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‘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
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
7.30am Departure
10.30am Departure
1.00pm Departure
Reviews
1,746 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The crew took great care of us.
JAYANDI S,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful experience and it felt close to nature. Also felt the high need for everyone to conserve nature.
Fantastic Experience!
Mindi M,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience! The crew was so helpful and the amount of dolphins we were able to see was incredible.
Excellent trip, saw loads of wildlife
chrisharrison 24747,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I like all sorts of wildlife watching: birds, animals, on land and at sea, so we always fit in some trips while on holiday. If it’s a boat trip, all the better. My wife had looked out Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safaris in the early stages on planning our New Zealand trip. It was a fitting end to 5 fantastic weeks in Aotearoa. We particularly liked the company’s emphasis on also doing research and conservation work. The crew were all very knowledgable, with the two ladies who shouldered most of the commentary and presentation load being particularly good. We saw the majority of the wildlife in the middle part of the trip, once we’d motored across towards the Coromandel, but as we spent so much time there, that was fine. We saw a Bryde’s Whale (a number of times), lots of Common Dolphin, Flesh-Footed Shearwater, Australasian Gannets and Storm Petrels The early start wasn’t a problem for us (0730 boarding, for the morning trip) as we were staying about 10 minutes walk from the wharf. A very good trip, which we would probably consider doing again, if we weren’t starting our mammoth journey home tomorrow.
Nice cruise
977stepht,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The crew were good, knowledgeable and kind to the people on board. We lucked out and only saw dolphins, but you can’t pick these things. It was an overcast day, and I didn’t think too much about it, but wear sunscreen! I am paying for it currently, with 2nd degree burns to the shins. No one’s fault but my own!
Very nice tour
G9942NDmirkob,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice tour with lots of information and a good boat size. You're always dolphins. Waales are a matter of luck. There are also regular penguins to see.
Good tour, respectful to animals
Ruth S,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The staff on the ship were great, they did check in on the pier starting half an hour before the tour and explained the rules to us to keep us all safe. There likked to be a massive crowd of people so i asked how many could fit on the boat. It was 100 and they were fully booked today. For the size if the boat I thought this was too many people. This only was an issue if you wanted to leave the spot you had as all the other places were taken, or when we did see animals it was 3 people deep at the edge to try and take a good photo. The staff dod ask for people to rotate and be kind to let others see, which is absolutely correct and most other passengers did do this, but only when asked. No one can guarantee you will see animals, and we did see 3 large pods of dolphins, a penguin, a seal and lots of birds. But we didn't see any whales which was a shame. The crew tried their best to find one, even being 10 mins late back because they were looking. They were also careful and respectful to the animals, trying to give them space and allow them to choose to interact with us or not. That was really good and completely correct. There was a shop on board with a good range of snacks and toilets if you needed. Good tour, make sure to wear sunscreen, sturdy shoes and take layers as it gets colder with the wind. Id recommend a hat.
WORTH IT!
O5267CSlindsays,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip was absolutely worth it. We saw common dolphins and whales. There were also little blue penguins and some seabirds that dove into the water. We had an amazing all female crew that were total rockstars! I laughed so hard when they all got excited about being whale poop. There was loads of information given throughout the tour. I enjoyed watching them do civilian science and take samples. The boat is spacious and well maintained. We sat on the deck the entire time. The team sent out a warning about swells the night before and offered a refund if we were worried. I took a Dramamine and was totally fine in 1.9m swells every 9 seconds. My words of warning: 1. Don't forget to wear sunscreen even if it's chilly, the reflection off the water is strong. The boat has it inside by the cafe. 2. Be careful on the front of the boat leaving and returning to the harbor: you'll get soaked. The crew warns you, but we got drenched in a wake from another boat splashing up.
Nice
Isabella M,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00It was beautiful scenery and a fun ride. Unfortunately we didn't spot any whales or dolphins, but they gave everyone a free voucher to come another day!
Nice views of the harbor...
Robert S,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Nice views of the harbor and seeing dolphins. No whales however. All over a worth while and fun experience.
We saw both dolphins and whales!
Trip50011076260,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The team were so knowledgeable and we were able to locate both dolphins and whales. It was a wonderful trip. Pleased I took their advice and took sea sickness tablet due to the weather forecast.
From NZ$219.00
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Operated by Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari