Dolphin trips · NEW ZEALAND
Akaroa harbour is the reliable one, and it is the only place most people will ever see a Hector’s dolphin. The 11 below are compared on season, swim caps and what the operators do to keep the resident group undisturbed.
Spend two hours on a roomy catamaran with local skippers, a complimentary New Zealand drink, homemade cookie, and dolphin-spotting dogs. Look for rare Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, white-flippered penguins, and seabirds around Akaroa Lighthouse, the harbour, and Banks Peninsula. Maximum group size is 35.
“A lovely experience with excellent commentary about the area and wildlife. I would recommend this trip.”
Cruise Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf for 4.5 hours aboard a 65-foot catamaran. Marine research scientists explain the wildlife and conservation work while you look for whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and seabirds among Auckland’s islands.
“Great trip to see New Zealand from the water. We saw dolphins galore! But beware, the front deck is the very spot when underway!”
Set out from Auckland’s Viaduct Marina aboard the 65-foot Dolphin Explorer for a 4.5-hour eco-cruise. Marine guides such as Toni, Emily, Sanaa, John, and George may explain sightings and research work while you look for dolphins, Bryde’s whales, gannets, penguins, and sharks.
“Was awesome and amazing.. Seen alot of dolphins activities and few whales.. Thanks to the amazing staff on board and for your service.. (Visiting from Brisbane Australia)..”
Spend 4.5 hours cruising the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell with an English-speaking crew, marine mammal viewing, and a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay. Look for dolphins and whales, pass through Motukōkako when conditions allow, and buy food or drinks onboard or on the island.
“We meet a group of Dolphins on our way. They stayed and flirted with us for almost 20 minutes or so”
Spend two hours exploring Akaroa Harbour with local guides such as George, Chops, and Elsa, watching for Hector’s dolphins with help from a trained dolphin-spotting dog. The low catamaran reaches close to the wildlife, while commentary covers local history, volcanic formations, seals, penguins, and seabirds. Wine, beer, juice, cookies, jackets, and sunscreen are included.
“We saw seals, penguins and the Hector dolphins! The skipper was very knowledgeable and a true local. We had an amazing trip!”
Spend six to eight hours cruising Tikapa Moana from Auckland, with dedicated time to find whales and dolphins, live English commentary, and a stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyard. You’ll travel on a purpose-built vessel with toilets, seating, and a licensed café onboard.
“Wow, wow, wow, what a fabulous day and so lucky😎 Even the guys running the boat said we saw a lot more than is usual and in perfect weather too. Loads of Gannets that gave away the positions of the feeding Common Dolphins and Bryde's Whales😎 These whales are quite common here but considered as critically endangered generally🙄 Brutus" is a nickname for the Bryde's whale, that is pronounced "Broodus"🐳”
Join Black Cat Cruises at Akaroa’s main wharf for a 3.5-hour wild dolphin outing with a maximum of 12 swimmers. Guides such as Ben, Thomas, Harriet, and Charlotte provide safety advice, wetsuits, and wildlife information. Swim only when conditions and dolphin behavior allow.
“The whole experience was excellent. Our guides Harriet and Thomas were very good and enthusiastic and made it a fun and memorable experience. We were lucky and saw a penguin on the way out to the dolphins. Conditions were good and Read more”
Cruise Akaroa Harbour aboard a spacious catamaran with an English-speaking skipper and nature guide. Look for Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, albatross, and cormorants while passing volcanic cliffs, Scenery Nook, sea caves, and Nikau Palm Gully. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and onboard toilets are provided.
“Excellent cruise - stunning scenery brilliant crew and very informative commentary.”
Take a guided 4.5-hour cruise from Paihia or Russell through the Bay of Islands. Look for dolphins, hear about local history and wildlife, pass 144 islands, visit Otehei Bay for swimming or a hilltop walk, and see the Hole in the Rock up close when conditions allow.
“Amazing went with my husband who has dementia and he is still talking about it. So good we went again the next day”
Join Dolphin Seafaris NZ in Tauranga for a six-hour search for common dolphins and other marine life. You can watch from the boat or enter the water when conditions and dolphin behavior allow. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, hot drinks, and live commentary are included.
“We didn’t see dolphins. Despite the fact that i understand that wildlife might not show up, the way the tour operators manage it is highly disappointing. The price you pay for the tour is high and no refund is offered. Also, they make you sigRead more”
Join E-Ko Tours in Picton for a 4.5-hour small-group cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound. Marine guides such as Bella, Andy, Will and Cam share wildlife facts while you search for dolphins, fur seals, penguins and seabirds, then walk predator-free Motuara Island. Binoculars, hot drinks and biscuits are included.
“Beautiful day and comfortable on the boat that we could go in and out of the covering. Lots of knowledge - we saw so much but when we saw the dolphins the driver was in a rush to leave we all would have enjoyed seeing more. Heads up you need to bring your own water - recommend it should be in the description. It still was a wonderful tour.”
Pick a hull, pick the water you want to be in, or decide whether you want them wild.
