The Coromandel Cruises

Coromandel cruises run along the Mercury Bay coast on the peninsula's east side, past sea caves, blowholes, offshore islands and a limestone arch. Boats leave from Whitianga Wharf and Tairua Marina, and cruises are short enough to fit into a morning or an afternoon between other plans on the peninsula.

Where cruises leave from and what they pass

Cathedral Cove is a limestone arch that separates two white sand beaches, near Hahei, and it was a filming location for Prince Caspian. Cruises differ in where they start. A 2-hour Cathedral Cove cruise from Whitianga Wharf covers about 12 km of volcanic coastline, with giant blowholes, sea caves including Orua Sea Cave and a visit to the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. Life jackets and a safety briefing are included.

From the south, a boat tour from Tairua Marina adds stops at Hot Water Beach and Boat Harbour as well as the Orua Sea Cave, with time at the cove for photos or a swim. The skipper is a local, and the commentary covers the coast as the boat moves along it.

Islands and wildlife off the Tairua coast

Further offshore, the Aldermen Islands are a chain of volcanic islands nicknamed the Vanishing Volcanoes. A 2-hour scenic boat tour of the Aldermen Islands from Tairua Marina can turn up whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles and sea birds, and the operator keeps groups to a maximum of 12.

What to wear and how weather shapes the day

The Aldermen Islands operator suggests a wind or warm jacket, a hat, sunscreen and a camera, and the Whitianga operator carries blankets in colder months. Weather decides whether a boat goes out, and the Aldermen Islands operator contacts each party when conditions change.

Pairing a cruise with the rest of the peninsula

A cruise takes a morning or an afternoon, which leaves room for other things to do in the Coromandel. Hot Water Beach lies between Whitianga and Tairua, and digging a pool there only works around low tide. On the water, Coromandel water sports add guided kayaking out of Hahei, and on land, Coromandel activities include the railway and ziplines at Driving Creek. Families can fold a cruise into things to do in the Coromandel with kids.

Frequently asked questions

Where do Cathedral Cove boat tours leave from?

Coromandel cruises that visit Cathedral Cove leave from Whitianga Wharf on Esplanade Road or from the marina in Tairua. Hahei Beach is the starting point for kayak trips to the cove rather than boat tours.

How long is a Cathedral Cove boat tour?

Cathedral Cove boat tours on the Coromandel are 2-hour trips, with morning and afternoon departures through the day.

Can you swim at Cathedral Cove on a boat tour?

Sometimes. The Cathedral Cove boat tour from Tairua includes time at the cove for photos or a swim, so check each cruise's inclusions for swimming time before you book.

What should you wear on a Coromandel boat tour?

Bring an extra layer. The Aldermen Islands operator suggests a wind or warm jacket, a hat, sunscreen and a camera, and the Whitianga tour suggests an extra layer, binoculars or a camera, a sun hat and sunscreen.

What can you see on a Coromandel cruise?

Coromandel cruises pass sea caves, blowholes, offshore islands, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach and Boat Harbour from the water, and the Aldermen Islands trip can turn up whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles and sea birds.

Can kids go on Coromandel boat tours?

Yes. Cathedral Cove and Aldermen Islands boat tours sell child and family tickets, and the Whitianga cruise also has an infant ticket, so check each tour's ticket types for the age ranges before you book.

Do Coromandel boat tours run in bad weather?

Weather decides. The Aldermen Islands operator contacts each party if conditions change, and each cruise's cancellation terms come with the booking.

Pick the harbour that suits your base on the peninsula, Whitianga or Tairua, and book a cruise from there with Experience Oz.