How to Plan Your Cathedral Cove 2 Hour Boat Cruise in Whitianga

Whitianga is a coastal town located on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. It is famous for its stunning beaches and picturesque landscape. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Whitianga is the Cathedral Cove 2 Hour Boat Cruise. This scenic boat tour takes you across the rugged volcanic shores of Mercury Bay and showcases its stunning natural landscapes. If you are planning to visit Whitianga, the Cathedral Cove 2 Hour Boat Cruise is something you must add to your itinerary. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of planning your Cathedral Cove 2 Hour Boat Cruise in Whitianga.

Experience

The Cathedral Cove 2 Hour Boat Cruise is a two-hour scenic boat tour across Mercury Bay in Whitianga. This tour takes you to 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. Along with Cathedral Cove, you will explore the coastline and see giant blowholes, pinnacles, and huge sea caves. Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas as they are frequently spotted here.

Highlights

The Cathedral Cove 2 Hour Boat Cruise offers several highlights that make it an unforgettable experience. Some of the highlights of the tour are:

• Cruise to the world-famous Cathedral Cove
• Listen to entertaining live commentary from your local guide
• Explore the coastline and see giant blowholes, pinnacles, and huge sea caves
• Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas

Full Description

The Cathedral Cove 2 Hour Boat Cruise departs from the Whitianga Wharf and takes you across Mercury Bay. As you sail around the bay, you will marvel at its stunning natural landscapes that stretch across the peninsula. Your local guide will share entertaining live commentary about the bay and the wildlife that lives here. 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. You will have the opportunity to explore the beach and take pictures with the iconic archway that leads to the Cove. Apart from Cathedral Cove, the tour also takes you along the coastline to see giant blowholes, pinnacles, and huge sea caves. If you are lucky, you might spot dolphins, whales, or orcas in their natural habitat. The tour duration is two hours, and it is suitable for all ages. The boat is equipped with comfortable seating and has an onboard restroom. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your local guide.

Booking

Booking the Cathedral Cove 2 Hour Boat Cruise in Whitianga is easy. You can book the tour online on GetYourGuide.com. The tour costs $95 per person and includes a scenic boat tour across Mercury Bay with live commentary from your local guide. To book the tour, click on the following link book the tour here.

Book Your Tour Now

The Cathedral Cove 2 Hour Boat Cruise in Whitianga is a must-do activity if you are visiting the Coromandel Peninsula. This scenic boat tour takes you across Mercury Bay and showcases its stunning natural landscapes. Along with Cathedral Cove, you will explore the coastline and see giant blowholes, pinnacles, and huge sea caves. Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas as they are frequently spotted here. The tour is suitable for all ages and is easy to book online. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

FAQs about Whitianga, New Zealand

Whitianga is a small coastal town, located in the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and relaxed lifestyle. If you’re planning to visit Whitianga, there might be a few questions that you have in mind. In this post, we will try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Whitianga.

1. What is the best time to visit Whitianga?

Whitianga has a mild climate throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging between 20°C to 25°C during the summer months (December-February) and between 10°C to 15°C during the winter months (June-August). The best time to visit Whitianga depends on your preference. The summer months are perfect for beach activities, while the winter months are ideal for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

2. How do I get to Whitianga?

Whitianga is easily accessible by road, and it’s around 2.5 hours drive from Auckland. You can either hire a car or take a bus from Auckland to Whitianga. There are also regular flights from other major cities in New Zealand to Whitianga airport.

3. What are the best beaches in Whitianga?

Whitianga is blessed with several stunning beaches, including:

a. Buffalo Beach

Buffalo Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Whitianga, located just a few minutes’ walk from the town center. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing, and there are several picnic areas and BBQ facilities available.

b. New Chums Beach

New Chums Beach is one of the most beautiful, unspoiled beaches in the region. The beach is only accessible by foot, and it’s a 30-minute walk from Whangapoua Beach car park. The crystal-clear water and golden sand make it a perfect place to spend a day.

c. Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove is another popular beach in Whitianga, known for its natural beauty and stunning rock formations. The beach is only accessible by foot or by boat, and it’s a 45-minute walk from the car park.

4. What are the popular tourist attractions in Whitianga?

Whitianga has several tourist attractions that offer something for everyone, including:

a. The Lost Spring

The Lost Spring is a natural thermal spa that offers a range of relaxing treatments and massages. The spa is set in a beautiful garden, and it’s a perfect place to unwind and relax.

b. Mercury Bay Museum

The Mercury Bay Museum is a must-visit place for history buffs. The museum showcases the rich history of the Coromandel region, with exhibits that date back to pre-European times.

c. The Waterworks

The Waterworks is a unique attraction in Whitianga, featuring a range of interactive water-themed exhibits and activities.

5. What are the best hiking trails in and around Whitianga?

Whitianga is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the region. Some of the best hiking trails in and around Whitianga include:

a. The Coromandel Coastal Walkway

The Coromandel Coastal Walkway is a 10 km hike that offers stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding hills.

b. The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles is a challenging hike that takes you through native forest, waterfalls, and stunning views of the Coromandel region.

c. The Kauri Grove Walk

The Kauri Grove Walk is a short 30-minute hike through a native forest that features several Kauri trees, some which are over 800 years old.

6. What are the best restaurants in Whitianga?

Whitianga has several excellent restaurants that offer a range of cuisines, including:

a. Salt Restaurant

Salt Restaurant is a popular restaurant in Whitianga known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the harbor.

b. The Espy Cafe

The Espy Cafe is a laid-back cafe that offers great coffee and a range of healthy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

c. The Whitianga Hotel

The Whitianga Hotel is a historic hotel that features a restaurant specializing in classic pub fare. In conclusion, Whitianga is a beautiful coastal town that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for stunning beaches, hiking trails, or relaxing spas, Whitianga has it all. We hope that this post answers some of your questions about Whitianga and helps you plan your next visit to this beautiful region.

How to Spend your Time as a Tourist in Whitianga

Whitianga is a beautiful town on the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island of New Zealand. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and many other attractions that the town has to offer. If you are planning to visit Whitianga, you may be wondering what to do or where to go. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Whitianga.

Explore the Beaches

Whitianga is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, and there are plenty of them to explore. The two most popular beaches are Buffalo Beach and Whitianga Beach. Buffalo Beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, while Whitianga Beach is ideal for surfing and windsurfing. Other notable beaches in the area include Cooks Beach, Cathedral Cove Beach, and Hot Water Beach. Cathedral Cove Beach is particularly famous for its stunning rock formations, while Hot Water Beach is a unique beach where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand.

Visit Mercury Bay Museum

If you are interested in learning more about the rich history of Whitianga, a visit to the Mercury Bay Museum is a must. This museum has a vast collection of artifacts and displays that offer insights into the early settlers, the whaling industry, and the Maori culture.

Take a Boat Tour

One of the best ways to explore Whitianga is by taking a boat tour. There are several cruise operators that offer various tours, including dolphin watching, snorkeling, and fishing. You can also take a guided tour to see the magnificent Cathedral Cove and the hole in the rock.

Go on a Hiking Adventure

Whitianga has many hiking trails that are perfect for exploring the surrounding scenery. The most popular hiking trail is the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, which takes you through native forests, past many beaches, and offers stunning views of the ocean. The Kauri Block Track is another popular hiking trail that takes you through a Kauri forest, where you can see some of the largest Kauri trees in the world.

Visit the Lost Spring Thermal Pools

If you are looking for a relaxing day out, you can visit the Lost Spring Thermal Pools. This attraction offers a range of hot pools, which are set in a stunning tropical garden. You can also enjoy a variety of treatments, including massages and facials.

Go Shopping at the Whitianga Market

The Whitianga Market is held every Saturday and is a great place to shop for local crafts, produce, and souvenirs. The market also features live music and food stalls, making it a great place to spend a few hours.

Visit the Scallop Festival

If you are in Whitianga during September, you can’t miss the Scallop Festival. This festival celebrates the town’s seafood heritage and offers a range of scallop-themed dishes to try. You can also enjoy live music and other entertainment.

Go Fishing

Whitianga is a fishing town, and fishing is a popular activity for both locals and tourists. There are plenty of opportunities for fishing, including freshwater rivers, the ocean, and the many lakes in the area.

Final Thoughts

Whitianga is a beautiful town with plenty of attractions to enjoy. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the local history or indulge in some adventure activities, there is something for everyone. We hope that this guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Whitianga.