Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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.

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

Options

1.00pm Departure

10.30am Departure

7.30am Departure

Reviews

4.59

1,860 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1448

240

A superb fun and informative experience
R9210RZtheresab,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I loved that the staff were knowledgeable and explained so much. I felt safe in relation to how the vessel and general passenger safety were managed. The effort the crew made to ensure we had a fabulous and informative experience was admirable, and the dolphin and whale sighting was superb. Loved it!
Not a trip to be missed
Sally S,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a brilliant day. Make sure you take sun screen & warm outer clothing even if it’s warm in the city. We saw both dolphins & Orca whales. The crew are great & so knowledgeable
Bad weather. Trip...
Bruce G,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00
Bad weather. Trip canceled. But they refunded the fees. Would have been fun. Maybe next time. Hope so
Canceled trip
lindamE7795AS,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
The dolphin and whale watching trip was canceled due to weather. There were about thirty school kids waiting to board when the guide announced our trip was canceled. We may have dodged a bullet.
Good day out
lesleydZ7963TI,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
It was a lovely day. Saw lots of Dolphins and sea birds.
The crew was very...
Dawn B,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The crew was very informative. They pointed out the mammals and birds around the craft. We saw several dolphins and 2 whales crested the water.
Awesome views
bja1666,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Well, I finally have time to write my reviews on several excursions I recently booked either on Trip Advisor or Viator. This was one of our first excursions when we got to Auckland. Although the trip advertised Dolphin and Whale watching we didn’t get to see any Whales but we did see several Dolphin pods. The staff was great and the boat ride was also great. My only suggestion is if you have long hair bring something to tie it back as it really is windy. That was my only regret. I would definitely do this excursion again.
Amazing experience
582babsm,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Just Incredible!😀 the staff on the boat were so knowledgable and shared so much information with us which made the trip memorable. They are an inspiration!
Great tour . Say lots of Dolphins, NO whales. ( only seen 43% of time on the water) crew was informative , safety first. Special
GoPlaces29988377371,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
NO whales ,only dolphins . Only see whales 43% of trips. Great trip , excellent staff on board.
Dolhpins by the dozen
Bradley C,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
A perfect day on a very good boat for watching sea life. The guides were all degreed in dolphins etc and used the tour to gather scientific data on what we saw. Following bird signs in the huge bay, we found two huge pods of dolphins who played for us in the bow pressure wave in clear waters. They estimated one pod at 80 including a baby and we had easily a dozen playing right under our feet in the twin bows of the catamaran. In between sightings were video lectures on what we were seeing and the scientific studies in the bay. For those who wanted a snack, the galley had a variety of foods. Viewing indoors and out had the weather not been so beautiful.