Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
What To Expect
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.
Options
10.30am Departure
1.00pm Departure
7.30am Departure
What‘s Included
Local guide
Every ticket purchased contributes directly to Marine Mammal Conservation
Expert commentary/Interaction with our onboard Marine Research Scientists
Food and drinks (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,884 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unforgettable experience
Culture25596957142,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent and informative experience. Unique every time and unforgettable memories. And it supports ongoing research into the marine ecosystem it gives us a chance to witness up close. It's a win for everyone.
Best Auckland Trip
Trail68080921292,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Crew are super friendly and the experience is incredible, well worth every penny spent on this and will also be back in summer too ! Keep up the great work guys it was an absolute pleasure
Epic cruise
sanjanir2023,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible experience, crew were excellent, perfect sunny day and I had fun watching the gentle giants 🐋🐬
Fantastic experience
Graeme S,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fantastic experience. The crew was first class. We saw a whale and dolphins and a range of birds.
tour cancelled with NO communication
dpheyes,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We had a tour scheduled for Easter Monday, which we confirmed prior with the operator that they would be operating. We arrived 1/2 hr prior to tour time, as did 3 other groups of people, and we waited and waited. Finally, after the tour was supposed to start, we all started gathering and discussing. The weather appeared to be fine, but we did hear of another operator who was cancelling due to expected bad weather. One of the guests tried calling the number on the boat with no answer. Someone else happened to pull up the website and found that they had cancelled Easter and Easter Monday sailings the day before, but not any of us had been notified by email. About 45 minutes after the scheduled start, a person from the nearby Maritime museum came over and talked to one group, telling them that the tour had been cancelled. Still no word from the operator directly, and no way of knowing if we would get our money refunded. We had so looked forward to this tour and were extremely disappointed. We did subsequently get our money refunded, but we ended up wasting over 1/2 day of our short window in Auckland. I'm guessing the tour would have been great, but surely they could do better about notifying guests who have paid money when they need to cancel.
Beautiful ocean trip
KathieD332,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great experience. Auckland's harbor is beautiful. We did not see whales but saw many dolphins. The spotters/guides were very good, very knowledgeable.
Unforgettable and so important!
Erika E,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If you’re wondering whether you should do this tour, you should. It’s incredible. The crew is amazing and seeing the marine mammals in person and in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I went with my mom in May and we had such a great tour with Cayla, Toni, John, and Graham. We spotted at least three, possibly four different whales and dozens of dolphins and learned so much about how the whales and birds rely on dolphins to round up fish for food. To learn it and then see it in action was an unforgettable experience. I truly admire the work this tour does for marine science, public education, and running a unique NZ experience. Thanks to the whole crew!
Excellent!
POORNIMA S,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experience! Highly recommended. It was very informative. We were able to see numerous dolphins, orcas (very rare as per the guides) , penguins and lots of birds. Make sure you dress warm as it does get chilly in the boat. The tour was well organized. The team members are all marine scientists and are able to give us good information and answer all questions.
Avoid this company if you value your time and money
JoaoProspero,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Avoid this company if you value your time and money. After they cancelled the tour 4x while I was in Auckland, the refund process has been a nightmare. While there was an initial administrative update needed regarding my credit card, I provided official documentation from my bank weeks ago to resolve it. Since then, they have repeatedly stalled, cited 'technical issues,' and are now asking for even more redundant bank documentation that was never mentioned before. It has been weeks of back-and-forth and I am still waiting for my money. This is an extreme lack of professionalism and poor customer service. I am now forced to file a formal dispute with my bank to get my funds back. Be very careful booking here if you expect a smooth refund for cancelled services.
Superb
Gareth R,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was great. Passionate crew who clearly loved their job and were respectful toward the wildlife. We saw dolphins and whales. Would recommend.
Secure Checkout
Related Experiences
Operated by Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari