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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise: Explore Hauraki Gulf's Wildlife
4.6
1,734 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
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…
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. A dollar from every ticket purchased goes towards the Hauraki Gulf Guardians fund which supports organisations and programs that aim to regenerate the Hauraki Gulf and ensure 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
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
(1734 Ratings)
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Peter_f
Nov 10, 2025
Sea life - Crew was very knowledgeable and worked to make sure that we were able to see wildlife. The ship was comfortable with plenty of room to sit and watch.
Review provided by Viator
Den003
Nov 9, 2025
Stunning day for a sail - Great day out. Weather was perfect, we got to see 2 pods of dolphins, the cute little penguins but sadly no whales. Lots of people on the boat but you were able to move around freely. Tip- take a waterproof for the splashes and the wind is cool. Very informative crew. Please watch your belongings and rubbish to make sure they don't get blown away into the sea.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Charlie
Nov 9, 2025
Great day out! - The perfect trip, we really enjoyed our trip. Managed to see a pod of dolphins and two Bryde’s whales. The staff were very friendly and knowledgable about local wildlife and the area. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an activity to do in Auckland. Especially towards a good cause!
You can see all the great work the staff do to help the local environment and research. It’s great to see people that really care for the environment and do something about it. I was unaware that the boat was also used as a Research vessel till I arrived, this made the trip all the more exciting being able to see the staff carry out research at certain points on the trip. The Skipper John was especially great making light hearted jokes along the journey and keeping all guests well informed of any sightings. The day was finished off with a great presentation on the way back to the harbour. 10/10.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gary_g
Oct 31, 2025
Animals at Sea - The whale and dolphin tour happened on a perfect day. The water was calm and we were introduced to many different sea birds and a tiny black penguin. The stars for the day were the common dolphins we saw. The swam with us along the boat and out in the open sea. Although we did not see any whales, it was a fabulous outing. The trip ended with us seeing a fur seal as we pulled into port.
Review provided by Viator
Clive
Oct 31, 2025
Great dolphin and whale watching - Excellent day out. It lasts around 4.5 hours and is well worth it. Half the crew are scientists doing research, so it is very informative. We saw pods of dolphins and saw 2 or 3 Bryce’s whales, which was the first whales to be seen by the crew for two weeks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniel_s
Oct 30, 2025
Marine life PARADE! - What an incredible day and tour led by actual marine biologists with a passion and care for the life that surrounds them. We got lucky with weather and what was nearby — legit seeing HUNDREDS of dolphins during our stay out in the bay. Sure on quieter days too that the team is agile enough to adjust the program and still provide an amazing and educational experience. They are masters!
Review provided by Viator
J4093tbalinar
Oct 22, 2025
Dreamlike and sustainable whale watching with whales, dolphins and other animals - The whale watching was an amazing experience.
The team already contacted the day before, as the weather was expected to be windy and therefore seasickness might have to be expected. You were given the opportunity to rebook or continue to participate in the planned excursion. If you chose the latter, you got the tip to prevent accordingly with travel medication. We found this procedure absolutely prudent and very commendable!
The whale watching itself was then an absolutely unique experience! The researchers on board explained the behaviours of seabirds, especially gannets, that had to be observed to find the whales. In addition, we were able to observe many dolphins that could be transported to the nearest feeding ground in the bow waves of the ship. We also drove past a breeding colony of the Gannets. Even if we could only see the whales in the distance, this sight was very impressive.
On the way back, one of the researchers gave a very exciting talk about how the researchers recognize the different whales and dolphins by their dorsal fins, about the evolution of the population and about the research project itself, which has also been supporting students of the University of Auckland for over 20 years by making it possible to observe marine mammals. In addition, data on the marine mammals is collected during each tour, which is then used for research.
I would particularly like to praise the fact that the team kept a good distance from the feeding grounds so as not to disturb the natural feeding behaviour. Likewise, no animals were fed to get to the ship. In addition, part of the price of the tour will be used for research and thus also for the protection of marine mammals, which is absolutely worth supporting!
I would recommend this tour to anyone and book it again and again! Thank you for the great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidtx928mp
Nov 3, 2025
Some fish don't want to be watched. - Would have been nice to see the whales as well as the dolphins but ot be on that day. Good trip anyway and the crew were great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen_r
Nov 1, 2025
No guarantees - These whale watching cruises are a little like a politician during an election campaign.
They promise alot and only sometimes deliver.
But it comes with the territory, you are no guarantee to see whales, at least lots of them.
You will see dolphins but whales can be elusive animals.
That said, the crew were great and very knowledgeable.
If you really like boats, then go for it.
Just don't expect to see a ton of whales.
In defence to the tour, it's probably a seasonal thing and they can't control a wild animal's behaviour.
Review provided by Viator
Lisast2077vu
Oct 26, 2025
Great team but big tech issues - I took the safari on 25 October and was very fortunate to see Dolphins. One of the main selling points of this tour for me, was the onboard experienced marina biologists, however unfortunately there was an issue with the amp on board meaning that in over 50% of the boat you couldn't hear what was being said. This significantly impacted my experience, as I didn't get to hear what species of dolphins / birds we were seeing. To sell a premium priced product based on customers being able to gain specialist knowledge is a bit of a joke if the tech isn't working to allow that knowledge to be shared!
Review provided by Tripadvisor