Our Cathedral Cove boat tour is hailed as one of the best things to do in Whitianga. If you would like to explore more while here, then make sure you check out the stunning places that surround us.
Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve
Since Becoming a Protected Area, the Marine Life Around Cathedral Cove Is Thriving. We Exclusively Offer the Chance to View This Magical Underwater World Whilst on Our Tour. the Glass Panels on All Our Vessels Provide a Window to View the Marine Life From the Comfort of the Vessel.
Te-Whanganui-o-Hei was one of the earliest marine reserves to be established, the first in the Coromandel and one of the first nationwide being put in place in 1992. One of the more famous reserves in the country, it is also one of the most popular, being accessible by both land and sea. Home to the white sandy beaches and stunning white cliffs of Cathedral Cove, spectacular islands forming the boundary and abundant marine life, this reserve has a lot to offer.
Since becoming a no take zone, the reserve it is abundant with marine life. Gemstone bay is home to a large school of resident snapper, who swim amongst the snorkel trail and make for a very interesting snorkel. Throughout the marine reserve you will also find many other fish species including blue cod, trevalley, red moki, wrasses, goat fish, blue mao mao, demoiselles plus crayfish, kina, stingrays, eels, octopus, soft corals and more. There are small caves, rocky reefs and overhangs, kelp forests and sandy flats full of marine life ready to be explored.
The success of our amazing local conservation groups rely on donations to continue to trap, replant and provide top conservation practices in the Coromandel . If you would like to support the protection, preservation and help raise awareness of the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve you can do so on our booking page by adding a donation to your booking.
Conservation and education groups that we support by collecting donations are: The Friends of Te Whanganui o Hei Marine Reserve Trust, Experiencing Marine Reserves, Hahei Reserves Group, Mercury Bay Environmental Group and Mautohe Cathedral Cove Tree Project.
Getting Here
To get to the stunning Coromandel Peninsula there are a few different routes. If you are coming from Auckland there is even a ferry option over to Coromandel Town. Flying is the quickest way to get to Whitianga, and the beautiful birds eye views are ones you don’t want to miss. Driving takes about 2 and a half hours from Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton. The roads are windy however the scenery is spectacular and there are many beaches and towns to stop in along the way.
During our busy Summer months it can be extremely busy and difficult to find a car park – please allow plenty of time to find a car park as do you do not want to miss your tour!
Mautohe Cathedral Cove and other local sights
Cathedral Cove and the marine reserve is a main highlight and the best way to experience this is on The Glass Bottom Boat. The perspective you get from the water looking back at the volcanic coastline is beautiful. If you can, the walk is also worth it. If you are doing the walk, please stick to the tracks, take away your rubbish and leave only footprints.
If you would like to give back to the the area and keep it beautiful for years to come, you're encouraged to add a tree donation to your booking.
Other local sights to visit:
- Hot Water Beach
- New Chums Beach
- Shakespheare’s Cliff Viewing
- Bush walks such as the Kauri Grove
- The Coromandel Coastal Walkway
- Explore the Pinnacles
For a more detailed list of things to do visit The Coromandel website.
Things to do in Whitianga and Mercury Bay
The hub of the Coromandel is Mercury Bay. Whitianga is the main village, with plenty on offer. Walk the beachfront path into the main street to get your boat tour or find your spot on the beach for the day. Along with awesome retail shops and spas, there are great beach cafes with amazing coffee and cakes, restaurants with delicious wood fired pizzas and incredible seafood. Here you will find it all.
Other villages to visit while in Mercury Bay are:
- Hot Water Beach
- Hahei
- Cooks Beach
- Kuaotunu
- Matarangi
- Whangapoua
- Coromandel Town
The Mercury Bay has a rich and colourful history that is just waiting to be explored, from early colonial days to one of the oldest marine reserves in New Zealand, it’s not to be missed. Take a look below at some of our local historic spots.
- Cooks Beach – Where Captain Cook officially discovered New Zealand
- Hahei – Māori Pa site at the south end of the beach
- Buffalo Beach – The site of a shipwreck from the 1800’s
Visit the Mercury Bay Museum if you want to find out more. The perfect rainy day activity!
