Nature & Wildlife

The Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve is brimming with nature.

Te Whanganui-o-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve was established in 1992 to protect and restore the diversity of the marine environment. The reserve protects nine square kilometers of shore and sea on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula between Hahei and Cooks Beach. Reefs of hard rock, soft sediments, intricate caves and underwater arches provide habitat for plants, crustaceans, molluscs and fish, many of which can be seen on the snorkel trail at Gemstone Bay.

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Cathedral Cove Water Taxi

Taxis & Shuttles

Getting from Hahei to Cathedral Cove takes just 10 minutes with the Cathedral Cove Water Taxi plus you get to see the beautiful coastline from a perspective only possible when travelling by boat.

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Girls in the Bay and Ladies Blue Fishing Competition

Sport & Recreation

A fishing competition and lots of fun, just for the girls this summer! Held from 10 December to 25th January 2025.

Sea Cave Adventures

Scenic Tours

Join your local Skipper and enjoy a scenic Cathedral Cove boat tour from Whitianga to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. As part of the journey you will visit and snorkel the Marine Reserve, view the stunning volcanic coastline, blowholes and the large Orua sea cave. Try the coast less travelled and cruise the Waitaia Coast and Mercury Islands.

Banana Boat Whitianga

Adventure

The Banana Boat offers the best value family fun on the water in Whitianga. We cater for all ages, individuals or groups and all confidence levels from adrenalin seekers to thrills without spills, kiddy cruises to scenic tours of Cathedral Cove in Cooks Beach in the Mercury Bay.

Seaweek

Sport & Recreation

From 6-14 March Seaweek 2027 activities are coordinated as part of Seaweek across New Zealand. Events to celebrate the moana-sea along with agencies, businesses, and community groups.

Exotic Caulerpa Community Information Forum and Tech Talks

Workshops & Conferences

Initiated by the Hauraki Gulf Forum, this ONLINe hui is an opportunity to share information among Hauraki Gulf communities and operators responding to Exotic Caulerpa infestations and those proactively engaged in surveying for and mitigating against Exotic Caulerpa.