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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise: Explore Hauraki Gulf's Wildlife
4.6
1,858 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.
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:
24 hours
Highlights
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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!…
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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
- 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
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
Explore the pristine waters of Hauraki Gulf, just a brief boat trip from Auckland city’s Viaduct Harbour, to observe whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Gain insights from onboard experts dedicated to safeguarding these valuable creatures and their delicate habitat. As a functioning marine-mammal research vessel, every passenger plays a role in vital…
Explore the pristine waters of Hauraki Gulf, just a brief boat trip from Auckland city’s Viaduct Harbour, to observe whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Gain insights from onboard experts dedicated to safeguarding these valuable creatures and their delicate habitat. As a functioning marine-mammal research vessel, every passenger plays a role in vital conservation efforts simply by joining the journey. Additionally, one dollar from each ticket sold is donated to the Hauraki Gulf Guardians fund, which supports initiatives and programs focused on revitalizing the Hauraki Gulf and securing its future.
- 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
- Child ticket must be purchased for any infants travelling.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(1858 Ratings)
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William_c
Jan 29, 2026
Monster Bait Ball - The seas on that day were rough, my friend. Away from the George Costanza quote, the sea off Auckland was pretty rough on the day we’d scheduled our dolphin and whale outing with the Eco Safari crew but we were forewarned and offered alternatives. In spite of the seas, the cruise was very well attended. The first few hours of the cruise were looking unsuccessfully in likely places for dolphins and/or whales. We particularly looked at where the gannets and gulls were congregating to feast from huge transient schools of small fish. The crew’s knowledge, experience and patience paid off toward the end of the cruise when dozens of dolphins started streaking through a giant bait ball adjacent to our position, identified by the sea birds. We had a front row seat to the fascinating show and the captain kept us front-and-center to the frenzied action for over 30 minutes. We were on the upper deck where the wave action was more pronounced but we did fine and were no issues with us with seasickness. The entire crew were friendly and very knowledgeable about our environment and prey species. Even if we hadn’t seen these marine mammals, it was a nice, enjoyable cool day on the water.
Review provided by Viator
717duniat
Jan 29, 2026
Beautiful weather and beautiful sea-life. - Had an amazing time and saw so many dolphins! Even got to experience the ocean from up close 😂 (got a little drenched). Would highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyage11697753310
Jan 27, 2026
Great stuff, definetly recommend going - Great experience, Lots of dolphins, friendly and informative Crew, everything I could hope for (except whale sightings but thats nature for you I guess)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steven_p
Jan 20, 2026
Amazing experience. - Had an absolutely amazing time! Managed to get some amazing video of the Dolphins playing at the front of the boat which was so impressive. Sadly no Whales on the day, maybe next time. Crew were very friendly, helpful and knowlegable makung the experience very rewarding.
We would highly recommend this activity to anybody visiting Auckland, you wont be disapointed.
Review provided by Viator
David_b
Jan 19, 2026
Excellent Water Tour! - Great trip to see New Zealand from the water. We saw dolphins galore! But beware, the front deck is the very spot when underway!
Review provided by Viator
Ursulack4599jy
Jan 13, 2026
Excellent trip - Informative, fun. Crew excellent, Elise, Kelly (Kayla?) , Graham, Emily , Britney.
They were all helpful and knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curious47933356932
Jan 27, 2026
Loved travelling far along Haūraki Gulf - Had good weather and we went so far out past Warkworth. Felt a little sick but not too bad. Saw many dolphins and birds, unfortunately no whales though we had kept trying. Cool boat and just loved going into the Waītemata and never been on the Hauraki Gulf. Awesome experience nga mihi=thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Albertmariom
Jan 13, 2026
No whales, lots of dolphins, too expensive - Good boat trip, lots of dolphins but no whales seen. On balance, however, too expensive. Friendly staff. Have a good boat trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nathancz4026rg
Jan 12, 2026
Dolphin and Bird Safari - The experience was beautiful from start to finish. The staff is very kind, friendly and knowledgeable. One observation: calling it a “Whale Watching” Safari is misleading as the chances of spotting a whale are VERY slim according to an employee who’s been in the business 40 years. He mentioned he’s only seen whales ten times. But the wildlife you do see, like the dolphins and birds, are beautiful. Plus you get a real nice view of the different islands! Thanks again team for the unique and wonderful experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K2katrina
Jan 22, 2026
Too bad we could not go… - Weather turned out to be beautiful day but unfortunately our trip was cancelled due to weather. Our trip was supposed to be in the afternoon, wished they would have waited before cancellations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor