I’ve always loved being out on the water, so when I heard about Cathedral Cove cruises, I knew it was something I had to try. There’s just something about cruising along the coast, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, that makes you feel completely at ease. And when you add Cathedral Cove into the mix, it’s the perfect way to spend a day exploring one of New Zealand’s most beautiful spots.

The Appeal of a Cruise

There are plenty of ways to explore Cathedral Cove, but a cruise gives you that extra touch of luxury. Instead of walking or paddling, you can sit back, relax, and let someone else do the hard work while you enjoy the view. It’s perfect if you want a more chilled-out experience, but still want to see all the highlights of the Coromandel coastline.

Top tip: If you’re planning to take a cruise, try to book one that includes a stop for swimming or snorkelling. The water around Cathedral Cove is stunning, and taking a dip is a must if the weather allows.

Setting Sail from Hahei Beach

Most Cathedral Cove cruises start from Hahei Beach, which is an experience in itself. Hahei is one of those beaches that feels untouched by time – soft, white sand, clear blue water, and not a skyscraper in sight. Our cruise left mid-morning, and the weather was perfect – warm, sunny, with just a slight breeze.

Personal anecdote: I remember sitting on the boat, watching Hahei Beach get smaller and smaller as we pulled away. It was one of those moments where you just feel grateful to be there, soaking it all in. I’d been working pretty hard that week, so being out on the water felt like the perfect escape from the grind.

Seeing Cathedral Cove from the Water

The great thing about taking a cruise is that you get to approach Cathedral Cove from the water, which gives you a completely different perspective. From the boat, you can really appreciate the scale of the cliffs and the iconic archway. The cruise took us right up to the beach, but from the water, it felt like we were seeing something special that the crowds on land couldn’t fully appreciate.

Top tip: Bring a camera with a decent zoom. You’ll get some amazing shots of the cove and the surrounding coastline from the boat. I managed to get a few snaps of the arch from angles you just can’t capture on foot.

Exploring Sea Caves and Hidden Beaches

One of the highlights of the Cathedral Cove cruise was when the skipper took us into some of the sea caves along the coast. These are places you’d never be able to access on your own, and they give you a sense of the wild, untouched beauty of the Coromandel. The water was so clear that you could see right to the bottom, and the echo inside the caves made it feel like we were in a different world.

Personal anecdote: At one point, the skipper turned off the boat’s engine, and we just floated inside one of the caves. The only sound was the gentle lapping of the water against the rocks, and for a few moments, it felt like we were the only people in the world. It was one of those moments where you realise how special New Zealand really is.

Snorkelling and Swimming in the Marine Reserve

If you’re into snorkelling, you’re in for a treat. Many of the cathedral cove cruises include a stop at the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, where you can jump off the boat and explore the underwater world. The water here is incredibly clear, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot some colourful fish and maybe even a stingray or two.

Top tip: If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t worry. The crew usually provide life jackets, and the water is pretty calm around the snorkelling spots, so it’s a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Ending the Day at Hahei

After a few hours of exploring the coastline, we headed back to Hahei Beach, where we finished the day with a picnic on the sand. There’s nothing quite like eating fish and chips by the ocean after a day of adventure. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the experience, and Hahei is a great spot to chill out before heading back to reality.