At the Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga, caring for our environment and community is at the heart of what we do. We are proud to say we offset 95% of our emission and continue to reduce our impact while supporting local conservation, education and community projects.
Our passengers can support the Mautohe Cathedral Cove Planting Project, with every tree donation matched by us and an additional contribution going towards predator control in the Coromandel.
Every tour is an opportunity to share the importance of our marine reserve, marine life and conservation. We also work with local schools and conservation groups to provide marine education experiences for tamariki and regularly support local schools, organisations and community events.
For us, tourism and conservation should work hand in hand. When you book with us you are supporting much more than just a boat tour.
Marine Discovery Programme
Explore - Understand - Connect
The future of our oceans depends on the people that inherit them, that is why we developed our Marine Discovery Program.
The waters of Mercury Bay are home to one of New Zealand's most treasured marine reserves; Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve. The program we have developed gives students the opportunity to explore, understand, and connect with our local marine reserve in a meaningful way.
This two-part educational experience begins in the classroom, where our team introduces students to the Marine Reserve and the unique underwater landscape that makes it so special. Through an interactive presentation, students learn what a marine reserve is, how marine ecosystems function, why biodiversity is important, and the challenges facing our oceans today. We also discuss practical actions that individuals can take to help protect and preserve our marine environment for future generations. A favourite part of the classroom session is getting to learn all about different marine species by getting to touch and hold a number of treasures we have collected such as dried seaweeds, washed up shells and skeletal marine remains and systems.
The learning then comes to life aboard our Glass Bottom Boat. Students travel into Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve, where they can observe the marine environment firsthand without getting wet. Looking through the glass viewing panels, they discover the underwater world beneath them, identify marine species, and gain a deeper understanding of the habitats and ecosystems discussed during the classroom session.
By combining education with real-world experience, the Marine Discovery Programme helps students develop a stronger connection to their local environment while fostering curiosity, environmental awareness, and a sense of responsibility for the ocean. It is an engaging and memorable learning experience that inspires the next generation of kaitiaki (guardians) of our marine world.
The programme supports learning outcomes in science, sustainability, environmental education, and social responsibility, making it suitable for a wide range of year levels.
For all enquiries and bookings please contact our booking office - info@gbbw.co.nz
What We Support
Travel - Discover - Restore
The Friends of Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve Trust was established in 2010, primarily to raise funds for the marine reserve and to facilitate the educational program, Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) to schools in the upper Waikato and Hauraki region. The Trust actively seeks funds through grants and donations to provide this program to schools free of charge. The trust strongly believes educating our tamariki on the marine reserve and raising awareness about conservation is top a priority in order to protect our ocean and marine life.
Hayley is an active trust member and assists with donations for The Friends of Te Whanganui A Hei Marine Reserve Trust.
Travel - Discover - Restore
Mautohe Cathedral Cove Planting Project has been developed to maintain the coastal ecosystem and safeguard the natural beauty of this site for future generations to come. The health of the land directly impacts the crystal clear waters and biodiversity of our marine reserve.
By donating $10 for a tree to be planted at Cathedral Cove, you are helping to create a resilient regenerative environment, restoring our native forest, combating climate change and working towards a predator free environment.
The Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga pledges to match every tree donation made to this project.
Manaakitanga
Hospitality and respect between different people, groups and cultures
We are dedicated to making sure everyone's experience is memorable. A high level of customer service, satisfaction and comfort are some of our core values. Let our team guide you through your Glass Bottom Boat adventure with a big smile and warm heart.
Why we are special
- Our smaller passenger numbers mean you get a more personal tour real engagement with crew and fellow passengers.
- Our local team share real stories, history and will take you to their favourite spots.
- Over the summer we have 2 crew onboard to ensure everyone gets a great experience with a personal touch.
- Our purpose built vessels are the optimum in passenger comfort and safety. Enjoy the comfort of our cabin keeping you protected from the sun or any weather conditions.
- Our smaller vessels mean we can get you closer to the sights and experience nature up close.
- Very highly ranked on Trip Adviser, Gold Qualmark status and a recipient of Destination Coromandel’s Service Award.
- We undergo and satisfy stringent quality assessment audits with Qualmark. This ensures we are providing our guests with top quality service and safety procedures.
- Employ a team with top qualifications and excellent service skills to ensure all tours are carried out in a fun, professional and safe manner.
Kaitiakitanga
Guardianship, protection and preservation. The management of our environment.
We are dedicated to protecting The Te Whanganui-o-Hei marine reserve and our Coromandel coast line. We assist and work with Department of Conservation in keeping the marine reserve a NO TAKE zone. Our mammal watch permit allows us to interact with marine animals in a safe and sustainable manner. We believe education and knowledge of the reserve and the marine life in it, is the key to successful conservation of the area. We proudly sponsor conservation organisations and fundraisers plus host educational programs and schools camps.
Why we are special:
- We hold a marine mammal watch permit and ensure all our crew partake in the DOC SMART Course.
- We share information on sightings with DOC, Orca Research Trust and other conservation groups.
- We care about our environment. We recycle, reuse and repurpose as much as possible. We use eco friendly products when possible and try very hard to limit our waste.
- We partake is sustainability courses, initiatives are committed to Sustainable Tourism and The Tiaki Promise.
- We act as Marine Reserve Rangers while on the water always protecting the reserve and promote sustainable interaction with marine mammals.
- We hold a DOC concession to operate inside the marine reserve.
- We offer Marine Educational programs and work closely with Experience Marine Reserves and Seakeepers.
- We are paving the way in regenerative tourism through our native tree donations. We match all of our donations that are made by our guests.
- We are aiming for carbon neutrality.
We only have one ocean so please be kind to it. When on the water don’t throw rubbish overboard and if you come across some please pick it up. Don’t take anything from a marine reserve or when out of the reserve don’t take anything you don’t need.
Take only photos and leave only bubbles or footprints.
