Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise: Explore Hauraki Gulf's Wildlife
4.6
1,448 Ratings
Auckland
Embark on an exciting eco-safari cruise in Auckland to spot whales, dolphins, and seabirds in the pristine waters of Hauraki Gulf. Learn from experts and contribute to marine conservation efforts.
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana - New Zealand’s most interactive whale and dolphin watching experience.
    An incredible eco safari direct from downtown Auckland. If you’ve always wanted to go whale watching, our 4.5-hour safari features breathtaking encounters with New Zealand marine wildlife, including whales, dolphins, seals, rare seabirds, and more! Make close-up discoveries and enjoy experiences with our diverse marine wildlife in the stunning scenery of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Enjoy unique and special moments with our wildlife and capture photos of rare birds, marine mammals, and amazing island views during your personal encounters.
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Contribution to Marine Mammal Conservation with every ticket
  • Expert commentary and interaction with onboard Marine Research Scientists
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Look for whales, dolphins and seabirds in the pristine waters of Hauraki Gulf just a short boat ride from Auckland city’s Viaduct Harbour.
Learn from experts on board working to protect these precious creatures and their fragile home.
As an active marine-mammal research vessel every passenger contributes to important conservation efforts, just by coming on board.

  • Advisable to dress in warm layers and weatherproof gear as weather can be unpredictable
  • Advisable to bring sun hat (with chin strap to secure it), sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, binoculars and flat-soled shoes
  • IMPORTANT: Check in closes 15 minutes prior to stated departure time. Those passengers who are late risk losing their allocated seats.
  • If mobility impaired and a wheelchair is required, please contact operator directly to discuss requirements
Location
Eastern Viaduct
Our boat is at Berth 9, Eastern Viaduct Marina, accessed from the end of Quay Street heading West. This is opposite the Maritime Museum. On arrival look for our crew at the top of our boarding ramp to check in 30 minutes before departure (check-in closes 15 minutes prior to trip time).
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(1448 Ratings)
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Mallika_e
Apr 24, 2024
Great trip - Had a great day. Great experience. Beautiful Dolphins and you can see them very closely. Lots of birds are there. We saw 2 whales.
Review provided by Viator
P6995hssonyam
Apr 23, 2024
Amazing day! - Amazing experience. Saw dolphins and 2 whales. Crew all very knowledgable and shout out to George for answering all questions from some very enthusiastic kids. Would recommend. Tip to bring own towel as will get wet.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J465aykathrynl
Apr 20, 2024
Excellent Dolphin Experience - This tour was led by several marine biologists who clearly knew and respected the local marine life. They provided interesting scientific commentary for any species we encountered, as well as their knowledge of the local area and where the residents might be on a given morning. We were able to see a large pod of dolphins including multiple babies! Highly recommend, but be prepared to get wet.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nadine160809
Apr 20, 2024
Gladly again! - Perfect! We saw lots of different dolphins and birds on the day of my trip. Whether you see animals or not is not up to the company's discretion, as a tourist and human being you should be fair and realistic. However, you still get a second free chance to repeat the tour in the hope that you will see sea creatures.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stewart_p
Apr 10, 2024
Large pod of dolphins - Large pod of dolphins and diving gannets were the highlight. Weather overcast, boat very stable, not too crowded. No sign of whales
Review provided by Viator
Kaylamarie_r
Apr 7, 2024
Dolphins watching - I had a wonderful frist time watching the dolphins. I would recommend to anyone who loves to watch the dolphins
Review provided by Viator
Zixi_t
Apr 5, 2024
Nice experience - The crew were helpful and informative. Saw a Brydes whale in the distance, many dolphins, little blue penguins, gannets and many other birds. Tips: wear windproof jackets because it can get cold on the deck.
Review provided by Viator
Becky_p
Apr 5, 2024
Exploring marine life! - My original date was cancelled because it was too windy. It was easy to call and reschedule and they got me on my first choice. It was a nice calm day, we saw penguins (too hard to photograph), and common dolphins and a Brydes whale (she hasn’t had a recorded spotting since 2020)! The dolphins were friendly and swam with the boat, the whale was more elusive and my iPhone wasn’t designed to capture that type of nature picture. I would have loved to see orcas or mire whales, but that is nature. The crew did work to find Marie life for us to see and explained the s identification research they do along the way. Everyone was very friendly and approachable.
Review provided by Viator
Kay_p
Apr 3, 2024
Unforgettable Safari - The staff were excellent, full of knowledge and enthusiasm. Unfortunately I have forgotten all their names (Sana, George, Pete???) but I will never forget the experience
Review provided by Viator
Andrew8502
Apr 4, 2024
Mixed feelings - Mixed feelings about this trip, yes we saw many dolphins up close and personal and a couple of whales in the distance so we got what we paid for in many respects, Why only a rating of 3? Too many people on the boat and nowhere to sit outside for what was a long time on the boat. The few seats available were quickly taken. I am not a young man and sitting on the deck was uncomfortable and awkward especially as a female crew member told me to move when there was literally nowhere else to sit. At one point as I was stood trying to get a photo of the dolphins this same crew member literally barged her way in front of my with a camera to take photos herself, very rude behaviour. I’m sure the boat was certificated for that number of people, so that’s not the issue, it was far too many however for a comfortable or pleasant day out. Finally it’s a long way to the viewing area and I’m not sure these boats thundering across the bay at 20 knots plus, day in day out burning fossil fuels could be considered eco friendly. Correct me if I’m wrong. Anyway as I said mixed feelings and hence the mediocre review. Had the female crew member not been so rude it would have been higher.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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