Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari 

Auckland
All year round

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 you explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of encounters with its amazing and diverse marine wildlife. The safari departs from the Viaduct. Jump on board the 65-foot (20-metre) catamaran and settle in as you head out to explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, one of the most abundant and diverse marine parks in the world. 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, marine science experts conduct biological studies and invite you to join interactive research activities. Because you are venturing into a wild, natural environment, every trip is different and the marine wildlife you encounter varies from day to day. 

Cost?

Yes

For more info visit:

Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari 

Address

New Zealand Maritime Museum
175 Quay Street
Viaduct Harbour
Auckland

Contact

0508 DOLPHINS (365 744)

bookings@awads.co.nz

ACCESSIBILITY

General

People in light wheelchairs with some mobility can generally be accommodated. The vessel has two stairs in the boarding area that passengers must be able to navigate (with carer support if required). Not all areas and viewing decks are wheelchair accessible. The main level indoor area has a 15cm door sill. The bathrooms have a 15cm door sill and limited space inside. Heavy or motorised wheelchairs are not suitable, as they are too large and heavy to be lifted onto the boat. The maximum width of a wheelchair able to be brought on board is 67cm. If you or a member of your party has mobility or balance issues, or is frail, they recommend having an accompanying caregiver to assist as the sea can be bumpy. While the crew is happy to help when they can, they are not able to act as caregivers during the safari.

Transport

It is strongly encouraged to use public transport (bus, ferry, train) into Auckland city centre for your safari. You can see the public transport options and a journey planner on the Auckland Transport website.

Parking

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.

More experiences like this

Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival 2023

Auckland
19/07/2023 -6/08/2023

The NZIFF 2023 programming team attends film festivals around the world to bring audiences in Aotearoa the very best of global cinema, with the Auckland programme featuring 129 full-length films and seven short film collections, with films hailing from 39 countries, including Uganda, Senegal, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Estonia, Jordan, Iran, Brazil, and of course Aotearoa. The films will screen in six venues and cinemas in Auckland from 19 July to 6 August with the festival rolling out to 15 regions across the motu. The 2023 programme comprises features, Cannes Film Festival winners, documentaries, shorts, retrospectives, films for kids, animation, and the ‘incredibly strange’. Nine films are celebrating their world premiere and all films are making their New Zealand premiere at NZIFF 2023.

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™

Auckland, Dunedin, Hamilton, Wellington

The 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia will be on a huge scale. It’s set to become the most-attended women’s sporting event in history, with over a million tickets already sold.

Matariki 2023

Nationwide
Observed 14/07/23

Matariki is a time where people, whānau, and communities gather together to remember the year that has passed, to celebrate the present, and to plan for the next year. It is a time to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us, to feast and celebrate with our relatives and friends, and to look towards the future and the hope of a season full of bounty.

Back to top