THE LOST VOLCANO OF WHANGAMATA
Discover the Ancient volcanic landscape of the Tunaiti Caldera and the Whangamatā Wildlife Sanctuary including Whenuakura Island by boat
READY TO JUMP ONBOARD?
Whangamatā, on New Zealand’s Coromandel coastline, is a landscape shaped by fire, ocean, and time—where hidden coves, offshore sanctuaries, and ancient volcanic formations sit just beyond the reach of the everyday horizon. Many of these secluded bays remain known only to locals, quietly carved into the coastline by centuries of surf and sediment.
Join SurfSup for a 90-minute coastal boat tour departing from Whangamatā and experience one of the most visually striking stretches of the Coromandel. SurfSup NZ This is not just a scenic cruise, but a guided exploration of geology, wildlife, and coastal stories that define this part of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The highlight of the journey is Whenuakura Island, famously known as Donut Island—a protected marine sanctuary encircling a luminous turquoise lagoon hidden within its volcanic ring. Accessible only by water, it offers a rare glimpse into a perfectly preserved ecosystem, where nature remains undisturbed and elemental.
From here, the route continues along the outer coastline toward Whiritoa, revealing the dramatic offshore formations that define this region. Offshore lies one of the Coromandel’s most intriguing geological features—The Lost Volcano of Whangamatā, also known as the Tunaiti caldera. This ancient, partially submerged volcanic structure speaks to a violent geological past, now softened by time, tide, and ocean life. Beneath the surface, its contours remain visible—a submerged reminder of the forces that shaped the Coromandel Peninsula.
Along the way, the experience unfolds in constant motion: seabirds circling above coastal cliffs, marine life moving through crystal-clear waters, and shifting light revealing new textures across beaches, reefs, and volcanic rock.
This Whangamatā boat tour blends storytelling, geology, and coastal discovery into a compact expedition designed for travellers searching for Donut Island tours, Coromandel boat experiences, and the hidden volcanic history of New Zealand’s eastern coastline—where the ocean still guards the memory of the lost volcano of Whangamatā.
TOUR INFO
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore Whangamatā’s ancient volcanic coastline, the Lost Volcano of Whangamatā
- Discover obsidian and the region’s powerful volcanic origins
- Visit Donut Island (Whenuakura Island) – Whenuakura Island, a protected lagoon sanctuary
- Learn about the Tunaiti caldera near Whiritoa and the area’s geological history
- Experience Māori storytelling and coastal heritage
- Taste traditional kawakawa tea
- Immerse yourself in Whangamatā’s coastal wildlife and scenery
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Life jackets
Kawakawa tea
Expert Commentary
Small private groups
TIMES
Times Summer
9 and 11am & 1pm
Times Winter
11am and 1pm
DURATION
90 minutes
PRICES
Adults NZD $105
Kids NZD $70
Family of 4 NZD $290
Group of 4 NZD $360
Cruising from Whangamatā Wharf, experienced crew will present you to some of the Coromandel’s most iconic and hidden coastal landmarks. Visit Whenuakura (Donut) Island with its famous sea tunnel and inner lagoon, continue to the rugged beauty of Hauturu Island one of the most recent pest free island in New Zealand,, then head south toward Whiritoa to explore the ancient Tunaiti Caldera, a unique volcanic feature, now hidden in plain sight as one of the most geologically rich and least explored stretches of coastline in the Coromandel
Enjoy local stories, wildlife sightings, and breathtaking coastal views on a relaxed and informative journey along this stunning stretch of coastline.
This experience only takes 4 passengers, making it a very personal experience to all ages and levels.




