Witnessing Marine Majesty: Whale and Dolphin Safari in Auckland

It’s not every day you will find yourself lucky enough to spend the day hanging out with whales, but we can guarantee the day you do is one you’ll never forget. With the plethora of activities to choose from on your Auckland holiday, an Auckland marine safari that brings you up close and personal with a marine wildlife encounter needs to be at the top of your to-do list. 

A whale and dolphin safari in Auckland means you get to spend the day in the sunshine, sailing the waters of the Hauraki Gulf. It’s here where even a single flash of movement means it’s time to pay attention - you might be about to meet a pod of dolphins, or a magnificent whale who’s making its way up to say hello.

The Hauraki Gulf is a beautiful part of the North Island’s long and varied coastline, providing a natural safe haven for all kinds of marine life. With an abundant ecosystem at work underwater, there’s no shortage of whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures who call this area home. With NZ-owned and operated whale and dolphin tours, we’re able to glimpse these animals in their natural habitat in a respectful, sustainable, and exciting way!

What kind of animals are you likely to meet?

The Hauraki Gulf is home to specific kinds of whales and dolphins who you may be lucky enough to meet. The whale that’s most commonly keeping visitors company is the Bryde’s whale. With slender bodies and growth up to 15 metres in length, Bryde’s whales are recognisable by their dark grey backs and paler bellies. Three long ridges on the top of their heads also helps local tour guides to tell them apart from other similar-looking whale relatives. These whales have baleen plates instead of teeth, getting their daily fill by gulping in mouthfuls of water that include krill, plankton, and small fish. It’s one of the reasons we love seeing a Bryde’s whale on an Auckland harbour tour cruise - as surface feeders, they tend to lunge-feed, swimming open-mouthed through large groups of fish to get a good mouthful!

Keeping the Bryde’s whales company in the Hauraki Gulf are Pygmy blue whales, which reach up to 24m in length. With an increase in the number of Pygmy blue whale sightings during whale and dolphin tours in Auckland in recent years, it’s evident this species is increasing in numbers (which we’re thrilled about). 

You may also be lucky enough to come across a sei whale during a tour, which is one of the fastest species of baleen whales. Though not as common to the area as Bryde’s whales, they’re certainly known for making a speedy appearance. 

These aren’t the only kinds of whales you may find in the Gulf, so chat to your local tour guide about what you can expect when you step on board for your tour! 

Of course, whales aren’t the only animals you’re going to encounter. With dolphins often choosing to swim right alongside the boat and ride the wake, you may see them jumping in and out of the water as they keep pace. Common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and orca/killer ‘whales’ (which are actually dolphins) are all known to say hello during an Auckland whale and dolphin watching tour. 

Planning your Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari in Auckland

When it comes to getting you out on the water and up close and personal with the marine life, we’ve done the hard work so you can cut straight to having fun. 

The Auckland Whale & Dolphin Boat Cruise is a four and a half hour eco cruise that’s helmed by knowledgeable marine experts. Departing daily from downtown Auckland, this unique tour offers you a variety of wildlife viewing, right on Auckland’s doorstep. You’ll be comfortable and ready for adventure on this 20-metre purpose-built catamaran as you explore the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

Is a scenic flight more your cup of tea? The Hauraki Gulf Scenic Flight from Waiheke Island is a 45-minute scenic flight that offers ample opportunities for whale and dolphin spotting. Complete with an informative and entertaining commentary courtesy of the pilot, this is an unforgettable way to take in the breathtaking sights of the sea beneath you. Enjoy watching resident whales and migrating whales alike from your bird’s eye view, and catch glimpses of large pods of friendly dolphins breaking their way to the surface. 

When it comes to spending a day in Auckland, we reckon this should be near the top of the list. Book in your Auckland marine safari and enjoy whale watching and dolphin watching adventures you’ll never forget!