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Auckland Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise
4.1
16 Ratings
Auckland
Join our Auckland cruise to spot dolphins, whales, and seals. Enjoy island stops and learn about Hauraki Gulf’s rich history and conservation.
Join our Auckland cruise to spot dolphins, whales, and seals. Enjoy island stops and learn about Hauraki Gulf’s rich history and conservation.
Duration:
7 hours, 45 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Explore Group - Auckland - Experience the vibrant marine life in its natural environment at the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park aboard our top-tier cruise fleet, specifically designed for wildlife observation. Departing from the Auckland Viaduct, the cruise navigates past several Hauraki Gulf Islands in search of whales, dolphins, seals, birdlife, and…
- Explore Group - Auckland - Experience the vibrant marine life in its natural environment at the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park aboard our top-tier cruise fleet, specifically designed for wildlife observation. Departing from the Auckland Viaduct, the cruise navigates past several Hauraki Gulf Islands in search of whales, dolphins, seals, birdlife, and more!
The tour also features a stopover at either Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyards on Waiheke Island. Choose to explore 8km of trails, sheltered sandy beaches, and native wildlife on Rotoroa Island, or enjoy a more relaxed experience at Man O’ War Vineyards with their beachfront cellar door and restaurant.
With large picture windows and expansive viewing decks, including roof, front, and rear decks, there is ample space for everyone to enjoy prime views of the resident whales, dolphins, penguins, and surrounding islands.
Our vessels are equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable cruise, featuring a fully licensed café offering light refreshments, comfortable seating throughout the cabins, and onboard resources to enhance your understanding of the local wildlife.
What's Included
- Island Stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyards
- Live commentary
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Dedicated time for marine mammal viewing
- Island Stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyards
- Live commentary
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Dedicated time for marine mammal viewing
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off
- Lunch
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off
Additional Information
- Enjoy the chance to see a wide range of marine creatures, such as dolphins, whales, seals, and various bird species
- Guaranteed marine mammal sightings - receive a complimentary return cruise if no marine mammals are observed^
- Includes a stop at either Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyards
- Discover the history and conservation initiatives on the…
- Enjoy the chance to see a wide range of marine creatures, such as dolphins, whales, seals, and various bird species
- Guaranteed marine mammal sightings - receive a complimentary return cruise if no marine mammals are observed^
- Includes a stop at either Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyards
- Discover the history and conservation initiatives on the volcanic peaks, numerous islands, and the expansive coastline of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
- Listen to captivating tales about the origins and histories of the land, sea, and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki – the original people of Tāmaki Makaurau
- Infants are not required to sit on laps, nor do we have infant seats available. They will have their own adult seat
Location
Explore Group - Auckland
Quay Street
Please check in at the Explore Kiosk (diagonally opposite the Maritime Museum) at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
Wednesday to Sunday & Public Holidays:
Departs: 9:15am | Returns 4pm
Includes an afternoon island stop for 1 - 1.5 hours at Rotoroa Island or Man O' War, Waiheke Island
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.1
(16 Ratings)
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Kathymv1065bt
Nov 9, 2025
A great day out - It was a great day out! The weather was supreme! The organization was great with a very easy system to get each group to where they needed to be! Best of all we saw whales and dolphins! A most enjoyable day out with friends
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matthew
Oct 29, 2025
Wind and Wave watching in style. But with a chance to do it again! - The weather on the day was perfect and sunny as we left the harbour. Unfortunately as we came round the western side of the islands the wind came up and so it was a bit challenging being on the top deck, but still sunny.
Our first stop was a drop off at an island for other day trippers, then I got off at Man-of -War Bay and winery. This was stunning! The venue was well presented and very welcoming. The staff were all very nice and the food and local wine was fantastic. It is a little on what I consider expensive but very good.
After a walk along the beach and sitting in the sun for a bit, we boarded a larger vessel and headed out to search for Marine Life. This is where the wind really had an impact. We headed straight in to the wind and whist the boat handled it and I wasn't too rough due to the twin hulls, the wind was strong and uncomfortable. A good wind breaker jacket is advisable. We searched for 3 has and tried all the local knowledge tricks to fine marine creatures, but possibly due to a report of a pod or Orcas in the area or just because they didn't surface where we were, no sightings happened on Sunday.
However, the company is great and gave us all a voucher for another trip, valid for the lifetime of the holder!
I will definitely be going again. I loved every aspect of the trip. I thought it was worth every cent to be out on a boat on such a beautiful day. The crew were amazing. The ship was in excellent condition. The Captain was very skilful and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ashley_b
Jul 16, 2025
While my tour ended up... - While my tour ended up being a dud, I would still do this again. I had the unfortunate experience of no marine wildlife and rain. It was the only day that fir into my schedule. While I could have canceled it due to the rain, I wanted to at least try. I wasn't able to see whales or dolphins like I wanted but I did get to be on the ocean and then visit Rotoroa Island. The island was beautiful (even in the light rain).
I was offered a voucher for a free return visit since we didn't see any animals. And even though I could fit the return visit in my schedule, I know I will be back this summer to use it.
Review provided by Viator
Bor_eb
Jun 22, 2025
A great day and plenty of dolphins - We had a great day and saw plenty of dolphins (common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins) playing around the boat and three whales. The captain and the whole crew were most helpful and friendly. Thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tripster488
May 24, 2025
Explore tours whale & dolphin watching New Zealand - The captain and crew were great, couldn’t have been more helpful!…. Captain gave us a great insight to the local islands and history as we passed. Fantastic when it came to the whale/dolphins, everyone on board took part in looking out for sightings. We saw some Brydes whales and a whole pod of dolphins, extra special was a large bronze whaler shark that passed alongside the boat. The whole day was great, end to end!….
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Reikoy845
Mar 23, 2025
Great experience - The staff is helpful and the content is great‼︎
We met two groups of dolphins. The first time we had a group of six horses, the second time we had a group of more than 12 horses, it was very friendly. We swam around the boat and we could see babies with us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Go2hi
Mar 2, 2025
Treading water - A fabulous, full day (9:30am to 5:30pm out on the water. Couple of hours at Man ‘o War island (where lunch is surprisingly good at the winery!) Had a full day at our disposal before flying out late at night, so a highly recommended way to pass the time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul
Apr 8, 2025
Alas Tour Cancelled due to weather - Unfortunately due to weather the cruise was cancelled. Communication from cruise operator was prompt and friendly. Rookie mistake though was not planning/arranging a back up activity so pretty much a precious day wasted
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ron_l
Mar 5, 2025
Whhaaattt? No whales? - Disappointed. If you’re interested in a 75-90 boat ride to and from the drop off island, you’ll like this tour. Dropped up passengers at two islands and then on to our search for dolphins. We managed to find one pod of dolphins during our 2 hour hunt and that was exciting. The title of the tour is misleading. No whales here to search for. Seven hours for 30 minutes of enjoying seeing the dolphins.
Review provided by Viator
John_m
Nov 2, 2025
No dolphin - Disappointed title tour name totally misleading 1st island drop off Rotorua was good to sea but very little commentary about scenery on way out spent approximately 3 hours in search of nothing! Then on way back became a ferry service arriving back at wharf 1 hour late Was told we could get voucher for another day still waiting but like most traveler’s we are already committed feel a refund of sorts should be given
Review provided by Viator
