Whale and Dolphin Safari in Auckland
Highlights & inclusions
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August 2026
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What you can expect
Departing directly from downtown Auckland, this 4.5-hour marine safari offers a truly unique whale and dolphin watching experience aboard the luxurious 20-metre catamaran, Dolphin Explorer. Cruising through the stunning Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, one of the world’s most diverse marine environments, you’ll have the chance to encounter an incredible range of marine life, including Bryde’s whales, common dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and even the elusive little blue penguin.
Your journey begins at the Viaduct Basin, just a short walk from Auckland’s central accommodation. As you relax on the spacious open deck, take in panoramic views of iconic landmarks like the Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island, and North Head, all while watching for orca and dolphins that frequent the inner Waitematā Harbour.
Location
What you need to know
- Dolphins or whales sighted on 95% of our safaris
- Experience incredible wildlife all year round
- Take in breathtaking views of iconic Auckland landmarks
- Engage with marine science experts onboard
- Discover more through our expert and insightful commentary
- Spot marine mammals, or enjoy a complimentary return cruise if you don’t!
- Food and drinks are not included in your tour price but may be purchased on board. You are welcome to bring your own lunch, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on board. Our liquor licence does not permit you to bring your own alcohol.
- Duration – 4.5 hours
- Tours operate seven days a week (excluding Christmas Day), with a range of departure times depending on our dates.
- 1st April– 30th November
- Safaris operate seven days a week with one departure time.
- Check-in closes 10:15 am / Safari departs 10:30 am / Returns 3:00 pm
- 1st December – 31st March
- Safaris operate seven days a week with two departure times.
- Morning Safari
- Check-in closes 7:15am / Safari departs 7:30am / Returns 12:00pm
- Afternoon Safari
- Check-in closes 12:45pm / Safari departs 1:00pm / Returns 5:30pm
- Berth 9, Eastern Viaduct Marina, Auckland 1010
- Please check in for your cruise with our crew at the top of the boarding ramp by our boat in the Viaduct Harbour.
- Directions: The Viaduct Harbour is located at the western end of Quay Street (left as you are looking at the water) in downtown Auckland. When arriving on foot, you will see our boat to your left, immediately opposite the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
- All passengers must check in with our crew no later than 15 minutes before departure 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.
- If you choose to use your own private transport into Auckland city centre, there are plenty of car parks around the city which you can use. You can see the available car parks and their prices on the Auckland Transport website
- Berth 9, Eastern Viaduct Marina, Auckland 1010
- Please check in for your cruise with our crew at the top of the boarding ramp by our boat in the Viaduct Harbour.
- Directions: The Viaduct Harbour is located at the western end of Quay Street (left as you are looking at the water) in downtown Auckland. When arriving on foot, you will see our boat to your left, immediately opposite the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
- All passengers must check in with our crew no later than 15 minutes before departure 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.
- If you choose to use your own private transport into Auckland city centre, there are plenty of car parks around the city which you can use. You can see the available car parks and their prices on the Auckland Transport website
- We suggest dressing in layers, including something warm and wind- resistant, along with a sun hat or a warm winter hat, and sunglasses. Please wear flat-soled shoes for comfort and safety
- Remember to bring any personal medication you may need, including seasickness remedies
- Don’t forget your camera and sunscreen!
- You’re also welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board
- We reserve the right to cancel or change a tour at any time in the interests of passenger safety. Weather and sea conditions can change quickly, and this may alter the status of your tour at any time. We will inform you of any cancellations by the contact details you have provided, before 10am on the day of departure.
- We are very lucky to enjoy one of the highest marine-mammal viewing rates in New Zealand and rest assured our expert crew are always working tirelessly to find you some whales and dolphins. However, we are working with wild animals in their (rather large) natural environment, and unfortunately sometimes they just do not want to be found.
- If you are one of the few (less than 5%) unlucky passengers who doesn’t get a chance to view dolphins or whales, we will issue you and your party a Complimentary Voucher to come out and try again absolutely free. This complimentary voucher is open-ended, no matter how long it is until you visit us again.
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
Recent reviews
This was a great opportunity
This was a great opportunity, unfortunately the weather was not the best on the day. It was quite rough to the point lots of the passengers were sea sick. The skipper was very informative and provided lots of information on what was happening and how they were looking for signs of the dolphins and whales. He was obviously passionate about the marine life and conservation of the area. Boat is modern and clean, well maintained. Crew are all very friendly and helpful. A limited selection of food, drinks and ice creams were available on board for purchase. We saw dozens of birds, a few pods of dolphins. But unfortunately, despite a number of days around us seeing them, the whales did not come out to play, which was a bit disappointing. We were a little disappointed by the day as we didn't see as much as we had hoped for. However this was no fault of the company and was just the luck of the day.
