Outdoor Activity

Whale & Dolphin Safari

A 4.5-hour catamaran cruise into the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, departing from the Eastern Viaduct Marina, puts families alongside working marine researchers as they go about their actual fieldwork. The crew share their knowledge throughout, so children get far more than a sightseeing trip — they get a live science lesson on the water.

How muchTe utu: $149–$219
Ages: 4–89+
WhereKei hea: Auckland CBD
Rating: 4.6; 984 on Google

Get directions Their websitewhalewatchingauckland.com

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Outdoor Activities

LocationTe wāhi

Auckland CBD

Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari

Directions Website

What it is

The Hauraki Gulf is home to whales, dolphins, seals and rare seabirds, and the operator backs its sightings with a guarantee: if no marine mammals are spotted, passengers can cruise again at no extra cost. Ticket purchases also feed directly into conservation initiatives, which gives the outing a satisfying sense of purpose beyond the spectacle.

Best suited to families with older children who can manage a longer sea voyage, this is the kind of day that tends to stay in the memory — the moment a whale surfaces, or a dolphin rides the bow wave, rather than anything found on dry land.

What other parents say

Peter Coombs3 months ago

We enjoyed a great whale & dolphin watching experience before travelling back to the UK, a memorable ending to an epic trip. The staff were knowledgeable and very approachable. We spotted 1/2 whales and were visited by many friendly, inquisitive dolphins. The weather was perfect making it a wonderful experience.

Jayson Vemoa5 months ago

Great memorable sea journey with the friendly helpful crew of Marine Biologists who were a plethora of knowledge about the ocean wildlife. They showed and informed us how much work and passion is performed with protecting the marine environment. We felt safe taking our children aboard teaching the awareness needed out there in the deep blue. We caught some panoramic view of Auckland”The City of Sails” Big Thankyou to John, Laurie, Cayla and Sanaa who all made the trip memorable for us.

Read 3 more reviews ↓

Roy Wee (Panda)7 months ago

All I could say is GO!! This is an amazing and highly must go adventure in Auckland. It really depends on luck I would say to see the dolphins and whale, though I would say we got lucky in the first 30 minutes to see some dolphins that they even came so close to the boats and was jumping at the side and swimming in the front of our cruise the spectacular moment of just watching the animals in their own habits. Sadly after that there was no more sea creatures but they did offer a coupon for us to come back at half price with no expiration date. So highly will do make another trip down to see those sea creatures again and cross fingers hopefully we are able to enjoy the full journey.

Abby Lewis7 months ago

This safari is wonderful & a great start / end to your time in New Zealand. The staff is incredibly kind, communicates well & gives you tons of information on the wildlife. It's a once in a lifetime experience!

Weng Mun Ng2 months ago

Very well curated and guided tour, and we felt safe all the way. Many insightful explanations of the wildlife in the sea made it an educational and exciting experience, as we played hide and seek with the dolphins and whales. Totally recommended for any tourist visiting Auckland.

Reviews from Google.