Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise
Description
Look for whales, dolphins and seabirds in the pristine waters of Hauraki Gulf just a short boat ride from Auckland city's Viaduct Harbour. Learn from experts on board working to protect these precious creatures and their fragile home. As an active marine-mammal research vessel every passenger contributes to important conservation efforts, just by coming on board. A dollar from every ticket purchased goes towards the Hauraki Gulf Guardians fund which supports organisations and programs that aim to regenerate the Hauraki Gulf and ensure its future.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Advisable to dress in warm layers and weatherproof gear as weather can be unpredictable
- Advisable to bring sun hat (with chin strap to secure it), sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, binoculars and flat-soled shoes
- IMPORTANT: Check in closes 15 minutes prior to stated departure time. Those passengers who are late risk losing their allocated seats.
- If mobility impaired and a wheelchair is required, please contact operator directly to discuss requirements
- Child ticket must be purchased for any infants travelling.
Reviews(1,898)
The staff were communicative, be prepared for some choppy waves(part of the exp for my mind) limited seating so if mobility is an issue potentially look at other options. Saw plenty of wildlife but know nothing is guaranteed. It is a long trip if you have small children have something to keep them distracted:)
This was an amazing experience. We didn’t get to see any whales but there were many dolphins that arrived to say hello. Since we didn’t get to see any whales, they gave us a voucher for another time. We didn’t see any whales that time either, but it was still worth it. Just nice and relaxing being out on the water, and searching for signs of aquatic activity. My wife and I had a blast. We would highly recommend.
Kia Ora John, Thank you for your kind words! We're so pleased to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed both of your safaris with us. Thank you for your recommendation! Many Thanks, Madeline and the AWADS Team
Don't see the whales are sad, see it will be worth much d How do I see whales?
The tour guides were humorous and knowledgeable. Did not get to see whales but saw dolphins . I lost two scarves on the boat. I called the tour company one hour after I left the boat and realized lost two scarves. The operator could not reach the staff. The staff told me to go next day to the boat check-in desk to see if anyone found it. I did and the staff handed me one of my missing scarves as another customer found it on the boat when leaving boat. The other still remains missing even though the two scarves were tied together when lost . Although the trip was nice , the company should have a better way for customers to claim their lost goods on the boat .
Kia Ora, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We're pleased to hear you enjoyed your tour! We're sorry to hear about the missing scarves and hear how disappointing it must have been to lose a personal item. We just wanted to confirm whether you definitely travelled with us, as we don’t have a check-in desk located at the Viaduct Marina and want to ensure this review relates to the correct operator. If you would like to discuss your experience further or provide any additional details, please feel free to reach out to our team at bookings@awads.co.nz and we’d be happy to assist where we can. Many Thanks, Madeline and the AWADS Team
Very experience crew on aboard. Good commentary along the way. Although we did not see any whales but there were lots of dolphin pods sighted. Manage to get up close with the pods. Would definitely try going on this cruise and this time hope to catch both whales and dolphins. And it's great that the operators are also an ecotourism company that helps to protect the wildlife and be sustainable.
Kia Ora, Thank you for your kind words! We're so pleased to hear that you were lucky enough to see plenty of pods of dolphins during your time onboard with us. It's also wonderful to hear that our commitment to sustainable operations was evident throughout your time onboard. Thank you for joining us! Many Thanks, Madeline and the AWADS Team
Absolutely brilliant. Great explanations of wildlife, locations and sustainability. We saw 2 whales, hundreds of dolphins, gannets, penguins and other birds.
The tour was cancelled. I know it was disclosed that the tour was weather dependent. However, its been two days and I've contacted them for a refund twice without receiving a response.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're sorry to hear about your experience following the cancellation of your Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari. As you mentioned, our eco-safari cruises are weather dependent, and safety is always our highest priority when making the decision to cancel a trip. We completely understand that cancellations can be disappointing, especially when you have been looking forward to the experience. We apologise for the delay in responding to your refund request. This is not the level of service we aim to provide, and we appreciate your patience while we work to resolve these matters. We have shared your feedback with our team to ensure follow-ups are handled more promptly. Thank you again for your understanding, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you onboard for a future Auckland marine adventure.
Great time - moved by the care and knowledge of the crew. Their expertise, patience, and kindness made the day lovely. The time on the water was an amazing and brilliant experience.
Kia Ora, Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that our crew made such a memorable impression on you. We hope you were able to take away some new facts during your time with us! Many Thanks, Madeline and the AWADS Team
Awesome experience. Very respectful of wildlife. We saw birds, dolphins, whales, and seals. The crew were very knowledgeable of the species and the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Will definetly be booking another adventure when our ohana visits Aotearoa.
Kia Ora, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We're so pleased to hear that you had such a fantastic day out with us, and it's great to hear that our commitment to marine research and conservation stood out. Many Thanks, Madeline and the AWADS Team
It was amazing I loved the crew and the captain and the all the members of the team, overall it’s a very good experience
Kia Ora, Thank you for taking the time to leave such kind words! We're so pleased to hear that our crew made such a lasting impression on you. We really appreciate you choosing to join us onboard! Many Thanks, Madeline and the AWADS Team
