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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise: Explore Hauraki Gulf's Wildlife
4.6
1,685 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
(1685 Ratings)
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Kelsey
Jun 9, 2025
Amazing experience - This was such an amazing experience! I got to see a ton of dolphins and some whales. It was very exciting to have two marine biologists on board who talked to you about the animals and shared fun facts about them. We went out during light rain and ended up going past the rain cloud. I would definitely book with them again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_d
Jun 7, 2025
Great adventure for your time in Auckland - Had a fantastic time on our whale and dolphin safari! The staff were knowledgeable and shared really interesting information. The boat was comfortable and the whole experience very fun. We saw several whales and many dolphins, and it was exhilarating! Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Yvonne_l
Jun 2, 2025
Spectacular - Wonderful day full of dolphins, whales, including a mother and her calf. Crew was informative, engaging and enthusiastic. Incredible day!
Review provided by Viator
Markchicago
May 17, 2025
Amazing!! - We had the best day! Saw Orcas, they came right up to the boat, multiple times!! It was amazing! Then saw numerous dolphins who also came swimming up and around the boat. The staff was great! Would go out with this crew again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nathan
May 11, 2025
Incredible experience, can’t recommend it enough - This whale and dolphin watching tour was absolutely fantastic from start to finish! It was super easy to find right in Auckland Harbour, and the whole experience was incredibly smooth and enjoyable. The crew was extremely knowledgeable and passionate, sharing fascinating insights about the marine life and local environment.
Even if we hadn’t seen any whales or dolphins, the boat ride alone would have been worth it – stunning views, a relaxing atmosphere, and just a great time on the water. A special shoutout to Emily, who went above and beyond by taking the time to chat with us personally and patiently answering all our questions. Her enthusiasm and knowledge made the experience even more memorable.
Truly a highlight of our trip to Auckland – can’t recommend it enough! Mic drop (only the staff will get that one)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ruth_m
May 9, 2025
Absolutely phenomenal!... - Absolutely phenomenal! This was an amazing day to get to set so many dolphins and we spotted a whale. It was quite rainy but wouldn’t trade the experience for anything! The crew, absolutely loved! Thank you for making our honeymoon experience so memorable!
Review provided by Viator
Kellie_b
May 3, 2025
This whale and dolphin... - This whale and dolphin tour did not disappoint! From the moment we hit the open water, it was nonstop excitement. Within minutes, we spotted a pod of dolphins riding the waves alongside our boat—graceful, playful, and clearly enjoying the show as much as we were.
Then came the whale… majestic, massive, and completely awe-inspiring. Our guide sprinkled in fascinating facts about whale migration patterns, echolocation, and even how their spouts can help identify species. (Fun fact: A humpback’s tail is like a fingerprint—no This whale and dolphin tour did not disappoint! From the moment we hit the open water, it was nonstop excitement. Within minutes, we spotted a pod of dolphins riding the waves alongside our boat—graceful, playful, and clearly enjoying the show as much as we were.
Then came the whales… majestic, massive, and completely awe-inspiring. Our guide sprinkled in fascinating facts about whale migration patterns, echolocation, and even how their spouts can help identify species. (Fun fact: A humpback’s tail is like a fingerprint—no two are the same!)
Between the wildlife sightings, the sea breeze, and a bit of marine biology 101, it was an unforgettable experience. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to geek out over the wonders of the ocean while soaking up pure joy on the water.
Between the wildlife sightings, the sea breeze, and a bit of marine biology 101, it was an unforgettable experience. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to geek out over the wonders of the ocean while soaking up pure joy on the water.
Review provided by Viator
Akhtar_a
May 2, 2025
Experience of a life time - Started with an overcast, kind of miserable day with on and off rain/ storms and could not find any dolphins but after 2 hours and crew’s perseverance, ended up finding a spot and enjoyed one of a lifetime experience with thousands of dolphins and 2 whales. Crew was phenomenal, very knowledgeable and helpful with towels, blankets and help with those who were feeling queasy. Experience of a life time
Review provided by Viator
Explore401672
May 1, 2025
excellent - Ok, this was by far the best trip I have booked and really, j knlh booked it as a daytime activity that was impossible to sleep through, so ut would help my jet lag. Anyway, saw a whale multiple times, saw so many dolphins... enough that they became 'normal'... gannets diving, the whole thing was excellent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ashleigha733
Jun 6, 2025
Cancels and terrible with communication - Don't book with them. Cancelled the night before due to 'weather'. Then when I asked if I could move my booking or request a refund, they didn't reply for the entire day that we were meant to go. Only after I submitted a request for a full refund that night did they reply, and said I can move my booking to another day. The day before we were meant to attempt to do it again, they just gave me my refund with no explanation and no clarification if I have to rebook it again or if I can go tomorrow.
Review provided by Tripadvisor