Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise: Explore Hauraki Gulf's Wildlife

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
  • 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!…
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…

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
(1665 Ratings)
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Roam27607048938
Mar 28, 2025
2 whales and hundreds of dolphins - Awesome trip out, crew was amazing and very informative. Best of all we saw hundreds of dolphins and 2 whales. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johnsy4587qo
Mar 28, 2025
Awesome dolphin experience - The safari cruise was an awesome experience. We saw a large group of common dolphins swimming ahead and besides the bow of the boat, as well as gannets diving to feed in a bait-ball of fish, blue penguins on the surface, and many other birds. The crew were great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matilde_t
Mar 27, 2025
Really beautiful trip !! I highly recommend it New Zealand has a fantastic nature. Hope new generations take care of it - Yes. it was a very nice experience ☺All the crew was very well prepared and the animals we saw were really beautiful Thank you for such a great time!!!
Review provided by Viator
Patricks207
Mar 26, 2025
One of the best tours in Auckland! - We took the tour at 8:00 in the morning and could watch dolphins, dungarees and a whale hunting. The team consisted exclusively of experienced marine scientists and was able to answer all our questions. Especially George and Shanna told us in detail about the animals seen. In general, the tour from front to back was very informative, super good mood. A great experience, very personal and far from the typical tourist tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherpa06116276562
Mar 26, 2025
Wonderful experience - We were very lucky, we had the opportunity to watch dolphins and a whale. The crew were amazing, they explained as much as possible. Thanks for this wonderful experience 😀
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anna
Mar 23, 2025
It was absolutely stunning an perfect 😍 - The tour was the highlight of my Auckland stay. The crew was super nice. We saw sharks, dolphins and a whale. It was absolutely incredible. Cayla, Jo, Sanaa, Graeme made a great job 😍👏
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tracy
Mar 23, 2025
Wonderful trip - Excellent trip , staff helpful and gave an informative talk all through the trip. Didn't see any whales but plenty of dolphins which was a delight
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marjon_verouden
Mar 23, 2025
Great Safari - Great experience. Dolphins, whale penguins seen. Friendly and enthusiastic staff, who told a lot about the animals.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R4482wslaurenc
Mar 22, 2025
Whale/Dolphin Watching - Excellent experience. We had fantastic weather and spotted a hammerhead shark, penguins, one whale, and countless dolphins! The guides were knowledgeable and entertaining. A must do.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meike
Mar 22, 2025
Baby Delfine ❤️ - The tour is respectful of the animals and contributes to research in conjunction with the University of Auckland.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
March 2025
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