Australia
Leave from downtown Auckland to look for Bryde's whales, dolphins and orca.
A 4.5 hour wildlife cruise from the Viaduct Basin through the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, with marine scientists on board and commentary, in a group of up to 10 on a 20 metre catamaran.
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From
$179 AUD
per person
Booked with Wanderlust, an Australian travel business based in Byron Bay (ABN 34 636 612 523). We handle your booking ourselves, before and after you travel.
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The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park starts at the end of Auckland's Quay Street, and this safari goes out to see what lives in it. You leave from the Viaduct Harbour, opposite the Maritime Museum and a short walk from the city hostels, on a 20 metre marine research catamaran. Your hosts are marine scientists who collect data on every trip, so the commentary is the real thing rather than a script.
Check in with the crew at the top of the boarding ramp no later than 15 minutes before departure. The boat heads out through the inner Waitematā Harbour past the Harbour Bridge, North Head, Devonport and Rangitoto Island, then into the open gulf. A typical day turns up common dolphins and Bryde's whales; the list of possibles runs to orca, bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, sharks, manta rays, turtles and up to 26 seabird species including little blue penguins. You can join the research activities on board, and there is a presentation on the way home. If you do not see dolphins or whales, you get a voucher to cruise again free, with no expiry.
The trip runs about 4.5 hours, with around 4 hours on the water, seven days a week except Christmas Day. There is a licensed café on board, two toilets and limited indoor seating, so dress in layers with a shower-proof jacket and flat-soled shoes. You can bring your own lunch and non-alcoholic drinks. If you get seasick, take medication at least an hour before boarding. Every ticket contributes to marine conservation.
Bryde's whales and common dolphins on a typical trip
Marine scientists host and run research on board
Up to 26 seabird species, little blue penguins included
Harbour Bridge, North Head and Rangitoto on the way out
Free return cruise if no dolphins or whales are seen
Departs the Viaduct Harbour, a walk from city hostels
About 4 hours on the water, 4.5 hours total
Meet the crew at the top of the boarding ramp beside the boat at the Eastern Viaduct, opposite the Maritime Museum at the western end of Quay Street, no later than 15 minutes before departure.
The catamaran runs past the Harbour Bridge, North Head, Devonport and Rangitoto Island while the scientists set the scene. Orca and dolphins do turn up this close to the city, so eyes on the water from the start.
The crew work the gulf looking for common dolphins and Bryde's whales, with fur seals, sharks, manta rays, turtles and seabirds all possible. You can join the research activities as data is collected.
On the run home the scientists give a presentation on what you saw and what the data is for. You are back at the Viaduct about 4.5 hours after departure.
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Public reviews of the operator who runs this tour on the ground.
"Incredible experience! The crew is knowledgeable, kind, and friendly, and the experience is amazing. We got to see dolphins, orcas, whales, and learn all about the surrounding area."
Collin L
Tripadvisor review
"Great experience! The guides/crew were knowledgeable and engaging with the group. We were very fortunate to be able to spot two types of dolphins, fur seals and a mother whale with her calf! I appreciated the guides explaining that they collect data for research and why, this work is extremely important to ensure the conservation of our marine life."
Matthew W
Tripadvisor review
"Exceptional experience that must be done in Auckland! We saw dolphins (and different species), seals, birds, and a whale. It was very emotional. The crew and the researchers are extremely kind and share their knowledge and passion in a very educational way."
Tyffanie
Tripadvisor review
Traveller reviews, source shown on each · shown as excerpts.
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From
$179
