Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises
Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises
Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises
5
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
Boat tour cruise of Cathedral Cove, Cooks Beach, Hahei, marine reserve, caves and beaches, includes swimming and snorkeling if conditions suit Department of Conservation Mammal watching permit
Whitianga, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
588 reviews
Excellent
564
Very good
23
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Vickskix
Wellington, New Zealand125 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
Highly recommend Cathedral Cove tours, which was our chosen provider of the several who offer such boat trips to Cathedral Cove and surrounding bays. This boat was very sturdy and stable even in choppy swell, and the experience and commentary were interesting and entertaining. We liked that the boat size makes the experience more personal - small party on board - just 6 of us, plus skipper ....not a whole boatload crammed in as we saw on the other boats. Boat size meant we were able to manoeuvre into the Orua cave, even in a swell. Saw heaps of fish when we stopped to view them, within the marine reserve. Highly recommended.
Written 6 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review and glad you enjoyed your tour with us. Thanks again
Written 24 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah C
2 contributions
Mar 2020
After a fantastic day out with Ken a few years ago it was an easy decision to book again while on holidays with family from the UK and Australia. Ken and Katie were wonderful hosts and their local knowledge of the area is first class. With the weather forecast not on our side it was touch and go if our trip would happen but Ken's communication was fantastic and thank goodness he took the chance of going ahead with the trip as we had a perfect morning on the water while it appeared many other boat operators had cancelled their trips. There was something for everyone in our group with so many great photo opportunities and we all agreed it was one of the highlights of our holiday!
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry for the delay in response you tour review. Thanks for taking the time to complete one. We have been pretty quiet since your trip. Covid has really impacted visitor numbers. We have still had some fantastic tours though.
I am really glad you enjoyed your tour
Ken
Written 20 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marine N
8 contributions
Dec 2022
Ken and his colleague were amazing !
I wasn't in a great mood because I initially booked with another company (Sea Cave adventure) and the guy told me last minute there isn't enough people on the tour (after rebooking me already), so if I don't pay 60$ extra, there is no chance I can go. The weather conditions were amazing and it was just such a shame to start the afternoon like that.
Ken totally saved the day by accepting me and Diane (another customer in the same situation) onboard. His colleague and him made everything they could to cheer us up : they made sure we had the best time ! They told us a lot about the rocks, the caves, they took pictures and even sent an e-mail with some extra pictures after the tour. They also gave me advice on what to do around, the best sunrise spot, infos about the area... They've been super friendly, smily and the tour was just stunning !
Thanks for saving the day.
Book with Ken, you won't regret it :)
I wasn't in a great mood because I initially booked with another company (Sea Cave adventure) and the guy told me last minute there isn't enough people on the tour (after rebooking me already), so if I don't pay 60$ extra, there is no chance I can go. The weather conditions were amazing and it was just such a shame to start the afternoon like that.
Ken totally saved the day by accepting me and Diane (another customer in the same situation) onboard. His colleague and him made everything they could to cheer us up : they made sure we had the best time ! They told us a lot about the rocks, the caves, they took pictures and even sent an e-mail with some extra pictures after the tour. They also gave me advice on what to do around, the best sunrise spot, infos about the area... They've been super friendly, smily and the tour was just stunning !
Thanks for saving the day.
Book with Ken, you won't regret it :)
Written 8 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes it was so good we could help out and pleased you had a good time!
Written 1 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
waynehannah2018
Christchurch, New Zealand49 contributions
Mar 2021
It was the wife and I's first trip to Whangamata. Naturally we had to do the touristy thing and a boat trip to a cave ... well ... how exciting !! Being a level 3 trip advisor i dont muck around. I went straight to the review section and thought this provider looks to have the most stable /robust / unsinkable boat - so lets do a trip with him !
Ken the captain was pretty relaxed and ran a good show. We sat up the front with another couple and despite a pretty decent swell of a couple of meters running we never got a wet backside at all.
We went places quicker and further than the other boats purely because we could (The NAIAD design is pretty good). We were the only ones who made it into the cave that day. I've been in the Navy over 40 years and was modestly nervous when Ken did the dash of death into the cave between the dumpers caused by the swell.
We did some tiki touring on the way back and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. He will only charge you for what he can deliver so if its a short trip - you don't get short changed ! Excellent value Ken !!
Ken the captain was pretty relaxed and ran a good show. We sat up the front with another couple and despite a pretty decent swell of a couple of meters running we never got a wet backside at all.
We went places quicker and further than the other boats purely because we could (The NAIAD design is pretty good). We were the only ones who made it into the cave that day. I've been in the Navy over 40 years and was modestly nervous when Ken did the dash of death into the cave between the dumpers caused by the swell.
We did some tiki touring on the way back and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. He will only charge you for what he can deliver so if its a short trip - you don't get short changed ! Excellent value Ken !!
Written 8 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review and awesome comments BUT WHY the 2/5?? We are also run out of Whitianga NOT Whangamata.
Written 16 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah B
Adelaide, Australia148 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Why go glass bottom when you can go with Captain Ken?! 😀 Even on a cold day, threatening rain, we are so pleased we chose to do this. Sitting up front as you head to Cathedral Cove and caves, dolphins swimming under the boat, Ken’s antics that rival the best jet boat ride you’ve had and a cool underwater device he has to take the BEST video of up close and personal snapper feeding... and you can’t want for much more. As Nike says, just do it!
Written 1 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sounds like you had a great day out and even dolphins. Thanks for your great review
Written 4 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mammap1975
Winchester, New Zealand25 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Our family trip with Ken was amazing from start to finish. I phoned around 5pm the night before we wanted to go out and Ken was totally flexible with when and where we went. I couldn’t believe our luck in being able to book at short notice. There was just our family on this trip and Ken showed us some of the best sights, followed by a spot of fishing, rock jumping and snorkelling. He was happy to do what we were interested in. Then to top the trip off we went to see dolphins in the bay after Ken heard there were some about that day. Ken was a great guide, knew his stuff, totally flexible and even had a few photography tips for us. There was not one bad thing about this trip and I’d recommend it to everyone young or old.
Written 7 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review and glad you had such a great time. Its always great when you have the boat to yourselves as we enjoy customising the tour to suit. Added bonus of dolphins was a plus, as we do not see them all the time.
Written 8 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nadine F
Calgary, Canada48 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
We landed in NZ from Canada just before the Canadian government recalled us back due to COVID-19. We had 4 days in the country and this cruise was on our bucket list. It was the first activity we did and it was outstanding!!! Ken was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the landscape and it’s history. We had great fun while he had my teen boys sit on the sides waiting to get splashed with sea water. He knew exactly where to find the best photos and even took photo and video for us when he knew the best angle. Honestly I would recommend this tour 100% for anyone looking to get out on the open water and see the cathedral cove, and some wildlife from sea. And Ken is just an outstanding wonderful guy to spend the afternoon with.
Ken: we know this was your scheduled afternoon off. But we can’t possibly thank you enough for coming out and showing us a great time on short notice!
Ken: we know this was your scheduled afternoon off. But we can’t possibly thank you enough for coming out and showing us a great time on short notice!
Written 18 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi from Kiwi land - sorry it been a while since you posted the review and much appreciated. I remember your tour well and i hope you are all well back home in Canada.
such a shame to have your tour cut short but i am glad we had a chance to give you a good taste of Kiwi hospitality and our amazing country.
Ken
Written 20 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WellNell
Surfers Paradise, Australia73 contributions
Jan 2023
We were a company of two and were pleasantly surprised when we reached the boat at the jetty that it was going to be an intimate experience since the little boat has capacity for only 6 people (a back bench to fit 4, a front bench to fit two). And an intimate experience it was with fantastic Skipper Ken, whose knowledge of the area and sense of humour enhanced our experience. Ken is very aware of how to make a visitor to the area to experience as much as possible and to take away precious memories. How? By showing how to use our phones for special effect photos such as fish underwater, panoramas, video and to top it off, took a photo of us and sent it through via email. Additionally, we were taken to a pod of dolphins, one of which played in the wake of the boat so got so close as to be almost touchable. We felt very special and blessed to have chosen this company in particular. Thank you Ken!
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. Yes sometimes you get lucky with us as we don't turn away bookings for 2. The boat when full take 12 and for lager family groups we can squeeze in 14. That is too cosy for mixed bookings though.
Written 26 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
scorp30
Whakatāne, New Zealand17 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
A beautiful walk, steep in parts but well worth it. Parking at the top carpark is also a little steep at $15 but you can park further away for free.
A beautiful sheltered bay at the bottom. Suitable for all ages with moderate fitness. A definite "must do" in the area.
A beautiful sheltered bay at the bottom. Suitable for all ages with moderate fitness. A definite "must do" in the area.
Written 12 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
please remove your review. this is not the Cathedral Cove walk way or taxi site. This is Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises a local boat tour that offers much better value for money
Written 20 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FionaBL
Brisbane, Australia54 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Thoroughly enjoyed our morning cruise around the Coromandel coast. This is a stunning part of NZ and Ken, our guide & skipper, was informative and friendly. He took the time to ensure that all on board had plenty of photo ops as well as being remarkably well informed as to how to get the best shots with our phone cameras. The boat, an ex-coast guard boat, was stable and relatively comfortable. We had good weather with approx 1.5m swell and even at speed we didn’t get wet from spray.
There were 6 on our tour (plus Ken) and this was a comfortable number although I think the tour can cater for a few more.
Given that you now can’t get to Cathedral Cove by foot since the Feb 2022 cyclone, seeing it from the water is your only option. Added to that the opportunity to get close to some amazing caves (and in the case of Orua sea cave right in) and enjoy some of this spectacular coastline up close, this is a tour definitely worth doing. 2.5hrs well spent.
There were 6 on our tour (plus Ken) and this was a comfortable number although I think the tour can cater for a few more.
Given that you now can’t get to Cathedral Cove by foot since the Feb 2022 cyclone, seeing it from the water is your only option. Added to that the opportunity to get close to some amazing caves (and in the case of Orua sea cave right in) and enjoy some of this spectacular coastline up close, this is a tour definitely worth doing. 2.5hrs well spent.
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to post such a great review
Written 23 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi can I bring my camera (slr) on board for photos or is it likely to get wet? Thanks
Written 24 May 2023
We brought our cameras and phones without any problems.
Written 24 May 2023
Hi, i am looking into prices on your website but i can not find the age ranges. we would be interested in the "double C" tour. can you confirm prices for 2x Adults and children ages 7yr, 3yr and 8 months.
Thank You!!
Written 17 March 2019
Prices are $95/adult $60 for children 5 to 15 under 5's are free
Ken
Written 18 March 2019
Hi, my husband and I are planning a visit around February 21-23 and would love to see Cathedral Cove and other areas. I see that you have a small boat tour and I was wondering if we are able to get out of the boat at Cathedral Cove for photos or if we must remain in the boat at all times of the tour. Thanks so much
Patty
Written 20 January 2019
Hi there. Unfortunately the tour doesn’t allow us to let people off at Cathedral Cove (we are a on boat tour) but there are opportunities for snorkeling in the marine reserve or other top snorkeling spots. Thanks for the question. Lesley
Written 21 January 2019
Hi I cannot access your website can you provide some information about the tours you offer, we are visiting in April and are interested in a scenic cruise but would like to know what packages you have for 1 adult and children aged 16 and 14 Thanks
Written 2 March 2018
HI there - hmm not sure why the website isnt working for you? We have 2 tours a 7.30am short tour 1 1/2 hours at $60 per adult and 9.30 and 1pm tours of 2 1/2 hours (better trip to do) as it takes in all the sights plus snorkelling if the water is still ok for swimming. The cost is $85 per adult for the Triple C tour Children under 15 yrs are $50 so your older child would be at the adult price. You do need to prebook especially if it is school holidays and Easter is coming up. Please do try again on the website. Trip Advisor wont let me send you the email address but it is info then '@' then cathedralcovecruises (then co.nz) Thanks for your enquiry
Written 2 March 2018
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