Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise
Overview
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.
Inclusions
- Local guide
- Every ticket purchased contributes directly to Marine Mammal Conservation
- Expert commentary/Interaction with our onboard Marine Research Scientists
What to expect
Itinerary
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.
Stop At:
• New Zealand Maritime Museum, Corner Quay and Hobson Streets Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Central, Auckland 1140 New Zealand
• Viaduct Harbour Ave, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand
• Auckland Harbour Bridge, Curran St, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand
• Rangitoto Island, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand
• Waitemata Harbour, Auckland New Zealand
• Hauraki Gulf, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand
• Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari, 175 Quay Street Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand
• Motuihe Island, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland New Zealand
• Motutapu Island, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand
• Tiritiri Matangi Island, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand
• North Head Historic Reserve, Takarunga Rd. Devonport, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand
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.
Stop At:
• New Zealand Maritime Museum, Corner Quay and Hobson Streets Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Central, Auckland 1140 New Zealand
• Viaduct Harbour Ave, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand
• Auckland Harbour Bridge, Curran St, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand
• Rangitoto Island, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand
• Waitemata Harbour, Auckland New Zealand
• Hauraki Gulf, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand
• Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari, 175 Quay Street Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand
• Motuihe Island, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland New Zealand
• Motutapu Island, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand
• Tiritiri Matangi Island, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand
• North Head Historic Reserve, Takarunga Rd. Devonport, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand
Additional information
- 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
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- IMPORTANT: Check in closes 15 minutes prior to stated departure time. Those passengers who are late risk losing their allocated seats.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Callovertheworld
April 2022
The tour itself was fun and educational. We stayed out in the front of the catamaran. We regreted it though whent he sea became rough. It is nature and we cannot complain. The thing though is with rough waves t is more difficult to do sightings. We saw around 6 whales of different kinda..toobad t...
The tour itself was fun and educational. We stayed out in the front of the catamaran. We regreted it though whent he sea became rough. It is nature and we cannot complain. The thing though is with rough waves t is more difficult to do sightings. We saw around 6 whales of different kinda..toobad though about the waves. The service of the staff aboard I noticed is excellent because they cared about those who had seasickness.Josh_M
March 2022
It is awesome that this safari helps with marine biological studies. Seeing the dolphins totally made the day
It is awesome that this safari helps with marine biological studies. Seeing the dolphins totally made the dayBrenda_R
February 2022
Beautiful day in my happy place with dolphins and seabirds - magic. Wellorganised and informative trip with just the right amount of commentary
Beautiful day in my happy place with dolphins and seabirds - magic. Wellorganised and informative trip with just the right amount of commentaryRimma_O
December 2021
Very disappointed. I booked the trip 2 months in advance. It was supposed to be a birthday present for my partner. And 16 hours before the trip I received an email saying it’s cancelled, without an explanation why. So I called help center being very upset that I no longer have a present for my ...
Very disappointed. I booked the trip 2 months in advance. It was supposed to be a birthday present for my partner. And 16 hours before the trip I received an email saying it’s cancelled, without an explanation why. So I called help center being very upset that I no longer have a present for my partner. And a girl on the phone said the reason of the cancellation was a mechanical issue. She didn’t even say sorry about me having a terrible experience with them. I totally get it’s not her fault, but we all have to deal with upset customers sometimes and the least we can do is to say sorry. Wouldn’t recommend relying on them and booking it in advance.Mark_M
December 2021
Great trip. Very over priced though and when we found a cheaper option 2 hours later they wouldn’t refund the $140 difference like the Viator guarantee promises. That part is a rip off. No whale spotting either but lots of dolphins
Great trip. Very over priced though and when we found a cheaper option 2 hours later they wouldn’t refund the $140 difference like the Viator guarantee promises. That part is a rip off. No whale spotting either but lots of dolphinslk833
August 2021
I bought 2 tickets to the Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching safari last year and the trip was cancelled due to weather. At the time I could have taken a refund for the tickets. I explained via email it would be very difficult to to go again with that friend on another date. The company ignored ...
I bought 2 tickets to the Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching safari last year and the trip was cancelled due to weather. At the time I could have taken a refund for the tickets. I explained via email it would be very difficult to to go again with that friend on another date. The company ignored this and suggested to get a voucher instead of a refund and I felt that since they had probably been affected by Covid-19 it would be the kinder thing to do. I accepted the vouchers assuming since I had purchased the tickets that I could take another friend on a later date. Now I have gone to use the tickets (purchased at full price) and they refuse to let anyone else use the second ticket. They would rather it went to waste. This is despite it making no difference to them in terms of numbers and despite me having purchased both tickets myself. Other companies do not operate like this, I would expect it from an airline but not from a tourist boat trip. The company was not clear in their communication at the time of cancellation as I would have clearly taken a refund had that been the case. I wish I hadn't tried to support a local business who have been so rude. It now seems both tickets will be wasted.