Cruises
Nature & Wildlife
Family-friendly Tours
Half-Day Tours
Highlights
- Cruise the Hauraki Gulf and see Auckland landmarks, including the Harbour Bridge, Devonport and Rangitoto Island.
- Search for dolphins, whales and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Enjoy informative commentary about the Hauraki Gulf, its wildlife and conservation efforts.
- Choose an island stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War on Waiheke Island.
- Explore walking tracks, native wildlife and sheltered beaches at Rotoroa Island.
- Enjoy wine tasting, beachfront dining, swimming and beach walks at Man O’ War.
- Relax and take in the spectacular scenery on the return cruise to Auckland Harbour.
The itinerary varies according to the day and departure time selected. Passengers must check in at the Viaduct Harbour kiosk at least 15 minutes before departure.
May to 23 October 2026
This schedule operates Wednesday–Sunday and on public holidays.
| Stage | Itinerary details | Approximate timing |
|---|---|---|
| Depart Auckland | Depart from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. | 9:15am |
| Scenic cruise | Cruise through the Hauraki Gulf past the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Devonport and Rangitoto Island. Brief passenger stops are made at Rotoroa Island and Man O’ War before heading into open water. | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Marine wildlife search | The crew searches the open waters of the Hauraki Gulf for whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife while providing commentary about the Gulf and its conservation. | 2 hours |
| Island stop | Disembark at either Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War on Waiheke Island, with free time to walk, swim, relax or visit the vineyard facilities. | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Return cruise | Reboard the vessel for the cruise back through the Hauraki Gulf. | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Arrive Auckland | Return to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. | 4:00pm |
24 October 2026 to April 2027
| Operating days | Departure | Itinerary | Island stop | Return to Auckland | Approx. duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 9:15am | Scenic cruise through Tikapa Moana → marine wildlife search → island visit → return cruise | 2 hours 20 minutes at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War, Waiheke Island | 5:35pm | 8 hours 20 minutes |
| Friday | 9:15am | Scenic cruise through Tikapa Moana → marine wildlife search → island visit → return cruise | 1 hour 20 minutes at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War, Waiheke Island | 4:35pm | 7 hours 20 minutes |
| Saturday, Sunday and public holidays | 9:15am | Scenic cruise to the selected island → island visit → marine wildlife search → return cruise | 2 hours 15 minutes at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War, Waiheke Island | 5:20pm | 8 hours 5 minutes |
| Saturday, Sunday and public holidays | 11:30am | Scenic cruise through Tikapa Moana → marine wildlife search → return cruise | No island stop | 5:20pm | 5 hours 50 minutes |
The 11:30am weekend and public-holiday departure is a wildlife cruise only and does not include time ashore. On the other departures, passengers choose between Rotoroa Island and Man O’ War on Waiheke Island.
- Adults: 16 years and older
- Children: 5-10 years old
- Infants (free): 0-4 years
- More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**
- Within 24 hours: No refund
**Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
