Exploring the Coromandel with Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours

A visit to Cathedral Cove is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the sunny Coromandel Peninsular, and what better way to get there than with Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours. Assisted by one of their knowledgeable guides, experience the spectacular blue waters of the Pacific and a volcanic coastline dotted with white sand beaches and sea caves just waiting to be explored.

Located just two hours’ drive from Auckland along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, a trip to the Coromandel is the perfect way to escape the hectic pace of Auckland. The Coromandel Peninsular is famous for its native rainforest, stunning coastline and its laid-back way of life. The Coromandel is also rich in gold mining history with many of its towns owing their existence to the gold rush that swept through the region beginning in the late 1800s.  

kayaking cathedral cove Kayaking the striking blue waters of the Pacific (Photo credit Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours)

Open all year round, the crew at Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours offer a variety of tours that provide an experience to suit any visitor. Setting off from Hahei beach, the 3–3.5 hour Classic Tour will take you north to explore the sea caves, beaches, and islands of the scenic Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. As part of the tour you will also land on Cathedral Cove where the Kayak Tours team will treat you with one of their world famous cappuccinos!

Cathedral Cove Coromandel Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsular (Photo credit Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours)

If you want the chance to go ‘off the beaten track’ and are prepared for a good workout, Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours offers the 3 hour Remote Coast Tour. This tour explores the often unseen volcanic coastline between Hahei and Hot Water Beach, and includes a visit to the awe-inspiring blowhole at Big-Bay. For the especially adventurous, Cathedral Cove Tours also offer a full day trip. This trip combines the Classic and Remote Coast tours and when conditions are suitable allows the opportunity to land on the Department of Conservations Mahurangi Island (Goat Island). No matter which tour you choose you will always have the chance of encountering some of Te Whanganui-A-Hei’s amazing marine life which includes several species of whales, dolphins, seals and penguins.  

Dolphin

Meeting one of the locals at the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve (Photo credit Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours)

With stable sea kayaks and qualified guides who are always happy to provide assistance, no previous kayaking experience is necessary. Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours provide all the required safety equipment such as lifejackets, as well as dry bags for your camera and light refreshments. Visitors should come prepared with Shorts and a tee shirt, a warm top, water bottle and a camera.

A Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour is a great way to spend a sunny Coromandel day while exploring one of New Zealand’s most unique and scenic coastlines. The best way for visitors to get there is to hire a rental car from Auckland Airport and enjoy the great drive along the Pacific Coast Highway toward Hahei (SH1, SH2, SH25 & SH25A).

 

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