During my first year in New Zealand, I quickly learned that you can’t just judge a place by the pictures. I’d seen Cathedral Cove on Instagram and travel blogs, and it looked stunning – but it’s something else entirely when you experience it in person. One of the most memorable ways I explored the cove was by taking a boat tour.
Why Take the Boat Tour?
Sure, you can walk to Cathedral Cove, and it's a great experience. But when you see the coastline from the water, you really get a sense of the grandeur of the place. The towering cliffs, hidden caves, and secret beaches that are only accessible by boat give you a new appreciation for the area.
Top tip: Book in advance, especially during the busy summer months. The tours can fill up quickly, and you don’t want to miss out. There are a few companies that run these tours, so take your pick based on the time and type of experience you want.
A Different Perspective
From the moment we set off from Hahei Beach, the views were incredible. The boat tour gave us access to parts of the coast that you just can’t reach on foot. We passed by massive rock formations rising out of the sea, and the skipper pointed out different landmarks along the way, giving us some local history and geological facts.
Personal anecdote: I remember the first time we approached Cathedral Cove by boat – the way the sun hit the rock arch made it glow, and it felt like something out of a movie. It’s one thing to see it from the shore, but from the water, the scale is even more impressive. I’m not usually one to get overly excited about sightseeing, but this was something special.
Exploring the Marine Reserve
One of the highlights of the cathedral cove boat tour is that it takes you through the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. The water is crystal clear, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some dolphins or seals. We didn’t see dolphins that day, but we did spot a few seals lounging on the rocks. There’s something incredibly peaceful about being out on the water, away from the hustle of the beaches.
Top tip: Bring a camera, because there are plenty of photo opportunities. You’ll want to capture the vibrant blues and greens of the water, and of course, Cathedral Cove from the boat.
Hidden Caves and Beaches
The boat tour also takes you to some hidden spots that you wouldn’t know existed if you were just walking around. Our skipper took us into a few sea caves, which felt like we were entering secret worlds. One of the caves was wide enough for the boat to go all the way inside, and the acoustics were incredible – even the sound of the waves seemed amplified.
Personal anecdote: I’m not usually claustrophobic, but I did feel a bit nervous going into one of the smaller caves. Once we were inside, though, it was totally worth it. The water was glowing from the light outside, and it was one of those moments where you just have to stop and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Swimming and Snorkelling
Some of the boat tours also offer the chance to swim or snorkel in the marine reserve. We didn’t jump in (it was a bit too cold for my liking), but I’ve heard it’s a fantastic experience, especially during the warmer months. The water is incredibly clear, so you can see right to the bottom, and there’s plenty of marine life to check out.
Top tip: If you do plan to swim or snorkel, make sure you bring a wetsuit during the cooler months. The water can be chilly even in the summer, so it’s best to be prepared.
