Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise
Recommended by 91% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Auckland, New Zealand
+4
- 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Cruise Auckland's Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on a 4.5-hour eco safari to spot whales, dolphins, seals, and rare seabirds. Enjoy expert commentary and close encounters with diverse marine wildlife in stunning island scenery, departing from downtown Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.
- 4.5-hour eco safari featuring whales, dolphins, seals, and rare seabirds
- Expert commentary from marine research scientists
- Scenic views of Auckland’s islands and marine park
- Departs from Viaduct Harbour in downtown Auckland
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
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Eastern Viaduct, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Our boat is at Berth 9, Eastern Viaduct Marina, accessed from the end of Quay Street heading West. This is opposite the Maritime Museum. On arrival look for our crew at the top of our boarding ramp to check in 30 minutes before departure (check-in closes 15 minutes prior to trip time).
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Meet the boat crew at the top of the ramp near Berth 9, in the Eastern Viaduct Marina, opposite the Maritime Museum, and depart aboard a custom-built 65-foot (20-meter) catamaran, comfortably appointed so you can best view up to six types of whales as well as dolphins and other marine life.
Throughout your 4.5-hour cruise, the captain and guides entertain you with fascinating facts about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, home to five marine preserves and sprinkled with islands — it's considered one of the world’s most biologically diverse marine parks and home to some 23 different species.
Hear about research conducted in partnerships with local marine scientists and discover which whales the crew tracks. They’ll point out sea mammals such as frequently spotted pods of bottlenose dolphins and Bryde’s whales, native to New Zealand.
Be ready to snap photos of adorable blue penguins. Set your binoculars upon seabirds such as Australasian gannets, petrels, shearwaters and white-fronted terns soaring above or plunging into the sea.
Afterward, the boat returns to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, where your tour ends.
Please note: While wildlife viewings cannot be guaranteed, dolphins and whales are often swimming around these waters. In the event that you do not see any marine mammals during your trip, you can go again another day at no extra charge.
Throughout your 4.5-hour cruise, the captain and guides entertain you with fascinating facts about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, home to five marine preserves and sprinkled with islands — it's considered one of the world’s most biologically diverse marine parks and home to some 23 different species.
Hear about research conducted in partnerships with local marine scientists and discover which whales the crew tracks. They’ll point out sea mammals such as frequently spotted pods of bottlenose dolphins and Bryde’s whales, native to New Zealand.
Be ready to snap photos of adorable blue penguins. Set your binoculars upon seabirds such as Australasian gannets, petrels, shearwaters and white-fronted terns soaring above or plunging into the sea.
Afterward, the boat returns to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, where your tour ends.
Please note: While wildlife viewings cannot be guaranteed, dolphins and whales are often swimming around these waters. In the event that you do not see any marine mammals during your trip, you can go again another day at no extra charge.
1
New Zealand Maritime Museum
2
Viaduct Harbour
3
Auckland Harbour Bridge
4
Rangitoto Island
5
Waitemata Harbour
6
Hauraki Gulf
7
Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari
8
Motuihe Island
9
Motutapu Island
10
Tiritiri Matangi Island
11
North Head Historic Reserve
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Mohamed_C
Had an unforgettable adventure with Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari! Sailing on the Hauraki Gulf was incredible, and spotting dolphins, whales, and countless sea birds made the experience truly magical. The crew were professional, friendly, and clearly passionate about their work. Highly recommend for anyone looking to connect with New Zealand’s amazing marine life!
Reviews
4.6
based on 1,903 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Susan_H, Aug 2026
Hit some fog early in the cruise. Crew worked to get us out of the fog - no whales but found several dolphins pods. Crew was happy to share info and answer all questions.
Hywel_B, Aug 2026
We came from Canada as this was a birthday present for my wife (kids came for a freebie) as she always wanted to see dolphins in the wild. The folks on the boat were great and knew where to look. If we return (wife says "oh yes") we'd book up again. You made her birthday. Cheers.
Fred_M, Aug 2026
Dress accordingly. You may get wet. It will be cool and windy. Proper footwear for a boat. Sunscreen is advisable.
Kira_T, Aug 2026
I received an email the afternoon before our schedule trip cancelling our trip. Gave us the option for a refund or reschedule. We requested to reschedule for the following next. I had to reach back out inquiring and it was again cancelled. I then requested a refund. In which I had to send 2 emails requesting a status of my refund.
garybaldry12285, Aug 2026
The staff were communicative, be prepared for some choppy waves(part of the exp for my mind) limited seating so if mobility is an issue potentially look at other options. Saw plenty of wildlife but know nothing is guaranteed. It is a long trip if you have small children have something to keep them distracted:)
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback! We’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed your experience with us and that our crew made a lasting impression. It’s also great to hear you were able to see plenty of marine life during your trip. Thank you for choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
John_S, Aug 2026
This was an amazing experience. We didn’t get to see any whales but there were many dolphins that arrived to say hello. Since we didn’t get to see any whales, they gave us a voucher for another time. We didn’t see any whales that time either, but it was still worth it. Just nice and relaxing being out on the water, and searching for signs of aquatic activity. My wife and I had a blast. We would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Kia Ora John,
Thank you for your kind words! We're so pleased to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed both of your safaris with us. Thank you for your recommendation!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
Mayela_G, Jul 2026
The tour was cancelled. I know it was disclosed that the tour was weather dependent. However, its been two days and I've contacted them for a refund twice without receiving a response.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're sorry to hear about your experience following the cancellation of your Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari.
As you mentioned, our eco-safari cruises are weather dependent, and safety is always our highest priority when making the decision to cancel a trip. We completely understand that cancellations can be disappointing, especially when you have been looking forward to the experience.
We apologise for the delay in responding to your refund request. This is not the level of service we aim to provide, and we appreciate your patience while we work to resolve these matters. We have shared your feedback with our team to ensure follow-ups are handled more promptly.
Thank you again for your understanding, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you onboard for a future Auckland marine adventure.
Andy_A, Jul 2026
Great trip/tour. The crew were top notch. They took their job seriously as well as your safety. Saw many 🐬 🐦. Whales did not make an appearance but it did not take away from the beauty that is the Ocean and Auckland.
5 🌟
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Kia Ora Andy,
Thank you for your lovely words! We're so pleased to hear that our crew left such a lasting impression and that you were able to see so many dolphins during your trip. We hope you'll be able to join us again in the future, perhaps you'll be able to spot a whale!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
Tong_R, Jun 2026
get to see many dolphins and birds! unfortunately, only able to see the air from the whale. but it was a great activity with lots of information from the staff.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Kia Ora Tong,
Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted to hear you were able to see an abundance of dolphins during your trip. We hope you were able to take away some new information from our knowledgeable crew. Thank you for choosing to travel with us, and we hope to welcome you onboard again soon!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
Sofia_B, Jun 2026
This was a really awesome experience. We saw multiple dolphin pods including baby dolphins swimming with their mother.
There were also lots of cormorants feeding on the fish that the dolphins had boxed in. The vessel was very nice and comfortable.
Warning: you may get sea sick however the crew are very good at handling this situation.
They gave us ginger candy and that actually worked well. They also have bags in case you get sick. Lucky the ginger candy worked but it was a close call for me. Note to self: don’t eat a big breakfast prior to getting on the safari cruise.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Kia Ora Sofia,
Thank you for your kind words! It sounds like you had such a special encounter with the dolphins. We're sorry to hear you experienced some seasickness during the trip, but we're glad our crew was able to support you and make you feel well looked after. Thank you for choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
Graeme_S, Jun 2026
This was a fantastic experience. The crew was first class. We saw a whale and dolphins and a range of birds.
Erika_E, May 2026
If you’re wondering whether you should do this tour, you should. It’s incredible. The crew is amazing and seeing the marine mammals in person and in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I went with my mom in May and we had such a great tour with Cayla, Toni, John, and Graham. We spotted at least three, possibly four different whales and dozens of dolphins and learned so much about how the whales and birds rely on dolphins to round up fish for food. To learn it and then see it in action was an unforgettable experience.
I truly admire the work this tour does for marine science, public education, and running a unique NZ experience.
Thanks to the whole crew!
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia Ora Erika_E,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review and kind words! We’re so pleased to hear the crew made such a positive impact on your day with us and that you enjoyed seeing the marine life interactions in action. Thank you for joining us onboard!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
POORNIMA_S, May 2026
Excellent experience! Highly recommended. It was very informative. We were able to see numerous dolphins, orcas (very rare as per the guides) , penguins and lots of birds. Make sure you dress warm as it does get chilly in the boat. The tour was well organized. The team members are all marine scientists and are able to give us good information and answer all questions.
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so pleased to hear you had such an informative experience with us, and it sounds like you had some fantastic marine life sightings onboard. We really appreciate your recommendation!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
Gareth_R, May 2026
This was great. Passionate crew who clearly loved their job and were respectful toward the wildlife. We saw dolphins and whales. Would recommend.
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your lovely words! It’s great to hear that the crew’s passion really stood out to you, they really are extremely passionate about what they do. We really appreciate your recommendation!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
Tam_A, May 2026
Glad to cruise with friendly and helpful staff. I enjoyed the cruise. Highly encourage to cruise with them if possible.
Bela_S, May 2026
Pack warm clothes!
Waterproof would be even better if you plan to stand at the front of the boat.
Passionate staff, very informative
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia Ora Bela_S,
Thank you for your 5-star review! We’re really pleased to hear our team made such a positive impression, and we hope you came away having learned something new during your day with us.
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
Donald_P, May 2026
It was nice but barely saw a whale but saw lots of dolfins. Loved the marine biologist narrations as we saw animals
Matthew_T, Apr 2026
First of all, naming names, a huge shoutout to the entire team, i especially had a great time getting to chat with Sana about the marine wildlife, and was able to get a good picture about the diving scene in North island, Sana was extremely knowledgeable about the best spots to go in North island for diving, and i enjoyed our interactions discussing the impact of Urchin barrens, and their impact on marine ecosystems in both Australia and New Zealand.
Throughout the rest of the trip, Kayla was great at pointing out and discussing the wildlife we saw during the tour, but always knew when to just let the tour group enjoy the moment, never over-explaining or adding unnecessary commentary just to fill silence.
Overall the entire experience was nothing short of breath taking, it was a privilege to be able to get so close to such beautiful wildlife, and me and my partner walked away with a commitment to be more aware of how we wash our clothes, or what we consume after being educated during an after-tour presentation on the environmental impacts of current typical societal behaviours.
Safe to say we won't be using single-use plastics anytime soon.
Thanks again team for the tour, the next time we come back to NZ, we'll be doing some Diving.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed and thoughtful review, it truly means a lot to us. We’re delighted to hear the crew made such a great impression, and we hope you’re feeling well prepared for your next diving trip here.
It’s also really encouraging to hear that your experience has inspired you to reflect on your habits and consider more sustainable choices going forward. We really appreciate you choosing to join us onboard, and thank you again for sharing such a lovely review.
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
JaeHun_L, Apr 2026
Although we didn’t get to see any whales or penguins, we were happy to see lots of dolphins instead!
Darcy_M, Apr 2026
The staff was very focused on bringing us the best experience possible. We had a calm sunny day so we saw hundreds of dolphins, and two whales. The boat was 60% full so we could move around easily. Excellent excursion.
Kathleen_G, Apr 2026
Our trip started out with helping a Little Penguin safely move away from the vessel. A few of us noticed it and brought it to the crew's attention. The crew were very concerned and compassionate about the penguin and did all the right things to ensure its safety before heading out. For me, that really spoke to their commitment to marine animals and that alone made my experience on the catamaran complete before we even left the dock.
The trip was excellent. The crew are all knowledgeable about marine life and shared many facts and kept a close eye out for sealife. I love being out on the salt water getting sprayed. I was dressed for it and I would recommend that anyone going out on the safari, dress warmly and wear rain gear unless you choose to stay off the bow. We saw various sea birds and common dolphins. That was lovely. The crew handed out vouchers for a free safari (that don't expire) because we didn't see any whales. That's pretty awesome, in my books.
It's a great 4 hours, especially if you love getting out on the salt water and hanging out with some marine life 😊.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review! We’re delighted to hear the crew made a positive impression, and especially that their care for and protection of marine mammals stood out to you. We hope you took away some new knowledge, and we appreciate you choosing to join us onboard.
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
Deanna_D, Apr 2026
Fantastic crew, views, and commentary by the crew. It was a magical experience that I will never forget
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Deanna,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear the crew made such a positive impression, and we hope you were able to take away some new knowledge. Thank you for joining us onboard!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
David_S, Apr 2026
You may not see a whale but you will learn a lot .The crew worked hard to find a whale sighting but without success .We did meet a pod of dolphins which was good
Andrew_N, Apr 2026
Really knowledgeable staff, great vessel to travel on and good presentations. Didn’t see whales but a bucketload of dolphins.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear the crew made such a positive impression, and it’s wonderful that you were able to see so many dolphins. We really appreciate you joining us on board!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
Shawana_b, Apr 2026
We enjoyed seeing the whales, dolphins, penguins and sea birds. It would have been better if the captain had maneuvered the boat so all passengers could have had a better view; other than the few passengers that could get on the front of the boat.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! It sounds like you had some fantastic sightings during your safari. We also appreciate your feedback about fair opportunity at the front railing, our crew do actively encourage this, but your comments have been shared with our Operations team. Thank you for joining us on board!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
Sally_S, Apr 2026
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
Bruce_G, Apr 2026
Bad weather. Trip canceled. But they refunded the fees. Would have been fun. Maybe next time. Hope so
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Bruce_G,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Please be assured that the safety and comfort of our guests are always our top priority. We carefully monitor sea and weather conditions right up until travel, following a thorough process to determine whether conditions are within our safe operating limits. If you’d like to discuss your experience further, we’d be happy to hear from you, please feel free to email us at bookings@awads.co.nz. Thank you again for your feedback, and we hope to welcome you on board in the future!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
Dawn_B, Mar 2026
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.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Dawn_B,
Thank you for your kind words! We hope you were able to take away some new facts from our very knowledgeable crew. We really appreciate you choosing to join us onboard!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
Bradley_C, Mar 2026
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.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora Bradley,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review! What an amazing dolphin encounter, and even a baby dolphin too! We hope you enjoyed learning some new facts from our very knowledgeable crew and really appreciate you choosing to travel with us.
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the AWADS Team
Sampath_C, Mar 2026
I loved this tour, watched around 25 dolphins for such a long time as they were swimming so close to our catamaran. I also loved to see dozens of the birds diving into the ocean and observed a whale.
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