Water Sports in Coromandel

Coromandel water sports centre on sea kayaking along the coast of the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, launching from Hahei Beach. The main paddle runs on to Cathedral Cove. Offshore islands break the swell at Hahei, which keeps the water calm, and the reserve is also known for snorkelling and diving.

Sea kayaking in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve

The reserve covers the coast north of Hahei and its offshore islands, and its reefs, caves and archways support plants, fish and shellfish, so a kayak gets close to more than the scenery. Guided kayaking tours in the Coromandel start from Hahei Beach. On a 3-hour Cathedral Cove kayak tour paddlers go past beaches, islands and rock gardens and through sea caves, then land at Cathedral Cove for a hot drink and cookies, with the guide's commentary covering the coast and its marine life.

Half-day and full-day paddles from Hahei Beach

The half-day tour checks in at 8.45am and 1.30pm daily, with more departures in peak season, and the operator says the morning tour usually has the lightest wind and calmest sea. A full-day sea kayak tour from Hahei Beach is a 6-hour day that follows a remote stretch of coast south of Hahei, rounding the offshore islands and paddling into an ocean blowhole, with a break at Cathedral Cove for hot drinks.

Double or single kayaks

Most guided paddles here use double kayaks, because two people working together can go further and see more. Experienced kayakers can ask for singles. Sea kayaks, safety equipment and qualified guides are supplied, and the full-day tour adds dry bags for cameras.

What to wear and bring for a paddle

Shorts and a T-shirt suit the water, with a warm top for after the paddle. The operator also suggests a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle and a camera.

Other ways onto the water in the Coromandel

The calm water at Hahei also suits swimming and boating, and the Mercury Islands near Whitianga draw anglers. For time on the water without paddling, Coromandel cruises run to Cathedral Cove, sea caves and the Aldermen Islands. Back on land, Coromandel activities include ziplines and a forest railway at Driving Creek, and the wider things to do in the Coromandel take in Hot Water Beach.

Frequently asked questions

What water sports can you do in the Coromandel?

Guided sea kayaking is the main water sport sold on Experience Oz in the Coromandel, with boat cruises for time on the water without paddling. The Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve is also known for diving and snorkelling, and the calm water at Hahei suits swimming.

How long is a Cathedral Cove kayak tour?

A Cathedral Cove kayak tour from Hahei Beach is a 3-hour paddle, and the full-day sea kayak tour is a 6-hour day.

Where do Cathedral Cove kayak tours start?

Cathedral Cove kayak tours start at Hahei Beach, at 2 Hahei Beach Road, where the guides and kayaks wait on the sand down from the main beach carpark.

Is Cathedral Cove kayaking better in the morning?

The Hahei kayak operator says the morning tour usually has the lightest wind and calmest sea conditions, and check-in is at 8.45am.

Do you land at Cathedral Cove on a kayak tour?

Yes. Cathedral Cove kayak tours from Hahei include a break at the cove with hot drinks and cookies.

What should you bring on a Coromandel kayak tour?

Bring shorts and a T-shirt, a warm top, a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle and a camera. The full-day tour supplies dry bags for cameras.

Can children join a Coromandel kayak tour?

Child tickets are sold for Cathedral Cove kayak tours, and the 3-hour classic tour lists children aged 5 to 17, so check the ticket types for the age range before you book.

Pick a half-day or full-day paddle on the Coromandel coast, check the tide and the morning forecast, and book the kayak tour with Experience Oz.