Ocean Leopard - Cathedral Cove & Volcanic Coast Boat Tour
Overview
Discover Cathedral Cove and Mercury Bay’s spectacular volcanic coastline on a premium 2-hour sightseeing experience from Whitianga. Travel aboard Ocean Leopard, purpose-built for comfort and exceptional views, with forward-facing seating, generous shade and plenty of space to enjoy the journey. An onboard toilet is available although not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Explore 12 kilometres of dramatic coastline, including Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Lonely Bay and Cooks Beach, and venture through the protected waters of Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve. See towering volcanic cliffs, pinnacles, blowholes and hidden sea caves, including the immense Orua Sea Cave.
Along the way, your experienced local skipper brings the coastline to life with stories of its volcanic origins, Māori history, marine life and local characters. With the full two hours dedicated to exploring the coast, there’s plenty to see, photograph and experience.
What's Included
- Lifejackets
- Onboard toilet
- Blankets
Meeting Location
The Esplanade
Whitianga 3510, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Lonely Bay
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Cooks Beach
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Cathedral Cove
8 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Cathedral Cove Walk
8 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Hot Water Beach
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Orua Sea Cave
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- It is accessible for the mobility impaired, however wheelchairs cannot board the boat
- Snorkeling/swimming is not a part of this tour
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 26 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Ocean Leopard – Cathedral Cove & Volcanic Coast Boat Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-262806P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 451 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Lifejackets.
- Onboard toilet.
- Blankets.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Ocean Leopard - Cathedral Cove & Volcanic Coast Boat Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Ocean Leopard – Cathedral Cove & Volcanic Coast Boat Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Lifejackets
- Onboard toilet
- Blankets
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- It is accessible for the mobility impaired, however wheelchairs cannot board the boat
- Snorkeling/swimming is not a part of this tour
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 26 travelers
