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.
“This was such an amazing adventure where we saw Hectors Dolphins, penguins and seals. 12/10 experience. Dave, Lucy, Elsa and sweet Albie were our crew and they helped us spot lots of wildlife while at sea!”
4.5-hour eco safari by catamaran from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour to spot whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, seabirds, and more.
“It is a research cruise as well, and their sense of purpose coupled with their passion for the marine life was wonderful. We managed to get a lifetime experience and see many dolphins up close. It is a wonderful experience, much recommended.”
Luxury catamaran eco-cruise from Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf to spot orcas, dolphins, whales, and sea birds with expert research talk.
“The guides were really friendly and knowledgeable. Great experience!”
Catamaran cruise to the Hole in the Rock with dolphin and whale spotting, plus a 1.5-hour Urupukapuka island stop and cafe time.
“Was an awesome tour kid friendly, stayed at Otehei Bay longer as was so beautiful. Kids swam all day and the water was soo nice!!”
Cruise Akaroa Harbour on a stable catamaran to spot rare Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins, caves, and volcanic rock. Includes drinks.
“Everything on the cruise was exceptional from the minute we checked in. So excited seeing & learning about the bay & its wildlife. What a wonderful piece of paradise”
Auckland Hauraki Gulf cruise for whales and dolphins, with Rotoroa or Waiheke island stop and a return voucher if none seen.
“Went on the Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Island Cruise with the stopover at Man O' War Vineyard at 13:10. Had a great time and would highly recommend! Just a few things to be aware of: There is about 2 hours initially of just sitting on the boat watching the waves as you have to…”
A 2-hour Akaroa Harbour cruise with real chance to spot Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins, and volcanic scenery from a comfy catamaran.
“A wonderful experience, we had clear weather and the scenery was spectacular. Saw the dolphins a few times, seals and lots of birds. The commentary was also engaging and interesting. We even went back for a hat overboard!”
Half-day Bay of Islands cruise with dolphin spotting, a dramatic Hole in the Rock passage, and 90 minutes at Urupukapuka’s Otehei Bay.
“Captain was great and very knowledgeable, crew were very friendly, we had a great day on the water!!”
Half-day wild dolphin swim and snorkel from Tauranga. Hot drinks, live guide commentary, wetsuit and gear included. No fixed route.
“Let's be clear. It's overpriced, misleading and not worth the money. What they advertise is swimming and snorkeling with dolphins - none of this is actually true. The reality is that you get drag next to a boat while having snorkeling equipment aRead more”
Small-group Marlborough Sounds cruise from Picton with a Motuara bird sanctuary walk, dolphin and seal sightings, and included drinks.
“We received great information regarding the wildlife in the local region. The crew were very helpful to my wife who has difficulty with her balance”
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.
“there are few things as relaxing as sitting on the prow of a boat in the sun taking in the wildlife! Dolphins played around the boat, it was wonderful. Thew crew were exceptionally helpful as well!”
Half-day Bay Explorer wildlife cruise from Tauranga: 360 views, dolphin and penguin spotting, plus Mount Maunganui scenery.
“Be patient. The dolphins will come and it will be a great experience being entertained by their antics”
5-hour Bay of Plenty cruise from Tauranga to spot dolphins, penguins, seals and more, with live captain commentary and a bar.
“We had a great time. Spent an hour with Dolhpins. The staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. Would highly recommend to anyone who wants to see wildlife in Tauranga.”
4-hour Motuara Island sanctuary and Marlborough Sounds wildlife cruise with dolphin spotting, rare birds, hot drinks, and species ID.
“Courtney and Dan were so informative and interesting to listen to. I could’ve stayed all day and heard about all the facts of the Sound. They made the trip very fun. With the bad weather we did not see what we planned to see (but that’s wildlife!) but they made up for it. Thank you…”
Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound to predator-free Blumine Island for rare birds with marine biologists, plus sheltered-water dolphin spotting.
“Very friendly and helpful staff. Great wildlife views. Wonderful location. Staff made a real effort to find the wildlife”
