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
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
1,790 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Too bad we could not go…
k2katrina,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Weather turned out to be beautiful day but unfortunately our trip was cancelled due to weather. Our trip was supposed to be in the afternoon, wished they would have waited before cancellations.
Amazing experience.
Steven P,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had an absolutely amazing time! Managed to get some amazing video of the Dolphins playing at the front of the boat which was so impressive. Sadly no Whales on the day, maybe next time. Crew were very friendly, helpful and knowlegable makung the experience very rewarding. We would highly recommend this activity to anybody visiting Auckland, you wont be disapointed.
Excellent Water Tour!
David B,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip to see New Zealand from the water. We saw dolphins galore! But beware, the front deck is the very spot when underway!
Excellent trip
ursulacK4599JY,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Informative, fun. Crew excellent, Elise, Kelly (Kayla?) , Graham, Emily , Britney. They were all helpful and knowledgeable.
No whales, lots of dolphins, too expensive
albertmariom,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good boat trip, lots of dolphins but no whales seen. On balance, however, too expensive. Friendly staff. Have a good boat trip.
Dolphin and Bird Safari
nathancZ4026RG,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The experience was beautiful from start to finish. The staff is very kind, friendly and knowledgeable. One observation: calling it a “Whale Watching” Safari is misleading as the chances of spotting a whale are VERY slim according to an employee who’s been in the business 40 years. He mentioned he’s only seen whales ten times. But the wildlife you do see, like the dolphins and birds, are beautiful. Plus you get a real nice view of the different islands! Thanks again team for the unique and wonderful experience.
Hope to go again soon!
Martin W,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful start to finish with excellent staff, more dolphins than I ever expected and endless beautiful views all around the gulf. Can’t recommend this highly enough!
Absolutely memorable
Sanu K,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I highly recommend this crew. They were incredibly kind and knowledgeable. We had two whale sightings and saw multiple dolphin pods during our January 6th afternoon safari. This trip was truly memorable and well worth it.
Enjoyed dolphins ,...
Hari S,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Enjoyed dolphins , glimpses of penguins but no whales despite valiant attempt by crew. Great education!
Not to be trusted. Poor service
drjwdavis,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We booked this tour before arriving in NZ and were given a 1:30pm tour time in our confirmation with a recommendation to arrive 30 min ahead of time to check in. A confirmation email was received the day prior to the trip and said to arrive 30 min prior to departure. We arrived 30 min prior to our 1:30 departure and the boat was gone. I called the number on the confirmation email and it said the number was out of service. Emails to try to reschedule or receive a refund have not been answered. Seems like a poor way to run a tour business. A terrible waste of one of our few days in NZ.
From NZ$219.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari