Cave Cruzer is a boat tour operator based at Whitianga Wharf, New Zealand, providing small-group scenic and private boat trips to Cathedral Cove and coastal sights around Mercury Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Hours of Operation
Seasonal Operation. Check online availability. Peak hours on the water, 7 Days 9:00am - 5:30pm
Private Cruise Tour - your group, your way
- Your group only on a boat tour - perfect for families
- Choose a sedate scenic boat ride perfect for viewing the marine reserve and caves
- For more adrenaline ask for a high-speed boat ride along the Coromandel coast with sharp turns and wave jumping
- Small-group trips on an open boat with 360-degree views so you see the coastline, caves and spray as it happens
Cathedral Cove boat tour from Whitianga through Mercury Bay and Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula
Book a private cruise so you can see the coastal highlights with your group, at a pace you choose
Most boat tours to Cathedral Cove promise a scenic day, but the experience can feel distant or enclosed behind windows. On a Private cruise with Cave Cruzer, the difference is immediate: your own group with you, 360 degree view from an open boat, take it at a leisurely pace, or at open-water speed, real ocean movement and the same caves, blowholes and coastal features as the Cove Cruise Tour.
The feel of the ride changes with the day, bringing more wind and more open-water movement, with photo time and commentary always included.
The feel of the ride changes with the day, bringing more wind and more open-water movement, with photo time and commentary always included.
Private Cruise Tour - Overview:
Private boat ride from Whitianga to Cathedral Cove, caves and blowholes on open RIB.
- All the same photo stops as the Cruise tour
- Leisurely or high speed boat ride from Whitianga along Mercury Bay
- Open boat adventure route past Cooks Beach to Cathedral Cove
- Small-group trips on open RIB boat with 360-degree views
- Cave boat ride covering sea caves, blowholes and coastal rock features
- Orua Cave entry when safe, with music played through the boat stereo
- Two-hour approx. Cathedral Cove boat tour with photo time and commentary
- Mask and snorkel provided for short swim stops, conditions permitting
- Marine mammal watch permit allows longer viewing when wildlife appears
- Family boat trips paced to cautious passengers; lifejackets from 10 kg
Open RIB, cave access and marine life
Cave Cruzer runs an open inflatable RIB, so you experience the coastline directly, with no roof or cabin blocking the view. Seating keeps everyone close to the water, and front-row turns can be rotated when safe so more passengers can enjoy the experience.
The route includes Cathedral Cove, volcanic cliffs, lava tubes, inside blowholes, smaller sea caves and Orua Cave when conditions allow. Inside Orua Cave, music is played so you can hear the cave acoustics, something unique to Cave Cruzer.
Fish are seen on every trip, while seals, dolphins and orca may appear at the right time. A marine mammal permit allows viewing time when wildlife is encountered.
Masks and snorkels are available for a swim when conditions suit, and tour photos are uploaded to Facebook afterwards for free download.
Skipper, safety and how the pace is set
Brian is the owner, skipper and guide, with around 50 years on the water and eight years as a licensed commercial skipper. He drives every tour himself, using his experience to read the swell, position the boat for photos and judge when the pace can be picked up, or slow things down.
If a faster pace boat ride is requested, speed is always adjusted for safety, the front seats are shared by those that want more excitement, or move further back if it suits you and relax more. Brian always arranges the rotation to ensure a fair share of the front row view.
Lifejackets are provided for passengers 10kg and over, with different styles fitted by weight. A faster pace tour is as exciting as possible for the conditions on the day.
To enquire about availability for private tours, please use the Contact page.
To enquire about availability for private tours, please use the Contact page.
What to bring and weather changes
Brian is the owner, skipper and guide, with around 50 years on the water and eight years as a licensed commercial skipper. He drives every tour himself, using his experience to read the swell, position the boat for photos and judge when to pick up the pace or slow things down.
Lifejackets are provided for passengers over 10kg, with different styles fitted by weight. Those wanting the biggest thrills can choose to sit up front, while passengers are welcome to change seats during the tour to enjoy a different perspective.
For more local activities and ideas, see the Things to do section.
For more local activities and ideas, see the Things to do section.
Safety comes first. The route may be adjusted or the trip cancelled with a full refund if conditions are not suitable. May still go ahead in light rain if safe.
Mask and snorkel are provided for a short swim if conditions suit. Bring a towel and spare clothes if you plan to swim. It is suggested to wear swimwear under clothes due to time restrictions.
Private Cruise Tour - Summary:
- What: A Cathedral Cove Private cruise tour offering snorkelling, rock jumping, leisurely or high speed, sharp turns and wave jumping, you choose.
- Where: Departures from Whitianga, travelling through Mercury Bay past Cooks Beach to Cathedral Cove and nearby sea caves on the Coromandel Peninsula.
- Who for: Small groups, families and mixed age passengers looking to change the format, route or to a faster pace with more excitement.