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Auckland Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise
3.9
9 Ratings
Auckland
Join our Auckland cruise to spot dolphins, whales, and seals. Enjoy island stops and learn about Hauraki Gulf’s rich history and conservation.
Join our Auckland cruise to spot dolphins, whales, and seals. Enjoy island stops and learn about Hauraki Gulf’s rich history and conservation.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Explore Group - Auckland - Discover a variety of marine wildlife in their natural environment at the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park aboard our premium cruise fleet, designed specifically for wildlife viewing. Departing from the Auckland Viaduct, the cruise navigates past several Hauraki Gulf Islands in search of whales, dolphins, seals, birdlife, and…
- Explore Group - Auckland - Discover a variety of marine wildlife in their natural environment at the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park aboard our premium cruise fleet, designed specifically for wildlife viewing. Departing from the Auckland Viaduct, the cruise navigates past several Hauraki Gulf Islands in search of whales, dolphins, seals, birdlife, and more!
Your tour also includes a stopover at either Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyards on Waiheke Island (No Island Stop on 11:30am departure Saturdays/Sundays). Choose to explore 8km of walking trails, sheltered sandy beaches, and native wildlife on Rotoroa Island, or opt for a more relaxed experience at Man O’ War Vineyards to enjoy their beachfront cellar door and restaurant.
With large picture windows and expansive viewing decks, including roof, front, and rear decks, there is ample space for everyone to get a front-row seat to see the resident whales, dolphins, penguins, and surrounding islands.
Our vessels are equipped with amenities to make your cruise as comfortable as possible, including a fully licensed café onboard providing light refreshments, comfortable seating throughout the cabins, and onboard resources to enhance your knowledge of the local wildlife.
What's Included
- Live commentary
- Island Stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyards (not available on weekend 11:30am departures)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Dedicated time for marine mammal viewing
- Live commentary
- Island Stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyards (not available on weekend 11:30am departures)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Dedicated time for marine mammal viewing
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off
- Lunch
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off
Additional Information
- Enjoy the chance to see a wide range of marine life, including dolphins, whales, seals, various birds, and more.
- Marine mammal sighting guarantee - if no marine mammals are spotted during your cruise, come again for free!^
- Island Stop included at either Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyards (Note: 11:30am departure on Sat/Sun does not include an…
- Enjoy the chance to see a wide range of marine life, including dolphins, whales, seals, various birds, and more.
- Marine mammal sighting guarantee - if no marine mammals are spotted during your cruise, come again for free!^
- Island Stop included at either Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyards (Note: 11:30am departure on Sat/Sun does not include an Island Stop).
- Discover the history and conservation efforts of the volcanic peaks, numerous islands, and the extensive coastline of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
- Listen to captivating stories about the origins and histories of the land, sea, and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki – the original inhabitants of Tāmaki Makaurau.
- Infants are not required to sit on laps, nor do we have infant seats available. They will have their own adult seat
Location
Explore Group - Auckland
Quay Street
Please check in at the Explore Kiosk (diagonally opposite the Maritime Museum) at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
Schedule (until 27th April 2025):
- Monday-Friday: 9:15am departure (returns 4pm)
- Saturday/Sunday/Public Holidays: 9:30am departure or 11:30 departure (NO Island Stop).
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
3.9
(9 Ratings)
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Reikoy845
Mar 23, 2025
Great experience - The staff is helpful and the content is great‼︎
We met two groups of dolphins. The first time we had a group of six horses, the second time we had a group of more than 12 horses, it was very friendly. We swam around the boat and we could see babies with us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Go2hi
Mar 2, 2025
Treading water - A fabulous, full day (9:30am to 5:30pm out on the water. Couple of hours at Man ‘o War island (where lunch is surprisingly good at the winery!) Had a full day at our disposal before flying out late at night, so a highly recommended way to pass the time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cecilia_t
Feb 26, 2025
Remarkable - It was a awe-inspiring. stunning natural scenery, a thrilling adventure experience that is both beautiful and amazing.
Review provided by Viator
Denise_b
Feb 25, 2025
Great trip! We weren't... - Great trip! We weren't lucky enough to see any whales but we did see dolphins! The stop at the winery was a wonderful side excursion.
Review provided by Viator
William_r
Feb 15, 2025
We enjoyed the boat trip... - We enjoyed the boat trip and the hiking on the island. It was both relaxing and exciting. Loved seeing the dolphins!
Review provided by Viator
Hannah_d
Dec 11, 2024
Great experience! - Great trip! Easy to navigate to the harbour and the team gave us clear instructions on what to do. The dolphins made the team work for it but we spent a lot of time with them when we did find them. The island was brilliant and we managed to do the North route and take pictures before getting picked up! Well worth doing and a nice day out 😊
Review provided by Viator
Paul
Apr 8, 2025
Alas Tour Cancelled due to weather - Unfortunately due to weather the cruise was cancelled. Communication from cruise operator was prompt and friendly. Rookie mistake though was not planning/arranging a back up activity so pretty much a precious day wasted
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ron_l
Mar 5, 2025
Whhaaattt? No whales? - Disappointed. If you’re interested in a 75-90 boat ride to and from the drop off island, you’ll like this tour. Dropped up passengers at two islands and then on to our search for dolphins. We managed to find one pod of dolphins during our 2 hour hunt and that was exciting. The title of the tour is misleading. No whales here to search for. Seven hours for 30 minutes of enjoying seeing the dolphins.
Review provided by Viator
