Snorkeling in Whitianga: Cave Cruzer's Mercury Bay boat tour

Inside caves larger boats cannot reach, at speed across Mercury Bay

Cave Cruzer is a small open boat tour in Whitianga that navigates Mercury Bay's ancient cave systems, blowholes and rock formations at high speed. The boat is the only vessel its size in the bay, small enough to enter Orua, New Zealand's second-largest sea cave, and the Champagne Bay blowhole systems that larger boats cannot access. Snorkel gear is supplied. Snorkeling and rock jumping are optional and subject to sea conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whitianga Cathedral Cove Boat Tour

• Meet crew and safety briefing
• Learn Whitianga history en route
• See Captain Cook cliff formation
• View Narnia filming locations and Te Hoho Rock
• Explore Champagne Bay blowholes and caves
• Enter New Zealand's second-largest sea cave
• Visit Gemstone Bay for snorkeling and rock jumping
• Observe marine reserve fish from boat or snorkel
• Pass Hahei and view Maori Pa site and keyhole cave
• Optional rock jumping at Hahei
• Cruise volcanic rock arch at Poikeke Island
• Return with music on full throttle

The experience

After a safety briefing, the boat heads out of Whitianga while the crew tells the town's history, then turns south along the volcanic coast. Brian, the skipper, shows you the cliffs Captain Cook named in 1769 and tells how Mercury Bay got its name as the boat heads toward the iconic rock formations (Te Hoho Rock, the Sleeping Dragon, and the Narnia filming locations) all viewed from the water, an angle most visitors miss. Cathedral Cove is the centrepiece of the route, a landmark that only makes sense from the water.

The boat then reaches Champagne Bay, where centuries of waves have carved ancient blowholes and caves into the rock. No other boat on the bay goes inside them. Further south, the boat cruises into Orua, the second-largest sea cave in New Zealand, where Brian cuts the engine and puts on music so you can hear how 700 cubic metres of rock shape the sound. The music comes back on for the return run. Between stops, Brian opens the throttle and the boat races along 24 kilometres of the protected Coromandel coast. It moves fast on open water, so bring a windproof layer and secure your hat and glasses before departure.

At Gemstone Bay or the best spot the day offers, you can snorkel in the marine reserve or stay on board and watch. Mask and snorkel are supplied. Rock jumping is available for those who want it, subject to sea conditions. On the way back, the boat passes Hahei and the headland where a Maori Pa (village) once stood, then cruises through the volcanic rock arch at Poikeke Island. Dolphins, orca, seals and whales are sometimes spotted along the way, though sightings cannot be guaranteed. The final run back is at full throttle.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear and mask.
• entry into caves and blowholes other boats can't reach.
• high-speed runs between stops.
• life jackets and safety briefing.
• live guided commentary in English throughout the two-hour tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 15:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (1 to 15 years)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cave Cruzer

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to enter the caves and blowholes themselves rather than view them from a distance: Cave Cruzer's 7.8-metre hull is the only size that fits inside these formations, while larger boats stay in open water.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 15 years).

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 inside Orua cave that makes it different from the other caves on the tour?

Orua is New Zealand's second-largest sea cave. The skipper cuts the engine inside it and plays music so you can hear the acoustics of 700 cubic metres of rock: a moment no other boat on Mercury Bay offers.

Can I snorkel and rock jump on the same tour?

Both snorkeling and rock jumping are optional on the same tour, available at Gemstone Bay or the best spot the day offers. Both are subject to sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Why is Cave Cruzer the only boat that can enter these caves and blowholes?

At 7.8 metres, Cave Cruzer is small enough to navigate inside the ancient cave systems and blowholes that line Mercury Bay. Larger vessels cannot enter them. The boat also has no roof, so your view overhead stays clear.

What should I bring for a two-hour boat tour at speed on open water?

Bring sunscreen, a secured hat, and a windproof jacket or layer depending on the season. Pack swimwear if you want to snorkel or rock jump. Snorkel gear is supplied. Secure your hat and glasses before departure, as the boat moves fast.

What marine wildlife might I see on the tour?

Dolphins, orca, seals and whales are sometimes spotted along the way. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and the boat's route may change based on conditions on the day.