On the Water
3 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$185
per adult
Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours
Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours
Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours
5
Boat ToursWater SportsEco ToursSightseeing ToursKayaking & Canoeing
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
The Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve opens up a sea kayaking paradise full of beaches, islands and rock gardens that are just waiting to be explored.Paddle through sea caves, interact with the local marine life and discover the thrill of kayak sailing with the wind on your back. To top it off we land at Cathedral Cove where you will be treated to our world famous cappuccinos and hot chocolates on the beach! Having delighted travellers for over 20 years, Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours are one of NZ's must do activities!
Hahei, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
1,322 reviews
Excellent
1,256
Very good
55
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Kim
1 contribution
Jan 2021
Spectacular! We did the Remote Coast Tour as a group of 5 with our guide Louis. Loved everything about it, these guys are well organised and very professional. You don't need any previous experience they will teach you about all the equipment and safety procedures before you leave the beach. The caves are beautiful, the light travels through the water and reflect luminous blue up to the ceiling and the fish we almost neon. We would never have known which ones to choose without Louis. Completely safe, when the wind got a bit stronger, the team even offered to come get us. We've travelled to some great places but wish we'd done this tour sooner and would do again in a heartbeat.
Written 2 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.
Thank you for your generous review! I'll be sure to share your comments with Lui, I know he loved the trip with your family and will be delighted to hear you all had such a good time. Thanks again for kayaking with us!
Written 7 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eileen S
Santa Fe, NM28 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Great fun and beautiful area. Our guide was very cheerful helpful and informative. He gave me all the instruction I needed to have an amazing kayak trip. The latte on the beach was a very nice touch which he made and presented impeccably.
Written 5 November 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.
Thank you for you comments, glad to hear you had a great time. Thanks again for kayaking with us!
Written 22 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellie & Will
10 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Great kayaking trip from Hanei to Cooks Beach. Our guide was good to chat to and told us lots of interesting facts about the area and wildlife. There was a great coffee at the end too! Only reason for giving it a 4 star not a 5 is that we didn't get to stop at Cathedral Cove due to the weather, but there is nothing to company could do about this. It was great nonetheless!
Written 11 January 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, glad you had a great time! Yes sometimes we do make the safety based call not to land at Cathedral Cove but we still get front row seats as we paddle past it (and we always let people know if we won't be landing there before the trip). Thanks again for kayaking with us!
Written 12 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John Alistair W
22 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This was well organised, safe and efficent.They explained how to use the kayak well. They know what they are doing . We had about 2 hours paddling including floating in clear water over a shoal of fish. our leader Andrea took photos when we were out: these were posted on line that night so we could view/ download. No need to risk dropping the camera
Written 15 December 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 joining us, happy to hear you had a good time and enjoyed the photos.
Written 23 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lismary P
Santiago, Chile2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Our guide was AMAZING. She helped us and made us feel safe, which was a relief since we were absolute beginners. I fully recommend taking this tour. And the view makes the physical effort completely worth i
Written 26 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.
What a great review, thanks for sharing!
Written 3 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alma F
2 contributions
Feb 2022
The most amazing kayak trip around rugged and remote coastline. The caves were just awesome and we were lucky with the tide to be able to kayak through one cave ‘tunnel’ under a headland at Hahei . Our guide, Hayden was awesome, he shared his knowledge of the local Maori history and the geology that formed the land .
Written 16 February 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.
Thank you for your comments, very much appreciated!
Written 31 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roofdownandgo
London, UK21 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
What a well organised and thoroughly professional experience. Our guide, Mike, was great fun and instilled complete confidence in the group. We did the 3 hour morning trip and found it great fun and not too difficult at all. The canoes were all too top and we were lucky that the weather was great and the sea calm. It was worth ever penny
Written 19 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.
Thanks again for your comments, glad you had a grea time!
Written 3 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glenn
5 contributions
Feb 2021
Did the Remote Coast tour on 21st February 2021.
Excellent half day tour of the coast line featuring blow hole, large caves & interesting rock formations along the way.
Well paced -- would suggest you be of moderate fitness plus if undertaking the tour as its reasonably consistent paddling for the whole tour (we managed to catch the breeze/ sail for a short period).
Andy, the guide, was a great host with lots of interesting commentary on the way.
Excellent half day tour of the coast line featuring blow hole, large caves & interesting rock formations along the way.
Well paced -- would suggest you be of moderate fitness plus if undertaking the tour as its reasonably consistent paddling for the whole tour (we managed to catch the breeze/ sail for a short period).
Andy, the guide, was a great host with lots of interesting commentary on the way.
Written 23 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.
Many thanks for your comments. Andy will be very happy to hear you enjoyed the trip with him. Thanks again for kayaking with us!
Written 23 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KellyEmus
Napier, New Zealand8 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
Can’t recommend this enough. We have done this tour twice now and this time taking our 8 year old granddaughter. She loved it! Our guide Louis was great with her even letting her paddle back to Hahei with him. I’ve been coming to Coromandel since I was twelve and I learn something new about the area every time!
Written 7 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.
Thank you for your comments Kelly and thanks for kayaking with us again! Do let us know next time you're wanting to join the kayak trip and we'll look after you. Great to hear you all had such a good time... I'll be sure to pass your comments on to Lui, he'll be delighted to hear it.
Written 7 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greg W
Scottsdale, AZ89 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Max was a great guide, everything was simple and efficient with a lot of knowledge of the area and coastline. Saw a penquin and large red snapper along the way! A must do if you like nature and kayaking.
Written 22 February 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.
Thank you for your comments Greg, glad you had a great time!
Written 24 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My mother is in her late 70s and speaks very little English. However, I can assist her by providing interpretation. I am an experienced kayaker and would be able to kayak alongside her. Given these circumstances, would we be able to join the tour?
Written 21 September 2024
Mike G
Hahei, New Zealand
Hi Sharon
We would love to have you and your mother join us on the Kayak Tour. Just make a note in the comments section when you make your booking and our team will look after you. See you soon!
Written 22 September 2024
Do you run kayaking trips all year round? We will be there in July.
Written 22 April 2019
Yes they do, such a great product! :)
Written 23 April 2019
Miss_Niky
London, United Kingdom
How do I book it and does it go from haihei? Or where does it start and cover
Written 21 November 2018
Hi, you just call them and book it. They Need your creditcard number to confirm. it starts Right at the beach in hahei.
they have three different tours, one to Cathedral Cove, one to the other side of the bay, and one there you go to both sides.
Written 7 March 2019
Hi,
Are we able to get down Cathedral Cove and walk along the beaches during this tour?
Written 28 September 2018
Our tour landed at Cathedral Cove. Plenty of time to explore and even go for a swim. The guides are great at keeping everyone on schedule!
Written 28 September 2018
we r fr hk, may find it cold during kayak. what is range of temperature in mid may? do we need to bring swimwear, we dont have anything for kayaking during cold front
Written 22 February 2018
We wore just normal gym clothes. You don’t get too wet as there is a protective thing over your seat and around you.
Written 23 February 2018
Is the full day tour really worth the extra money compared to the classic one? Meaning do you really see different things or go out further into the ocean?
Written 30 August 2017
Mike G
Hahei, New Zealand
The following is taken from the Kayak Tours FAQ page..
The Cathedral Cove Classic heads north of Hahei Beach and explores the Marine Reserve and Cathedral Cove. The Remote Coast Tour heads south of Hahei and explores the volcanic coast between Hahei and Hot Water Beach including the blowhole. The full day tour is a combination of both tours. The Remote Coast tour covers coastline that is more exposed than the area explored on the Cathedral Cove Classic. This means the Remote Coast tour is more weather and sea dependent than the Classic tour.
Written 2 September 2017
is it busy in April? usually what are tge weather conditions like during this time?
Written 21 March 2017
Hi - we were at Cathedral Cove in early December 2016, so quite a different season (as noted by the previous comment). As it's autumn, it will probably be moderate temperature-wise, but the weather may be more changeable. I would contact the provider, and ask about the weather and level of bookings. It is an amazing place - so very beautiful and peaceful. Enjoy your NZ holiday :-) Robyn
Written 22 March 2017
I have never gone kayaking before. So I was wondering how physically strenuous it was, and whether you would recommend it to kayaking newcomers?
Written 11 January 2017
Mike G
Hahei, New Zealand
Absolutely no experience necessary and just a moderate level of fitness is required. If you can walk around a busy airport, lift your luggage into a taxi and walk the stairs at your accomodation then you'll be fine on the kayak trip!
Written 11 January 2017
sina1412
Orakei, New Zealand
Hi Steven,
which tour have you done? There are 2 different and we don't know we should book.
thanks
sina
Written 26 November 2015
We are planning on visiting Waiteti Trout stream park in mid May. Will we be able to fly fish that time of year? Will the Trout man be available to book with ? My family is very excited to be visiting NZ this May, the North Island looks beautiful.
thanks Tim Cassidy
Canada
Written 22 May 2015
Cannot assist with a fishing question. We enjoyed our stay in the Coromandal Penninsula , Kayaking and hiking.
Written 23 May 2015
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