Things to do in

Whitianga

Based in Whitianga, this scenic boat cruise showcases Mercury Bay’s stunning coastal paradise at its very best. Embark on a 2-hour journey across the rugged volcanic shores of the bay and explore its beautiful beaches including Hahei and Lonely Bay. The highlight of the tour is the world-famous Cathedral Cove at Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve. The site has a rich Maori heritage, attracts around 150,000 visitors per year, and was used as a filming location for the blockbuster movie Narnia. Sit back and relax as you sail around the bay, and marvel at its stunning natural landscapes that stretch across the peninsula. Along the way, listen to your guide share entertaining live commentary about the bay and the wildlife that lives here. Make sure to keep an eye on the water too, as there's always a chance to see dolphins, whales and orcas in their natural habitat.

Embark on a sailing trip from Flaxmill Bay, a small cove nestled between Cooks Beach and Whitianga to see the iconic sights of Mercury Bay and Cathedral Cove. Lend a hand with the sailing or simply sit back and relax on comfy beanbags and admire the picturesque scenery.  Board our large, modern catamaran, and after a short safety briefing, set sail out to the calm waters of the bay.  As you sail, spot the area's most notable sights with the help of your guide. Keep your cameras ready as you sail past Cathedral Cove. You will enjoy some snacks and drinks during the journey.  Once the boat sets anchor, if conditions are good, choose to swim or snorkel in the marine reserve with the wonderful sea life, or simply chill out on board and soak up the scenery.  The tour concludes back at the starting point in Flaxmill Bay. 

Cave Cruzer 7.8 metres, the only vessel this size able to navigate inside small caves, giant blowholes & caves. Dedicated to explore more spots only accessible by boat over 24kms, getting you closer, for the best unique, unimpeded (no roof) photos & views of wildlife in the Marine Reserve & majestic, volcanic, coastal views possible on the day. See Cathedral Cove, Shakespeare Cliff, Lonely Bay, Cooks & Hahei beaches & more. The only tour with music to experience the acoustics of New Zealand's 2nd largest sea cave, Orua. The prefect mix of time for pictures, local history & geological info. Optional Rock jumping & Snorkel amongst the fish or just view over the side.

The only Cathedral Cove tour combining high speed thrills, excitement & small cave experiences other boats can’t offer. Cave Cruzer 7.8 metres, the only vessel this size able to navigate inside small caves, giant blowholes & caves. Dedicated to explore more spots only accessible by boat over 24kms, getting you closer, for the best unique, unimpeded (no roof) photos & views of wildlife in the Marine Reserve & majestic, volcanic, coastal views possible on the day. See Cathedral Cove, Shakespeare Cliff, Lonely Bay, Cooks & Hahei beaches & more. The only tour with music to experience the acoustics of NZs 2nd largest sea cave, Orua. The prefect mix of time for pictures, local history & geological info. Optional Rock jumping & Snorkel amongst the fish or just view over the side.

Explore 12 kilometers of rugged volcanic coastline from the water on a fascinating boat trip departing from Whitianga. Relax as you discover the best of Cathedral Cove, look out for local marine life, and gaze at nearby islands and beautiful beaches. Board your boat in Whitianga and immerse yourself in its surrounding coastal scenery. Listen to insightful live commentary as you come across iconic locations such as the breathtaking Cathedral Cove, Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach, and Hahei. Pass by towering rock pinnacles and enter giant blowholes and sea caves. Spot marine life in the early morning, with calm sea conditions and low sparkling sunlight that beams across the Mercury Bay coast.

Start your day with a convenient hotel pickup in Auckland CBD between 6:15 AM to 6:30 AM, ensuring you are ready 15 minutes prior. The journey begins with a drive to Kopu, where a brief 15-minute break allows for restroom use and a quick coffee stop. Continue traveling to Hahei Beach/Cook Beach for a breathtaking boat ride to Cathedral Cove, famously featured in "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian." This scenic adventure, lasting around 1 hours, reveals pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. Afterward, enjoy a scenic ride to Whitianga and enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the restaurants in Albert Street, Whitianga. Post-lunch, embark on the enchanting Driving Creek Railway tour, showcasing engineering marvels and artistic creations amidst the lush Coromandel Peninsula. Conclude your tour with a return to Auckland CBD via Thames, where you'll be comfortably dropped off at your hotel, having experienced a day filled with scenic beauty, historic charm, and delightful culinary and cultural experiences.