At 7.8 metres, Cave Cruzer is the only vessel of its size in Mercury Bay, small enough to navigate inside caves and blowholes larger boats cannot enter, open-topped so nothing blocks your view above. Between stops, Brian opens the throttle.
You will cover 24 kilometres of protected Coromandel coastline at speed. Cave Cruzer goes inside the ancient blowholes and cave systems that line the route. Other boats do not.
Cathedral Cove is the centrepiece, Te Hoho Rock, the Sleeping Dragon, Narnia filming locations, seen from the water. Further along, Whale Cave and the hole in the rock at Poikeke Island are landmarks that only make sense from the water.
The tour heads inside Orua, New Zealand's second-largest sea cave, where Brian plays music so you can hear what 700 cubic metres of rock does to sound.
Optional snorkelling and rock jumping available, subject to conditions.
Whitianga, New Zealand
Meet the crew at the Cave Cruzer boat, on the floating pontoon, opposite 13 The Esplanade. Safety briefing before departure. History of Whitianga while making our way to the sea. Including what to expect when the boat reaches speed.
Cooks Beach, New Zealand
Brian points out the cliff formation Captain Cook named in 1769 and shares the story of how Mercury Bay got its name. The volcanic coastline opens up as you head south.
seen from the water, in a way most visitors never experience.
Albert Street, Whitianga, Coromandel, New Zealand
Experience Champagne Bay and its ancient blowholes and cave systems carved by centuries of wave action. Cave Cruzer is the only vessel on the bay that goes inside.
Brian cuts the engine, plays music, and lets the acoustics do the rest. Music from here on our return.
Hahei, New Zealand
Visit Gemstone Bay or the best spot on the day. Snorkel in the marine reserve or watch from the boat. Rock jumping available for those who want it.
an get closer having a short snorkel/swim if desired. Mask & snorkel supplied.
Hahei, New Zealand
Pass Hahei & view the headland that was once a Maori Pa (village) site & see through the cave & out the other side, we call the keyhole.
Watch for dolphins in the Bay of Islands on the way out, then pass through Hole in the Rock if conditions allow.
Check in at the Cave Cruzer boat, on the floating pontoon, opposite 13 The Esplanade, Whitianga Wharf, 15 minutes before departure. Tour departure times vary. Approximate duration: 2 hours. Check availability online. Expect 1-2 hour delays through Tairua and parking issues during holiday seasons.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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