Skip to main content

Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise

Auckland, New Zealand
Great choice
20+ bookings last month.
  • 7 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

    What's Included

    • Air-conditioned vehicle
    • Island Stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O' War Vineyards
    • Dedicated time for marine mammal viewing
    • Live commentary
    • Lunch
      Sandwiches, snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard.
    • Hotel pick-up or drop-off

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • Explore Group - Auckland
      Explore Booking Kiosk Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

      Please check in at the Explore Kiosk (opposite the Maritime Museum) 15 mins before departure. Timetable: SUMMER (until 7 April) Mon–Fri (island stop): 9:15am–4pm Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 9:30am (island stop) & 11:30am–5:20pm WINTER (from 8 April) Wed–Sun (island stop): 9:15am–4pm

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    1

    Hauraki Gulf

    2

    Rotoroa Island

    3

    Man O' War Vineyards

    4

    Waiheke Island

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Most travelers can participate
    • Infants are not required to sit on laps, nor do we have infant seats available. They will have their own adult seat but must be pre-booked as a passenger.
    • WINTER SCHEDULE (until 23 October 2026): Wednesday - Sunday: Departs 9:15am | Returns 4pm (Includes an afternoon island stop for 1 - 1.5 hours at Rotoroa Island or Man O' War, Waiheke Island)
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    Vik_M
    I had an absolutely amazing experience at the dolphin show! From start to finish, everything was organized perfectly and the staff were friendly and helpful. The dolphins were incredible to watch, very playful, intelligent, and well-trained. I loved seeing their acrobatics and interactions with the trainers — it was both entertaining and educational. The venue was clean and comfortable, and the atmosphere was lively and fun. I especially appreciated how the staff explained interesting facts about the dolphins, which made the experience even more memorable. I would highly recommend this dolphin show to anyone visiting — it’s a truly unforgettable experience!

    Reviews

    4.2
    based on 19 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Amazing

    Misbah_K, Apr 2026
    it was nice, everything was organised. .............................................................

    Marvellous dolphin watching experience

    Arpita_C, Feb 2026
    I very well planned trip,Enjoyed the break at Rotoroa island. We were so lucky to have seen so many dolphins

    I had an absolutely...

    Vik_M, Dec 2025
    I had an absolutely amazing experience at the dolphin show! From start to finish, everything was organized perfectly and the staff were friendly and helpful. The dolphins were incredible to watch, very playful, intelligent, and well-trained. I loved seeing their acrobatics and interactions with the trainers — it was both entertaining and educational. The venue was clean and comfortable, and the atmosphere was lively and fun. I especially appreciated how the staff explained interesting facts about the dolphins, which made the experience even more memorable. I would highly recommend this dolphin show to anyone visiting — it’s a truly unforgettable experience!

    No dolphin

    John_M, Nov 2025
    Disappointed title tour name totally misleading 1st island drop off Rotorua was good to sea but very little commentary about scenery on way out spent approximately 3 hours in search of nothing! Then on way back became a ferry service arriving back at wharf 1 hour late Was told we could get voucher for another day still waiting but like most traveler’s we are already committed feel a refund of sorts should be given

    While my tour ended up...

    Ashley_B, Jul 2025
    While my tour ended up being a dud, I would still do this again. I had the unfortunate experience of no marine wildlife and rain. It was the only day that fir into my schedule. While I could have canceled it due to the rain, I wanted to at least try. I wasn't able to see whales or dolphins like I wanted but I did get to be on the ocean and then visit Rotoroa Island. The island was beautiful (even in the light rain). I was offered a voucher for a free return visit since we didn't see any animals. And even though I could fit the return visit in my schedule, I know I will be back this summer to use it.

    Whhaaattt? No whales?

    ron_l, Mar 2025
    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.

    Remarkable

    Cecilia_T, Feb 2025
    It was a awe-inspiring. stunning natural scenery, a thrilling adventure experience that is both beautiful and amazing.

    Great trip! We weren't...

    Denise_B, Feb 2025
    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.

    We enjoyed the boat trip...

    William_R, Feb 2025
    We enjoyed the boat trip and the hiking on the island. It was both relaxing and exciting. Loved seeing the dolphins!

    Great experience!

    Hannah_D, Dec 2024
    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 😊

    Immer einen Plan B haben!

    Michael_K, Feb 2025
    Ausflug wurde einen Tag vorher abgesagt! Da man meistens Tage voraus bucht, war woanders natürlich nix spannendes mehr frei. Schade um den Tag. Warte noch auf die Rückzahlung!

    From $101.53

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 19 days in advance.

    Compare Similar Experiences

    1 / 3
    Current
    Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise


    7 hours 45 minutes
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $101.53
    Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise


    4 hours 30 minutes
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $130.80
    Tiritiri Matangi Island Discovery - from Auckland


    5 to 9 hours
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $65.70