Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari | New Zealand
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Enjoy a 4.5-hour cruise on board the luxurious ‘Dolphin Explorer’ and explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of encounters with its amazing and diverse marine wildlife.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Whale watching, Dolphin watching |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
New Zealand’s most unique whale and dolphin watching safari departs direct from downtown Auckland. Enjoy a 4.5-hour cruise on board the luxurious ‘Dolphin Explorer’ as we explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of encounters with its amazing and diverse marine wildlife.
Your safari departs from the Viaduct Basin, just a short walk from all the major hotels and hostels in Auckland Central. Jump on board our 65-foot (20-metre) catamaran and settle in as we head out to explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, one of the most abundant and diverse marine parks in the world.
From the large open deck, enjoy views of famous Auckland landmarks like the Harbour Bridge, North Head and Devonport, and volcanic Rangitoto Island, as you watch out for orca and dolphins known to frequent the inner Waitematā Harbour. As the crew provides knowledgeable commentary, our marine science experts conduct biological studies and invite you to join interactive research activities.
Because we’re venturing into a wild, natural environment, every trip is different and the marine wildlife we encounter varies from day to day. We typically encounter Bryde’s whales and common dolphins, but you may also meet pygmy blue whales, New Zealand fur seals, sharks, manta rays, turtles and up to 26 species of seabirds – including the little blue penguin.
As we return to Auckland, sit back, take advantage of our licensed café and bar, and enjoy the island views. And if you’re ready to learn more, there’s an optional research presentation so you can learn more about the wildlife you’ve encountered during your safari.
— Cruise Information —
- Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure time
- Safari departs 8:00am, 10:30am, 1:30pm (This time is subject to change depending on the season/month) / Departs 7:15 am or 1:00 pm from December to March
- Returns: about 4.5 hours after the depart time
Spot the wildlife, including dolphins, swimming alongside the boat during the ride!
Listening to the commentary from the experts and get to know more about dolphins!
Get close to the dolphins and take pictures as your special memory!
Purchase Notice
- Please note any passengers aged under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult and supervised by them on board at all times
- Since conditions on the day are unpredictable, the tour is not suitable for pregnant passengers in their third trimester
- Kindly note that the itinerary times provided are for reference only, as there are different sessions for this tour. Please check your voucher for the final departure time
- Please bring any personal medication with you, including any seasickness medication you may need, as Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari is not able to sell medicine on board
- Licensed café and bar are available onsite, however, guest are welcome to bring their food and non-alcoholic drinks
- In the rare event that passengers miss viewing dolphins or whales, they will receive a complimentary voucher without an expiration date. However, no refunds will be issued
- Please click here to see more FAQs and terms and conditions
— What To Bring —
- Warm clothes that are wind-proof and water-proof
- Sun hat or warm winter hat
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen
- Flat-soled shoes
- Camera
- Binoculars
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please be aware that your allocated seats may be released to stand-by passengers if you do not check in at least 15 minutes before departure. Refunds will not be granted to late arrivals
Due to safety regulations, please note that drones are not permitted at any time during the tour, and GoPro are not allowed to be put in the water
The captain has the sole and absolute discretion to adjust the scheduled route or destination of the cruise if for any reason the captain considers it necessary for the safety and welfare of the vessel, its passengers and crew
The cruise company reserves the right to cancel or change the tour at any time for passenger safety due to weather or sea conditions. Guest will be notified of any cancellations via the contact details/email provided at booking before 10 am on the departure day
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation!
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
You can easily purchase tickets for the Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari through various online platforms. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons. Using a platform like KKday provides convenience with an intuitive booking process and secure payment options, ensuring a smooth start to your marine adventure in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
The Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park offers encounters with diverse marine wildlife. Typical sightings include Bryde’s whales and common dolphins. Other potential encounters may feature pygmy blue whales, New Zealand fur seals, sharks, manta rays, turtles, and up to 26 species of seabirds, providing a rich viewing experience for nature enthusiasts.
Yes, the Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari is highly recommended for travelers seeking a unique marine experience. It offers a 4.5-hour cruise through the biodiverse Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, providing ample opportunity to witness amazing marine wildlife like whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The journey aboard the luxurious 'Dolphin Explorer' also includes panoramic views of Auckland landmarks, adding significant value to the overall trip.
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is home to resident populations of whales and dolphins, making it an excellent location for marine life sightings year-round. While specific daily conditions can vary, the diverse ecosystem of the Hauraki Gulf ensures a consistent opportunity for encounters regardless of the season. It is advisable to check local weather forecasts for the most comfortable cruising conditions.
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is a renowned sanctuary for marine life, offering a high probability of whale and dolphin sightings. The safari specifically explores this protected area known for its abundant and diverse species. While sightings of wild animals can never be guaranteed, typical trips frequently encounter Bryde’s whales and common dolphins, making the safari a promising opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts.
The Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari departs directly from the Viaduct Basin in downtown Auckland. This convenient location is within comfortable walking distance of many major hotels and hostels in central Auckland, making it easily accessible for most visitors. Detailed departure instructions and meeting points are typically provided upon booking confirmation.
Whale watching in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf is unique due to its proximity to a major city and the incredible biodiversity of its protected marine park. Unlike other regions that may specialize in certain species, the Hauraki Gulf offers a diverse range of encounters including Bryde’s whales, common dolphins, and various other marine animals. The convenience of departing directly from downtown Auckland, combined with panoramic city views during the cruise, sets this experience apart.
During the Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari aboard the 'Dolphin Explorer,' passengers can enjoy stunning panoramic views of several iconic Auckland landmarks. These include the impressive Harbour Bridge, the historic North Head, and the charming coastal town of Devonport. The large open deck provides excellent vantage points for both marine life spotting and appreciating the scenic beauty of Auckland's coastline.
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