Tour Details

7
From $199 NZD

Book with confidence – you can change or cancel your booking up to 6pm the day before travel, free of charge.

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Overview

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 our 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. 

  • Year-round encounters with incredible wildlife 
  • Enjoy spectacular views of Auckland landmarks 
  • Interact with onboard marine science experts 
  • Learn from our expert and informative commentary 
  • See marine mammals, or cruise again for free 

Pricing

  • Adult $199
  • Child $136 (0 to 14 years)
  • Family $502 (2 adults and up to 2 children; additional children $89 each)
  • Senior $179 (65+ ID required)

Availability and Timings

1st December 2023 – 31st March 2024

Safaris operates seven days a week, with two departure times (excluding Christmas Day)

Morning Safari

  • Check-in closes 7:45am
  • Safari departs 8:00am
  • Returns 12:30pm 

Afternoon Safari

  • Check-in closes 1:15pm
  • Safari departs 1:30pm
  • Returns 6:00pm 

1st April 2024 – 30th April 2024

Safaris operates seven days a week with one standard departure time (morning charters available on request)

  • Check-in closes 1:15pm
  • Safari departs 1:30pm
  • Returns 6:00pm 

1st May 2024 – 31st October 2024

Safaris operates seven days a week with one standard departure time

  • Check-in closes 10:15am
  • Safari departs 10:30am
  • Returns 3:00pm 

Check-In Information

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.

Food and Drink

You are most welcome to bring your own food on board, but we also have an onboard licensed café selling a selection of drinks and snacks.

Our onboard catering is provided by the Sustainable Food Company, offering delicious plant-based and zero-waste savory and sweet options. A sample menu of items we will have available is below:

  • Falafel, Hummus, Caramelised Onion Chutney, Baby Spinach, Red Onion and Mayo – Available as both Sandwich and Wrap
  • Cheese and Tomato Sandwich
  • Feta, Roast Pumpkin, Basil Pesto, Baby Spinach, Red Onion, Mayo Sandwich
  • Basil Pesto Pasta Salad with Olives, Sundried Tomato, Spinach
  • Kumara, Brown Rice & Almond Salad
  • Tomato and Cheese Quiche
  • Lentil ‘sausage’ roll
  • Banana muffin
  • Berry muffin

What to Bring

  • We recommend you wear a few layers of clothes, including something warm and wind/shower-proof, a sun hat or warm winter hat, and sunglasses. Please wear flat-soled shoes.
  • Please bring any personal medication with you, including any seasickness medication you may need, as we are not able to sell medicine on board.
  • Don’t forget to bring your camera and your sunscreen!
  • You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks on board
  • Help us keep the Hauraki Gulf islands pest-free by checking your bags and shoes carefully for pests, soil or plant matter before you come on board.

See our FAQs for more information on what to bring.

Marine Mammal Sighting Guarantee

We are very lucky to enjoy one of the highest marine-mammal viewing rates in New Zealand, and our expert crew work tirelessly to find whales and dolphins. However, we are working with wild animals in their 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 during your safari, 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.

Check our FAQs for more info on our guarantee and how our vouchers work.

Cancellations

You can change or cancel your booking up to 6pm the day before travel, free of charge. See our terms and conditions for more information.

Counteract Your Carbon Emissions

Add a $10 donation to your booking to plant a native tree and restore our waterways through our partnership with Million Metres. Your donation will help counteract your carbon emissions, plus you’ll be helping fund local restoration projects.

Find out more

Under 18's Policy

Please note: any passengers aged under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult and supervised by them on board at all times.

Bookings for groups that contain 10+ children require specific adult-to-child ratios onboard to be met, and requires completion of additional safety paperwork prior to travel. Please contact us for relevant ratios and to complete the required paperwork prior to travel.

0508 DOLPHINS (365 744)

International Calls (+64) 9357 6032
We are open from 6:30am - 8pm daily (NZDT)
Email bookings@awads.co.nz
We aim to reply within 24 hours

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