NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand's best.
New Zealand's 15 most popular dolphin watching, in one place. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
2-hour Akaroa harbour catamaran cruise for Hector’s dolphins, seals, and penguins, with NZ drink and cookies. Stable and comfy.
“The ride was nice. Ship depart and return on time. Little upset that only 2-3 dolphins saw during the whole ride while it was really windy and lack of sunshine on my trip!”
4.5-hour eco safari by catamaran from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour to spot whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, seabirds, and more.
“I highly recommend this crew. They were incredibly kind and knowledgeable. We had two whale sightings and saw multiple dolphin pods during our January 6th afternoon safari. This trip was truly memorable and well worth it.”
Luxury catamaran eco-cruise from Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf to spot orcas, dolphins, whales, and sea birds with expert research talk.
“Lovely seeing the dolphins and nice boat trip! Just a bit over priced”
Catamaran cruise to the Hole in the Rock with dolphin and whale spotting, plus a 1.5-hour Urupukapuka island stop and cafe time.
“Absolute highlight of our 6-month travels around Oceana!! When the pod of dolphins were located, it was an absolute WOW moment - 100% recommended.”
Cruise Akaroa Harbour on a stable catamaran to spot rare Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins, caves, and volcanic rock. Includes drinks.
“We had a fantastic time and couldn’t recommend this cruise more. It was recommended to us by a waitress during our trip and we managed to book quite last minute. It ended up to be one of the highlights of our 3 weeks trip in NZ. We saw many hector dolphins, which was magical, but…”
Auckland Hauraki Gulf cruise for whales and dolphins, with Rotoroa or Waiheke island stop and a return voucher if none seen.
“I loved visiting the Rototoa Island. And we loved to watched dolphins. It was amazing experience!”
A 2-hour Akaroa Harbour cruise with real chance to spot Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins, and volcanic scenery from a comfy catamaran.
“Absolutely loved this boat cruise. It was a beautiful day and seen dolphins and seals and lots of birds. The boat ride was sooo smooth.”
Half-day Bay of Islands cruise with dolphin spotting, a dramatic Hole in the Rock passage, and 90 minutes at Urupukapuka’s Otehei Bay.
“We could not make it to the Hole in the Rock because of weather conditions. A very rough sea forced us to return before we were almost out there. But captain and crew handled it very professionally. So absolutely worth the trip to see how rough it can be!”
Half-day wild dolphin swim and snorkel from Tauranga. Hot drinks, live guide commentary, wetsuit and gear included. No fixed route.
“We didn’t see dolphins. Despite the fact that i understand that wildlife might not show up, the way the tour operators manage it is highly disappointing. The price you pay for the tour is high and no refund is offered. Also, they make you sigRead more”
Small-group Marlborough Sounds cruise from Picton with a Motuara bird sanctuary walk, dolphin and seal sightings, and included drinks.
“Such a phenomenal tour! Both Andy and Bella were very knowledgeable and pointed out a number of different species. We managed to see two kinds of dolphins, a fur seal, little penguins and lots of bird life. The tour was very well paced and incredibly enjoyable - would highly recommend!”
Swim with wild common dolphins in Tauranga’s Bay of Plenty, with gear, crew-led spotting, and chances to see whales and more for $98.
“captain and crew did an amazing job. saw plenty of dolphins with babies. didnt get to swim but this experience alone was well worth the money”
Half-day Bay Explorer wildlife cruise from Tauranga: 360 views, dolphin and penguin spotting, plus Mount Maunganui scenery.
“Great experience! The crew were really friendly and super knowledgeable. Managed to see Sharks, Dolphins & penguins while on the tour as well as a great view of Tauranga, Mt Maunganui and Karewa. Highly recommend”
5-hour Bay of Plenty cruise from Tauranga to spot dolphins, penguins, seals and more, with live captain commentary and a bar.
“Was a great day, bit worried the dolphins were hiding but they popped up and saved the day!!! Lovely scenery on the ride there and back”
4-hour Motuara Island sanctuary and Marlborough Sounds wildlife cruise with dolphin spotting, rare birds, hot drinks, and species ID.
“Connor and Daniel were extremely professional and knowledgeable, and fun to be around with. We saw dolphins, seals and a variety of birds. Definitely recommend!”
Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound to predator-free Blumine Island for rare birds with marine biologists, plus sheltered-water dolphin spotting.
“Brilliant trip, can't fault anything. Seeing marine wildlife and bird life on the island. Bella the guide was very knowledgeable and kept us informed of different species and activity taking place. The highlight was the nesting box with 2 blue penguin chicks.”
