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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise: Explore Hauraki Gulf's Wildlife
4.6
1,570 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
(1570 Ratings)
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Annette_f
Jan 14, 2025
A Beautiful & What a View ! - It was wonderful to see so many pods of dolphins swimming free in their own environment... Mumma Whale & Cub was a huge bonus.. not that we were ablevto see much ... thankful to the staff on board for the fab photos that they captured.
Review provided by Viator
Juliet597
Jan 14, 2025
Good trip worth every dollar - Excellent trip saw loads off dolphins. To many to count , and 3 wales , 2 adults and a baby , well worth it , highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trek46110695406
Jan 14, 2025
Fantastic time! - What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! Learning more about what makes New Zealand and Harauki so special from Laurie and Toni who were enthusiastic and knowledgeable made it extra special for my husband and I on our honeymoon. We saw dolphins and a whale and we couldn't be happier. Thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gregorysm6572ez
Jan 13, 2025
Don't skip out on this trip! - Very knowledgeable crew and very interactive. The boat itself is very large with lots of room to move around even when at full capacity. We were lucky enough to get into a massive pod of the local common dolphin and also a very curious Byrdes Whale! If you're in Auckland do not pass this opportunity up!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Markymarkl1235
Jan 11, 2025
Amazing trip - Awesome, awesome, awesome! Best thing we did in Auckland. Saw heaps of dolphins, zooming gannets and 3 x whales! Definitely do this trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leilani_w
Jan 11, 2025
The crew is very... - The crew is very informative and friendly. They do a great job of teaching while you’re out with and answering questions if you have them. The ride is beautiful and so fun to see!
Review provided by Viator
Sabrina_d
Jan 10, 2025
This boat trip was an... - This boat trip was an amazing experience for my family and I. We saw a huge pod of
common dolphins - around 100- playing around the boat for 30 minutes. Sunna (one of the
marine biologists) made a presentation about the Moana and the progress made from
2013-2024 which was very interesting. The close up pictures that Britney took were
awesome and the knowledge the crew had was incredible.The boat ride itself was a bit
splashy but heaps of fun. I also like to thank the captain for keeping us safe and entertained.
Thank you Auckland Whale Dolphin Safari! Sofia (11 years - Cambridge, NZ)
Review provided by Viator
M2892mnnancyc
Jan 10, 2025
Excellent!! - A very well organised and informative cruise. Much enjoyed!! We saw some amazing dolphin antics and a glimpse of a whale.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jasmine_s
Jan 9, 2025
The entire crew was... - The entire crew was amazing! Sanaa and Britney answered every question we had. It was cool to learn about their research and watch them in action collect data. Although, our original booking was cancelled and the rebooked it immediately. Please do not give them a hard for any cancellations. They really know what they are doing and they are considerate and will help you rebook. The views on the tour are wonderful and worth it!
Review provided by Viator
Stay555954
Jan 9, 2025
Awesome experience! - Fantastic experience! I wish it had been longer! I would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Auckland. Next time I’m in the city, I will sign up again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor