Cathedral Cove: Small Cave Boat Tour & Marine Reserve

Summary

Sea caves, volcanic cliffs, music echoing in Orua, marine life up close

You’ll ride fast along volcanic cliffs, slip into sea caves only small boats can reach, and hear music echoing off ancient stone inside Orua Cave. Spot marine life from above or jump in for a quick snorkel if you’re keen—mask and snorkel are ready for you. Expect local stories from your skipper and views you won’t get from land—plus a few surprises if the weather plays nice.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to adjust my hat before our skipper, Pete, was already cracking jokes at Whitianga Wharf. The safety briefing was quick but not rushed — you could tell he’d done this a thousand times. We zipped out past Ferry Landing, spray on my face and that salty smell that sticks to your skin. Pete started talking about Kauri harvesting and I caught myself staring at the old wharf pilings, trying to picture what it looked like “years long ago,” as he put it. There’s something about hearing history while you’re moving that makes it stick more.

We hugged the coastline past Shakespeare Cliff (Pete explained why Cook named it after Shakespeare — I still can’t remember the whole story). Lonely Bay looked…well, lonely, but in a good way. The rock formations around here are wild — sharp edges and weird curves that make you wonder how many storms they’ve seen. The boat slowed right down for Cooks Beach Blowhole; Pete said we might get inside if the swell behaved. It did — just barely — and the echo inside made everyone go quiet for a second. I didn’t expect to feel so small in there.

Cathedral Cove itself is even better from the water — no crowds, just us bobbing close enough to see fish flickering under the surface. Some people jumped in with snorkels (gear included), but I stayed dry and watched silvery shapes dart around below. Later we drifted through a cave called “the keyhole” near Hahei; light spilled through in this strange way that made everything look softer. Then came Orua Cave — apparently New Zealand’s second biggest sea cave — and Pete played music so we could hear how it bounced around inside. Honestly? That sound is still stuck in my head.

We squeezed through another spot called “Hole in the Rock,” which felt like threading a needle with a boat this size. By then I’d lost track of all the names: Ice Cave, Whale Cave, Mahurangi Island…each one had some story or odd fact from Pete (he never ran out). It wasn’t always smooth water or perfect sun, but I liked that — made it feel real. If you want polished or predictable, maybe pick something else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cathedral Cove boat tour highlights

• Meet skipper at Whitianga Wharf
• Hear Kauri harvesting history
• Learn about Captain Cook and Shakespeare Cliff
• Pass close by Lonely Bay
• Explore Cooks Beach Blowhole
• See Cathedral Cove and volcanic formations
• View fish in Marine Reserve
• Pass Hahei and Maori Pa site
• See Hot Water Beach and Ice Cave
• Explore Big Bay Blowhole and Orua Sea Cave
• Visit Whale Cave and snorkel option
• Pass through Hole in the Rock

Top questions

How long is the Cathedral Cove boat tour?

The tour covers over 24 kilometers along the coast; exact duration depends on conditions but typically lasts around 2 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, mask and snorkel are supplied if you want to swim among the fish during a short stop.

Does the tour include entry into sea caves?

Yes, this Cathedral Cove boat tour enters several small caves and blowholes if conditions allow—including Orua Cave for its acoustics.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Whitianga Wharf; meet your skipper 15 minutes before departure for a safety briefing.

Is this boat tour suitable for children?

The tour is not suitable for infants or children under 10kg due to safety reasons.

Are there any physical restrictions?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers but is suitable for most fitness levels otherwise.

What landmarks will I see during the day trip?

You’ll see Cathedral Cove, Shakespeare Cliff, Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach Blowhole, Hahei Beach headland (former Maori Pa site), Hot Water Beach (in distance), Ice Cave, Big Bay Blowhole (if possible), Orua Cave, Whale Cave, Hole in the Rock and more.

Is lunch included on this Cathedral Cove boat tour?

No lunch is included; however snorkeling equipment is provided if you wish to swim during the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes a high-speed boat ride with an experienced local skipper guiding you through Cathedral Cove’s coastline and into sea caves like Orua (music included), plus use of snorkelling gear if you want to swim among fish in the Marine Reserve—all starting from Whitianga Wharf after your safety briefing.