Surf & Sea
Whangamatā is a playground for ocean lovers. Whether you’re catching waves, joining a paddleboarding tour, exploring the coast by kayak, diving into the underwater world, or enjoying a fishing adventure, there’s something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the town’s vibrant surf culture, take in stunning beach views, and experience the sea at your own pace — from action-packed adventures to relaxed seaside exploration.
Whangamatā is your gateway to ocean fun — whether you’re surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, or fishing. Explore local tours, hire gear, or join an adventure and make the most of our stunning coastline.
Want to check out the weather conditions before head out on the water? Find it all the info you need the link below.
SurfsUp: Surf Lesson
BEST DEAL: Learn to surf with our "Intro to Surf" package! This is our best value for beginners, including a 90min group lesson, wetsuits and board.
Duration: 90 minutes
SurfsUp: Surfboard Rental
Whangamata is one of the most popular beach resorts in New Zealand with some of the country's best surfing breaks. Hire a surfboard and hang ten dude!
Pop down to see the crew at Williamson Park to pick up your board to hit the waves or book and pay below to secure your board today.
Duration: from 1 hour
Whangamata Surf School
Learn to surf and catch your first wave in one of NZ's most iconic beach! No matter your experience, Whangamata Surf School can sort you out with exclusive surf lessons or equipment rental.
You will find the crew at Beach Access 8, Esplanade Drive.
Duration: from 1 hour
SurfsUp: Whenuakura (Donut) Island Guided Kayaking Experience
Island View Reserve
Explore Whangamatā’s volcanic coastline, Whenuakura Island & obsidian history. Discover tuatara wildlife heritage and taste traditional kawakawa tea on a guided Māori cultural kayak experience in New Zealand.
Duration: 2 hours
SurfsUp: "Intro to Paddleboarding" Package
Island View Reserve
Learn to SUP with our "Intro to Paddleboarding" package! This is our best value for beginners and includes a 1 and 1/2 hour lesson with one of our qualified SUP instructors.
Duration: 90 minutes (approx.)
Pedal & Paddle
Kayak & Sup Hire
Beach access 15, Hinemoa Street
Kayak and SUP hire available from beach access 15. Head out and explore the coastline and islands at your own leisure.
Duration: from 1 hour
Island Tours:
Tour Rua - Island Expedition
Whangamatā Wharf
For travellers seeking adventure in the wild and a connection to a culture that protects it. Boat, hike then paddle into Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary with local guides.
SurfsUp: The Lost Volcano of Whangamata Boat Experience including Whenuakura Island
Discover the Lost Volcano of Whangamatā, explore Whenuakura (Donut) Island and hidden coves on a scenic coastal boat tour.
Duration: 90 minutes (approx.)
Te Ra Fishing & Charters
Whangamatā Wharf
Catch your dinner tonight, set out for a fishing adventure aboard Te Ra Charters. Join one of Te Ra's daily trips or book in early to charter the boat for your own exclusive fishing adventure.
Book direct or come in and see us at Discover Whangamatā to make your booking today.
Boom Sailing Charters
Relax and unwind while sailing the coastline in comfort. Sailing charters available from Whangamata with an assortment of options for where the wind will take you. Overnight, all inclusive camping trips to Slipper Island is now on the menu.
COA: Aldermen Islands Nature Reserve Experience
A premier island adventure! Named by Captain Cook in 1769, this incredible set of volcanic islands sits 12miles (30min by boat) off the coast of Tairua. Also rich with Maori history, this place has many amazing stories to tell.
COA: Cathedral Cove Experience
Visit the iconic Cathedral Cove on this award winning tour! But pack a hearty appetite for adventure, because you'll also be visiting several other spectacular spots, including the largest sea cave in the Southern Hemisphere!
COA: Private Charter - 'Raumahuaiti'
After something a bit more personal? Want to do it all in you own time? The ocean is your oyster. Perfect if you’ve got a large family or small group. We can help with a journey plan or leave it totally up to you.
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Provider Fishing Charters
This is more than just your typical fishing experience. Click below for more details.
Boom Sailing: Morning Glory, Chilled out Sail
The perfect way to jump start your day in Coromandel by kicking back on the tramps of our spacious catamaran - a 3.5hr 'jump on' sailing charter adventure exploring Mercury Bay, Cathedral Cove and surrounds.
Duration: 3.5 hours (approx.)
Boom Sailing: Arvo of Goodness, Chilled out Sail
Not a morning person? Sweet as! Jump on a cruisy 3.5 hour afternoon sailing charter adventure aboard Ka Pai exploring Mercury Bay, Cathedral Cove and surrounds.
Duration: 3.5 hours (approx.)
Hahei Explorer: Cathedral Cove Boat Tour
An intimate encounter with the Coromandels stunning coastline, this epic 1 hour boat tour visits world famous Cathedral Cove, gets up close with the abundant marine life and ventures into a hidden underground blowhole around high tide.
Duration: 1 hour (approx.)
Cathedral Cove Snorkel Boat Tours
Drop in for a dip - one hour in the water snorkeling - there's more than one way to see the Cove - full gear & warm wetsuits supplied on all boat trips via Cathedral Cove. We are the ONLY dedicated Snorkel Trip on the Coromandel
Duration: 120 Minutes (approx.)
Cathedral Cove Scuba Dive for Certified Divers and/or Snorkel Tour
Snorkeling & Diving in and around Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Coromandel Peninsula NZ...at its BEST!
Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises: Coves, Caves & Coastline
Tour to Cathedral Cove, Orua Sea Cave the islands and surrounds of the Marine Reserve and end with a snorkel with the sea life below.
Duration: 120 minutes (approx.)
Glass Bottom Boat: Cathedral Cove Tour
Hop onboard the Coromandel's most iconic scenic boat tour. Explore our stunning volcanic coastline, including Cathedral Cove, sea caves and rock pinnacles. Sit back and view an abundance of marine life through the glass panels.
Duration: 120 minutes (approx.)
Mercury Bay Discoveries: Cathedral Cove & Coastal Tour
Our 2.5 hour journey will take you through Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve to the iconic Cathedral Cove and further out to the spectacular Oriya Sea Cave and Champagne Rocks.
Duration: 150 minutes (approx.)
Ocean Leopard: Cathedral Cove & Volcanic Coast Tour
A must do when visiting the area, our 2 hour Cathedral Cove boat tour shows off the very best of what the Mercury Bay has to offer. Private Charters are also available with a maximum of 16 passengers.
Duration: 2 Hours (approx.)
