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Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Activity

Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Whitianga, New Zealand
Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Activity
Popular pick
Booked 5+ times last week!
  • 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0
·
· 6gv2k4vs6y ·
Mar 2025
Great time out on the water. Fun friendly crew and lots of local history facts. Then finish off with a snorkel around in the marine reserve. Saw big snapper and stingrays. Worth every penny.
· Amber_M ·
Feb 2025
The tour was exceptional and really nice to have a bathroom on board the boat and a warm shower after snorkeling. The Captain and crew provided helpful information about times to go to the hot water beach, food recommendations, and other things important for visitors to know. We also had a person on board in a wheelchair and the crew took great care of him.

Overview

Explore Cathedral Cove and the nearby marine reserve while taking in landscapes shaped by volcanic activity as you keep an eye out for local wildlife both above and below the water on this boat tour. This tour is great for environmentally-conscious travelers as you’ll travel aboard a catamaran designed to reduce emissions.
  • Boat tour of Cathedral Cove and surrounding areas
  • Explore below the ocean surface with snorkeling equipment
  • A great chance to see the region’s volcanic landscapes and sandy beaches
  • Learn the area’s history from your skipper as you travel

What's Included

  • Use of Snorkeling equipment
    Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • Restroom and changing room
  • Warm fresh water shower for after swimming
  • Coffee/Tea & Water available to purchase onboard

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • Public Toilet
      1/15 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga 3510, New Zealand

      Meet 20 mins before tour beside our orange flag on the grassy area opposite 1 Esplanade, Whitianga. This is next to the ramp that leads down to Z Pier where the boat is berthed.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Start time
    .10:00 am

    What To Expect

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 29 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Questions?

    Visit the Viator Help Centre for any further questions.

    Product code: 450952P1

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)
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    Featured review

    Amy_C
    We loved our time on this trip to cathedral cove and many other amazing places. The crew were super friendly and knowledgeable and we enjoyed seeing lots of interesting landscapes along the coastline! Would definitely recommend

    Reviews

    5.0
    based on 198 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
    191
    6
    1
    0
    0
    Amazing trip!
    Amy_C, Oct 2025
    We loved our time on this trip to cathedral cove and many other amazing places. The crew were super friendly and knowledgeable and we enjoyed seeing lots of interesting landscapes along the coastline! Would definitely recommend
    Response from Host, Oct 2025
    Thanks for the great review. We appreciate you taking the time to mention all the great aspects of the tour. Hope you enjoy the rest of your time here kind regards from the Mercury Bay Discoveries team.
    The tour was an...
    Srishti_G, Apr 2025
    The tour was an absolutely amazing experience and one that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area. We were fortunate to have perfect weather, which made the entire round trip even more enjoyable. The stunning coastal views, dramatic rock formations, and crystal-clear waters created a picture-perfect setting throughout the journey. The boat itself was in excellent condition—clean, comfortable, and clearly well-maintained. The ride was smooth and allowed us to get up close to the iconic Cathedral Cove and nearby sea caves. It was a truly memorable way to experience the beauty of the Coromandel coastline from the water.
    Response from Host, Apr 2025
    Wow amazing review thank you! We appreciate you taking the time to leave such detailed feedback. It is great to read about all the highlights of your trip from the stunning scenery to our incredible vessel. Glad we could help sculpt such a precious memory for you. Thanks for joining us on our journey, Warm Regards from Chris and the team at Mercury Bay Discoveries.
    Best way to see Cathedral Cove
    6gv2k4vs6y, Mar 2025
    Great time out on the water. Fun friendly crew and lots of local history facts. Then finish off with a snorkel around in the marine reserve. Saw big snapper and stingrays. Worth every penny.
    Response from Host, Mar 2025
    Thanks for the great Review! It is fantastic you got the opportunity to swim with snapper and stingray! Glad you enjoyed our trip and found it good value. Hopefully we see you again on day - from Chris and the team at Mercury Bay Discoveries.
    Fantastic, highly recommend
    Callie_A, Mar 2025
    A fantastic experience. The crew were friendly and knowledgeable. A beautiful tour and fun snorkeling opportunity.
    Response from Host, Mar 2025
    Thanks Callie! We are stoked to hear you enjoyed the trip. We also appreciate the kind words on the crew. Warm regards from Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries team.
    Boat ride is a winner
    Amber_M, Feb 2025
    The tour was exceptional and really nice to have a bathroom on board the boat and a warm shower after snorkeling. The Captain and crew provided helpful information about times to go to the hot water beach, food recommendations, and other things important for visitors to know. We also had a person on board in a wheelchair and the crew took great care of him.
    Response from Host, Feb 2025
    Wow! Lovely review thanks Amber! So glad we could create an amazing experience for you and give such helpful information. It is great getting the amazing feedback on the boat and crew as well, It means a lot. We hope the rest of your time her is safe and fun. Kind regards from Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries Whanau.
    Friendly, knowledgable crew…
    Jean_H, Feb 2025
    A friendly, knowledgeable crew…safety was of utmost importance for all passengers. Would highly recommend for families.
    Response from Host, Feb 2025
    Thank you for the review and nice comments on our tour! We are glad to hear you had a great trip aboard with us. Thanks again for the recommendation - From Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries team.
    Cathedral Cove Adventure
    Maureen_E, Feb 2025
    The tour out to Cathedral Cove was beautiful. Great to be able to have time to look at the scenery on the way and take photos. The snorkeling and seeing the fish and reef was amazing. The tour operator was so informative.
    Response from Host, Feb 2025
    Thank you for the nice review Maureen! It is great to get this positive feedback. I agree with you there, the snorkelling is an absolute highlight, good on you for getting in the water and experiencing our stunning marine reserve. Hope the rest of your time here is just as great - From Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries team.
    Great family outing
    Emily_L, Jan 2025
    Take togs to swim in the sea! Staff were amazing and relaxed, knowledgeable and fun. We enjoyed chatting to them about the area abs sea life.
    Response from Host, Jan 2025
    Great tip Emily! Thanks so much for your kind words and taking the time to leave a review 😊 so glad you enjoyed the trip. Kind regards from. Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries team.
    Great time had by all
    Kristy_S, Jan 2025
    It was a lovely experience for our whole family. Awesome way to view some spectacular sights. Good value for money.
    Response from Host, Jan 2025
    Thanks Kirsty! Great to hear you thought it was good value.. I agree! Glad to hear you and the family enjoyed our journey down the coast. Thanks again from Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries team.
    Great activity
    Amy_D, Jan 2025
    Great info provided about the different places of interest. Friendly and helpful crew. Snorkelling was fantastic. The boat is in excellent condition
    Response from Host, Jan 2025
    Thank you Amy! Glad you enjoyed our trip. Kind regards from Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries team.
    Beautiful boating day
    Joanne_W, Dec 2024
    Great experience, friendly staff,, the views and scenery were beautiful. The boat was very comfortable to ride in..
    Response from Host, Dec 2024
    Thank you for taking the time to leave such a great review and the 5⭐️ Joanne! It means a lot to us all here. Hope the rest of your time here is just as great. Kind regards and happy new year from Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries team.
    Brilliant day out!
    Martel_P, Dec 2024
    Such a wonderful trip with Graeme, Mila and Jake. Friendly and informative about the local area. Would highly recommend this trip to anyone.
    Response from Host, Dec 2024
    Thanks for mentioning our amazing crew and leaving a review Martel! Glad you had a great time. Appreciate your recommendation as well. Kind regards from Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries team.
    Highly Recommend
    Ben_V, Dec 2024
    Fantastic tour with an amazing crew. Skipper was top class. Loved the change room/toilet and hot shower after snorkeling. Would highly recommend 👌
    Response from Host, Dec 2024
    Great review thank you Ben! Appreciate the kind feedback and recommendation! Hope ye see you back aboard one day with us in the future. Kind regards from Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries team.
    Super fun and informative experience.
    Donna_M, Dec 2024
    The Captain and crew were wonderful and provided great information. It was obvious they took delight in making their guests comfortable and happy on the boat. They readily shared knowledge of the area and the wonders of Cathedral Cove.
    Response from Host, Dec 2024
    Thanks for the kind review Donna! Glad you enjoyed the adventure. Awesome to hear you enjoyed the content! Making our guests comfortable and happy is something we pride ourselves on 😊 thanks again from Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries team.
    trip
    irene_b, Dec 2024
    Nice boat ride, history of area was given during the trip, reshaping of the local coastline after the last big storm was pointed out, swimming .
    Response from Host, Dec 2024
    Thanks for taking the time to leave a review! Great to hear you enjoyed our trip! Kind regards from Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries team.
    Excellent excursion. Don’t miss it
    lindsay_r, Dec 2024
    Excellent excursion. New boat was very comfortable. Captain and his assistant were very knowledgeable and competent. Beautiful scenery. We got to go snorkeling off the boat but the water was very cold in early November.
    Response from Host, Dec 2024
    Appreciate the 5⭐️ and kind review thank you! Good on you for getting in the water! ( I think I was with the other bunch of people relaxing on the bow of the boat admiring the scenery, having a coffee while you were doing that 😂) you will be happy to know the water has warmed up since then.. appreciate the feedback on the knowledgeable crew too we love sharing the facts on our home 😊 hope to see you again one day.. kind regards from Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries Team.
    Lovely time, support a new business
    Suzanne_G, Dec 2024
    We had a lovely time, new business, very friendly staff members and furnished us with lots of information along the way. Comfortable boat, but we were lucky as only 1/3 full on our trip - afternoon trip.
    Response from Host, Dec 2024
    Thank you for the Amazing review 😊 appreciate you supporting our new business! We have spent our whole lives growing up and working on these waters so it has been an exciting new venture sharing our home with the world! Glad you enjoyed our trip.. kind regards from Chris and the team at Mercury Bay Discoveries.
    Relaxing trip
    Judith_P, Nov 2024
    Beautifully scenic trip to Cathedral Cove and a thrill to back into the cave itself. Graham was an excellent guide and Sienna took wonderful care of everyone making sure we were comfortable and had plenty to drink. Relaxing way to see this part of New Zealand.
    Response from Host, Nov 2024
    Glad you had a great trip! It sure is a beautiful piece of coast.. especially that big cave 😍 glad you enjoyed our stunning trip and thank you for the kind words on the crew and leaving such a great review. Kind regards from Chris and the Mercury Bay Discoveries team.
    If you can choose a calm,...
    Elizabeth_F, Oct 2024
    If you are lucky to have a calm, sunny day, you will see more, but we thoroughly enjoyed our Mercury Bay Discovery Tour of the Cathedral Cove coast despite the choppy water. The scenery is fabulous and the crew were knowledgeable about the history of the area, and looked after us well. Lovely to see the seal pups. A great way to see Cathedral Cove while the walking track is closed for repairs.
    Response from Host, Oct 2024
    Thank you for review Elizabeth! Glad you had a great trip.. what a special treat seeing seal pups! They are beautiful animals to observe in the wild, what an experience! Thanks again for the lovely feedback. Hopefully you can get back again one day. All the best from Chris and Mercury Bay Discoveries Team
    Well worth it...
    1
    Gordon_M, Apr 2024
    The crew were fabulous, very comfortable boat, got some excellent views of the coast. They even have a bathroom on board...

    From $80.59

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    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 23 days in advance.

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