Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour with Lunch
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 316 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour with Lunch worth booking?
Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour with Lunch is a 12-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $157 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 316 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (316)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $157 per person
Escape Auckland for a day of turquoise water, golden beaches, and some of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal scenery. Travel into the Coromandel Peninsula to experience Cathedral Cove and, when the tide is right, d
What you get
About this experience
Escape Auckland for a day of turquoise water, golden beaches, and some of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal scenery. Travel into the Coromandel Peninsula to experience Cathedral Cove and, when the tide is right, dig your own natural spa at the famous Hot Water Beach. Your itinerary is carefully planned around the tides, with an alternative Coromandel highlight included when Hot Water Beach isn’t accessible. Add a picnic lunch, a small-group experience, and a day of stunning scenery, and you’ve got an easy way to experience one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal regions without worrying about the driving. While the destinations you will be visiting are spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart.
What's included
Included
- Booster seat
- Hot water Beach is tide dependent - only "Cathedral Cove Hot Water Beach" visits Hot Water Beach
- On-board WiFi
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Snacks, water, and scenic photo stops
- Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off (select locations only)
Not included
- Towels & Swim wear
- On-board restrooms
What you'll see and do
Auckland Central
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.
Pass by without stopping
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.
Pass by without stopping
Coromandel Peninsula
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!
120 minutes here
Hahei
Time for lunch to refuel! We'll stop in Hahei where you can enjoy a delicious picnic lunch (Picnic lunch - ordered on the day by your guide), before we continue our adventure.
60 minutes here
Cathedral Cove Walk
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.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Hot Water Beach
Dig you own hotspring in the soft white sand (if tide allows). We provide the shovels :)
90 minutes here
Auckland
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.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Cathedral Cove Hot Water Beach
Hot Water Beach : Includes Hot water Beach & spades to dig Duration: 12 hours: Arrive back in Auckland approximately 7pm. Lunch: Picnic lunch - ordered on day by your guide Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Pickup included
Cathedral Cove (exc Hot Water)
Cathedral Cove : Visit Cathedral Cove and other Coromandel Highlights ***Does not include Hot Water Beach*** Duration: 12 hours: Arrive back in Auckland approximately 7pm. ***Does not include Hot Water Beach*** Lunch: Picnic lunch - ordered on day by your guide Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Know before you go
- 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 is only scheduled for when tide times allow
- 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.
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 316 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
316 verified traveler reviews for Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour with Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Simon Delivers a 5* Cathedral Cove Experience
Was a great experience. Completely shattered my expectations. Was helped by a great tour group, perfect weather and a great tour guide (Simon). We seemed to go at the perfect time as there was hardly anyone at the Hot Springs and, most importantly, Cathedral Cove. Highly reccomend going if you get the opportunity to go(try to get a sunny day) as it really adds to the experience.
via Viator
Coromandel Peninsula
Fantastic experience with Cheeky Kiwi Travel! Excellent service, comfortable transport, knowledgeable guide, and a very well-organised tour. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Worth it!
Matt was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and chill. Couldn't have asked for better weather! Seamless communication with pickup details. Great pitstops with delicious food. Lovely group of people to go exploring with. 10/10 would do the exact tour again! Cathedral cove is absolutely stunning!
via Tripadvisor
Cathedral Cove and Hot Beach!
We had a great day with Simon. He was extremely friendly and informative. Cathedral Cove and Hot Beach were very unique experiences. Loved it. We had a great small group. Simon was the best. Thank you!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Coromandel Peninsula excursion with Cheeky Kiwi
Had an excellent Coromandel Peninsula excursion with Cheeky Kiwi! Matt took us to so many great spots beyond just Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove—we even got to see freshwater eels and a kiwi nesting habitat. The trek down to Cathedral Cove was a tiring 40 minutes each way, and as a bigger guy, I honestly doubted whether I could manage the full 80-minute round trip. The stunning views made it completely worth it! A huge shoutout to Matt for making it such a wonderful day. We couldn't have asked for a better guide, especially on a rainy day.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $157 to $259
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 111
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour with Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour with Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $157 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Auckland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour with Lunch take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Auckland is not rushed.
Is Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour with Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 316 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour with Lunch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour with Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour with Lunch?
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Around 111 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Auckland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Auckland and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour with Lunch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Auckland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Auckland?
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On Outty we rank every Auckland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Auckland?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Auckland?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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