 17:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The meeting point is at the kayaks on Hahei Beach. Drive to the end of Hahei Beach Road and park where you can. Walk onto the beach and the kayaks are to your right.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours

Is this one for you?You paddle the kayak yourself through sea caves and rock gardens, not a sightseeing tour where you sit and watch. Small groups and a guide who knows the water suit anyone who wants to move under their own power and land at the one beach in the reserve where kayaks are allowed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Cathedral Cove and why can only this kayak company land there?

Cathedral Cove is a beach inside the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve, and this operator holds the only license to land kayaks there. It's the destination of the paddle and the place where the tour ends with hot chocolate and cookies.

Do I need kayaking experience to join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, so no prior kayaking experience is required. The guide leads the group and handles navigation while you paddle at the pace of the group.

What happens during the 3 hours on the water?

You paddle through sea caves, past islands and rock gardens, and interact with the marine life in the reserve. The guide reads the conditions and the wind, and when conditions allow, you sail with the wind on your back. The route ends at Cathedral Cove.

What is included in the Cathedral Cove kayaking tour?

The tour includes a live English-speaking guide, modern kayaking equipment, and hot chocolate, cappuccino and cookies at Cathedral Cove at the end of the paddle.