Things to Do Out on the water this summer
(Continued from page 38)
They have daily trips on their purpose built dive boat, Scubadoo, to all the outstanding Mercury Bay dive sites and cater for beginners all the way through to the most advanced divers. You can jump on board with your own equipment or you can hire equipment from them. They also offer kayak hire and can fill your tanks if you run out of air. And if you really like what they do, why not join them on one of their New Zealand dive tours or their very popular yearly dive trip to somewhere exciting in the South Pacific? The Glass Bottom Boat offers everyday scenic two hour cruises from Whitianga Wharf to Cathedral Cove. Their two aluminium pontoon boats are both fitted with glass bottom viewing windows and their cabins are fully enclosed. The marine life at Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve at Cathedral Cove offers outstanding viewing with it’s diverse range of marine life. Be prepared to spot fish such as red moki, triggerfish, angelfish, marblefish, parore, schools of mao mao and massive snapper at Gemstone Bay. You’ll most likely see a crayfish or two and a stingray as well. And if you’re lucky, a dolphin or orca may swim past. You’ll visit many sea caves on your journey and complimentary on-board snorkelling gear is available if you feel like a swim in the reserve. If you want someone to help you find that fish that’s always eluded you, then John Neighbours is your man. Infinity Fishing Charters can tailor make packages at competitive rates to include fishing tackle, bait and a hot drink or two. Infinity is a fast, stable 12m powercat and her skipper has more than 40 years’ experience in the productive waters around the Mercury islands. John is also president of the famous Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club. In Hahei Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel is situated right on the beach at Hahei. Just bring your togs and within three hours they’ll have you scuba diving in the calm and shallow Hahei waters. Of course they also offer daily dive trips for more experienced divers - to all the popular Mercury Bay dive sites. You can rent dive and snorkel gear directly from them. Cathedral Cove Kayaks Tours specialises in guided sea kayaking tours in the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve. All their clients are treated to cappuccinos and hot chocolates on the Cathedral Cove Beach. Qualmark endorsed and with 15 years experience, they run half and full day guided tours all year round. (Continued on page 42) 40
The Mercury Bay Informer Summer Guide 2013/2014 - www.theinformer.co.nz