Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Tour
Highlights & inclusions
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August 2026
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What you can expect
Pay a visit to one of New Zealand's most iconic coastal locations with this 2 hour tour to Cathedral Cove, famed for its marine and coastal beauty. Departing at 2 separate times throughout the day - 10:30am and 1:30pm - Join us to discover 12km of rugged volcanic coastline visiting nearby islands and stunning beaches. From the supreme comfort of our boat we’ll get you up close and personal with the impressive Cathedral Cove where Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia) was filmed.
Cathedral Cove is just the beginning, you’ll explore Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach, Shakespeare Cliff and Hahei along the way. Venture across the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve where you’ll observe an abundance of marine and bird life. Step back in time and picture the spectacular geological process that helped form towering pinnacles, giant blowholes and huge sea caves including Orua Sea Cave, one of the largest in NZ and only accessible by boat.
Location
What you need to know
- Two-hour boat tour of Cathedral Cove and surrounds
- Local tour guide
- Beautiful coastal scenery.
- Life jackets and a safety briefing
- Time for a photos
- Blankets in colder months if required
- Explore 12 km of rugged volcanic coastline
- Visiting stunning beaches, including Lonely Bay, Shakespeare Cliff, Cooks Beach, Hahei and the spectacular Cathedral Cove (where the Chronicles of Narnia and Prince Caspian was filmed)
- Venture across the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve and get up close and personal with towering pinnacles, giant blowholes and sea caves including Orua Sea Cave, one of the largest in NZ and only accessible by boat
- The picturesque white cliffs fall into clear blue waters, and at low tide visitors can pass right through the unique tunnel structure of the cove without difficulty
- Local tour guide will highlight Mercury Bay’s rich and colourful history giving a fabulous balance of information and time to soak up the sights and sounds
- Tours depart daily at 10:30am and 1.30pm from Whitianga Wharf
- Approximately 2 hours
- The tour departs from the Whitianga Wharf, Esplanade Rd.
- Refreshments
- An extra layer of clothing
- Binoculars/camera
- Sun hat & Suncream
- Dress for the conditions – We recommend bringing a warm layer or light jacket, even on sunny days, as it can be cooler on the water.
- Seasickness – Our purpose-built vessel is very stable and seasickness is uncommon, but if you're prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking your preferred medication before departure.
- Refreshments – Feel free to bring water and light snacks to enjoy during the tour.
- Camera – Don't forget your camera or phone. From dramatic sea caves to Cathedral Cove and marine wildlife, there are plenty of photo opportunities.
- Toilet on board – From November 2026 our vessel will be equipped with an onboard toilet for your comfort and convenience.
- Arrive early – Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.
- This is a scenic sightseeing boat tour. There are no swimming or snorkelling opportunities during the trip.
- The tour does not land at Cathedral Cove. The cove is viewed from the water.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Tours are subject to suitable weather and sea conditions.
- For the safety and comfort of all passengers, the skipper's instructions must be followed at all times.
- The tour operator reserves the right to cancel or amend any trip due to sea or weather conditions, or minimum numbers not reached
- If the tour operator cancels a trip you will not be charged. Cancellations made by the client less than 48 hours in advance will incur the full charge
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- All participants must check in the night before their tour to confirm.
Recent reviews
There were only four of us on the tour that afternoon
There were only four of us on the tour that afternoon, so it was very intimate with the boat drive. He drove us around to many places with amazing views. He was more than happy to ask any questions we had about the areas we visit and ontop of that he was very informative when speaking about these places. He gave us time to take as many photos/videos as we liked. none of us wanted to go snorkelling that day but he did he the fishes so we could see them pop up! Great day!
