Yes, we are operating today

YES we are OPEN today (Thursday 21st November 2024) on Hahei beach. We will begin at 10am and finish at 5pm this afternoon. Look for the big yellow flag in the middle of Hahei beach below the main carpark and toilet block. See you on the beach!!

The Cathedral Cove Water Taxi will begin operating for the 2024/2025 season from mid September 2024 onwards from the opening time stated above, with boats departing every 30 min from Hahei beach to Cathedral Cove. Look for the big yellow flag on Hahei beach 🚕 🚢

Tickets are $80 return for adults and $60 return for children (3-17yrs). You stay at Cathedral Cove for 1 hour, at which time your return boat will arrive. Enjoy this special opportunity with very few other visitors, and we'll see you on the beach 🌞

Call +64 27 919 0563 for the latest update
Our amphibious water taxi waiting on Hahei Beach beside the yellow flag Haere Mai! Welcome

Cathedral Cove Water Taxi

Pay and depart from Hahei beach. No booking required.

Aerial view along Hahei Beach
Hahei Beach
Water taxi in the turquoise water at Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove

Hahei Beach, to Cathedral Cove in 10 minutes.
The fastest and most fun way to get to Cathedral Cove and back.

Prices*

Adults
$80 Return
Kids (3–17 yrs)
$60 Return
Family (2 + 2)
$100 each way
Family (2 + 3)
$115 each way

*Pay and depart from Hahei beach. No booking required.

Passengers and crew aboard the water taxi on the beach

How it works

  1. Meet the water taxi beside the yellow flags on Hahei Beach

    Meet on the beach, by the yellow flags at Hahei Beach or Cathedral Cove. See a staff member to purchase a ticket. One way or return available.

  2. Passengers enjoying the short boat trip to Cathedral Cove

    Drive straight from the sand into the ocean on our custom built boat. Have a short and sweet 10 minute boat trip, to Cathedral Cove or back to Hahei Beach.

  3. Arrive at the iconic Cathedral Cove archway

    You have arrived at your destination.

Ride with us

We are a locally owned, family run business. We’re passionate locals who love sharing our knowledge of the area with visitors from all over the world. We’re a small team of ocean lovers, surfers and of course - taxi drivers.

Hayden with his child on the beach
Hayden Smith, Owner and skipper
One of our water taxi skippers on Hahei Beach
Hayden Smith, Owner and skipper
One of our crew beside the water taxi
Hayden Smith, Owner and skipper
Water taxi cruising past Cathedral Cove

“Probably the best taxi ride in the world”

Our crew's yellow Cathedral Cove Water Taxi shirt

What our customers are saying

Read more reviews
Illustrated map showing the water taxi pickup points at Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove, a ten-minute boat trip apart

Frequently Asked Questions

When do you operate?

We operate from September through May, starting at 9am from December to March and 10am outside these months. Departures depend on sea conditions. Call +64 27 919 0563 for the current operating status.

Call for today’s operating status

Can we do a private charter?

Yes, we are also available for private charters. Email info@cathedralcovewatertaxi.co.nz to discuss your trip.

Email us about a private charter

Is there rubbish and toilet facilities at Cathedral Cove?

There are no rubbish or toilet facilities at Cathedral Cove. Please be prepared to bring all your rubbish out with you. We have bins on board for small amounts of rubbish.

Do you accept Credit Card?

Yes. Payment can be made at the beach or on the boat by Visa, Mastercard, Eftpos, Paywave and cash.

Can we book a trip at a certain time?

No booking is required. Meet our crew by the yellow flags at Hahei Beach to purchase your ticket. Trips depart approximately every 30 minutes, subject to conditions.