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Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour From Auckland
About This Tour
Discover the Coromandel Peninsula your way with two unique small-group tour options.
Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Tour – Operates only when tide times allow, giving you the chance to dig your own spa at the world-famous Hot Water Beach (bring a towel & swimwear!).
Coastal Adventure Tour – Runs on alternate days, following the same stunning coastal journey and highlights—including Cathedral Cove—without Hot Water Beach.
Tours operate daily, with itineraries based on tidal conditions. If your preferred tour is unavailable, check the alternate option— both tours include Mautohe Cathedral Cove, one of the world’s Top 50 Beaches!
Whichever option you choose, enjoy breathtaking scenery, secret stops, and the Cheeky Kiwi Travel difference: small groups, passionate guides, wildlife encounters, and thoughtful little touches that make our tours unforgettable.
Access to Cathedral Cove is weather-dependent; alternative stops may be arranged in poor conditions.
Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Tour – Operates only when tide times allow, giving you the chance to dig your own spa at the world-famous Hot Water Beach (bring a towel & swimwear!).
Coastal Adventure Tour – Runs on alternate days, following the same stunning coastal journey and highlights—including Cathedral Cove—without Hot Water Beach.
Tours operate daily, with itineraries based on tidal conditions. If your preferred tour is unavailable, check the alternate option— both tours include Mautohe Cathedral Cove, one of the world’s Top 50 Beaches!
Whichever option you choose, enjoy breathtaking scenery, secret stops, and the Cheeky Kiwi Travel difference: small groups, passionate guides, wildlife encounters, and thoughtful little touches that make our tours unforgettable.
Access to Cathedral Cove is weather-dependent; alternative stops may be arranged in poor conditions.
What's Included
✓ Included
- Hot water Beach is tide dependent - only "Cathedral Cove Hot Water Beach" visits Hot Water Beach
- Spades for Hot Water Beach (if booked Hot Water Beach option)
- Fully guided small group tour
- Water available & snacks provided
✗ Not Included
- Lunch (opportunities to purchase at own expense)
- Towels & Swim wear
Itinerary
1
Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
2
Exiting Auckland we travel south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering beautiful scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, impressive mountains and several farm animals along the way.
3
The exact itinerary is based on tidal conditions. Only tours where Hot Water Beach aligns with tide times will include a visit here, and if you're booked on our Coastal Adventure tour, you'll instead visit other key Coromandel Peninsula Highlights!
4
Time for lunch to refuel! We'll stop in Hahei where you can purchase something tasty, before we continue our adventure.
5
Visit Cathedral Cove, one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural landmarks. The walk to Cathedral Cove takes between 30 - 45 minutes, but the reward is well worth it—stunning coastal views and the opportunity to explore this breathtaking beach. Acess to Cathedral Cove is weather-dependent. For safety reasons, the track may be unsuitable after or during heavy rain. In such cases, alternative arrangements will be made to ensure you still have an incredible experience.
6
Sadly after this day in paradise we must start to head north again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland including secret stops along the way.
Good to Know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- A high level of fitness and good mobility is required, including a challenging 40-minute walk to and from Cathedral Cove over uneven terrain and stairs. Not suitable for guests with mobility difficulties.
- Hot Water Beach access is tide-dependent and may not always be possible for safety reasons.
- Tracks may be unsafe during or after heavy rain; alternative arrangements will be made if required.
- Bring swimwear and a towel if you wish to swim. Closed-in, sturdy footwear is mandatory.
- Children aged 7 and under must use a child safety seat. You may bring your own or hire one for NZ$20 with 24 hours’ notice.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.