Search icon

Bay of Islands Dolphin Eco Cruise

Oct-Apr

North Island

Explore Group NZ

from
AU$137
per adult
Book Now
Dolphin Cruise Catamaran with Leaping Dolphin Bay of Islands New Zealand

Experiences

Cruises Cruises Nature & Wildlife Nature & Wildlife Family-friendly Tours Family-friendly Tours Half-Day Tours Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Paihia or Russell
Locations: Paihia, Bay of Islands
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 5 hours

Marine Wildlife and Island Conservation in the Bay of Islands

The sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands provide the setting for this wildlife-focused cruise from Paihia or Russell. Four hours on a purpose-built vessel offer opportunities to see dolphins, whales, New Zealand fur seals and seabirds, with commentary about the local marine environment and responsible wildlife viewing.

A 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island adds time ashore among the restored habitats of Project Island Song. Walking tracks, swimming and native birdlife can be enjoyed at your own pace, with food and drinks available from the beachfront café and bar.

Search icon
Guests walking beside the Dolphin Eco Cruise vessel before departure in Paihia.
Search icon
Dolphin Seeker cruise vessel on calm water in the Bay of Islands.
Search icon
Two wild dolphins leaping beside a Bay of Islands wildlife cruise vessel.
Search icon
A pair of bottlenose dolphins swimming alongside a boat in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, creating white splashes in the turquoise water.
Search icon
Two New Zealand fur seals resting on rocky shores in the Bay of Islands, blending into their natural habitat.
Search icon
Tourists watching playful dolphins leap out of the water in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
Search icon
A scenic view of Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, with turquoise waters and boats anchored in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
Search icon
A visitor exploring the Urupukapuka Island Visitor Centre in New Zealand, featuring educational displays and a 3D island model.
Search icon
A group of friends walking along the Urupukapuka Walks trail in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, surrounded by lush greenery.
Search icon
A Tui bird perched on a branch, showcasing its iridescent feathers and distinctive white throat tufts, native to New Zealand.
Search icon
A New Zealand Dotterel standing on the grassy shoreline, an endangered shorebird known for its sandy plumage and delicate features.
Search icon
Two hikers walking along a scenic coastal trail on Urupukapuka Island, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning ocean views.

Highlights

  • Watch for dolphins, whales, seals and native seabirds
  • Travel aboard a vessel with spacious outdoor viewing decks
  • Learn about responsible marine mammal viewing
  • Spend time on pest-free Urupukapuka Island
  • Look for tīeke, toutouwai, kākāriki and pāteke
  • Swim, walk or relax beside Otehei Bay
  • Hear about the habitat restoration work of Project Island Song
  • 4-hour Bay of Islands wildlife cruise
  • Departure from Paihia or Russell
  • Marine wildlife viewing
  • Commentary about the marine environment and conservation
  • Approximately 1.5 hours at Otehei Bay
  • Access to Urupukapuka Island walking tracks
  • Marine Mammal Viewing Guarantee, subject to conditions

Marine mammal viewing guarantee – enjoy a free return cruise if no marine mammals are spotted during your trip valid for 12 months and subject to availability.

  • Adults: 16 years and older.
  • Children: 5 - 15 years.
  • 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.

Frequently asked questions

No. Dolphins and other marine mammals are wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. When no marine mammals are seen, eligible guests receive a complimentary return voucher under the Marine Mammal Viewing Guarantee.

The cruise departs from Paihia at approximately 11.30 am and Russell at approximately 11.40 am. Check-in is required at least 15 minutes before departure.

The island stop allows time to swim, walk, relax on the beach or purchase food and drinks. Kayaks, snorkelling equipment and paddleboards may be available to hire during peak season.

The complete experience lasts approximately 5.5 hours, including around four hours of wildlife cruising and a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay.

No. Swimming with dolphins is not permitted. Guests may swim independently at Otehei Bay during the island stop, subject to conditions.

Departure Dates

Departs Paihia 11:30am: Russell 11:40am

  • 26 October-24 December and April: Operates Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun & Public Holidays
  • 26 Dec - 31 Mar: Operates Daily

Pricing

Cost per person

October 2025 - September 2026

  • Adult: NZ$165
  • Child (10-15yrs): NZ$83

October 2026- September 2027 

  • Adult: NZ$170
  • Child (10-15yrs): NZ$85

Prices are correct at the time of publishing but may change without notice.

Related Tours

Some other tours you might be interested in

Dolphin Cruise Catamaran with Leaping Dolphin Bay of Islands New Zealand
Bay of Islands Dolphin Eco Cruise
North Island

Oct-Apr

Cruises Nature & Wildlife Family-friendly Tours Half-Day Tours
A 5.5-hour Bay of Islands wildlife cruise from Paihia or Russell, combining marine mammal viewing and conservation ...
Calendar icon Duration: 5 hours
Map icon Locations: 2
from AU$ 137
A stunning aerial view of 90 Mile Beach in New Zealand, showcasing its vast golden shoreline and turquoise ocean waves stretching into the horizon.
Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Day Tour with Lunch
North Island
Family-friendly Tours Day Tours
An 11-hour Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach tour from Paihia, with Far North scenery, Māori cultural commentary, a...
Calendar icon Duration: 11 hour
Map icon Locations: 3
from AU$ 162
A Fullers GreatSights tour bus driving along the wet sand of Ninety Mile Beach under a bright blue sky in Northland, New Zealand.
Hole in the Rock Cruise & Cape Reinga Combo
North Island
Cruises Family-friendly Tours Multi-Day Short Tours Day Tours
This Hole in the Rock Cruise & Cape Reinga Combo offers two unforgettable Northland adventures—explore the Bay of I...
Calendar icon Duration: 2 days
Map icon Locations: 2
from AU$ 241
A crew member with a tattooed back steering the R. Tucker Thompson tall ship, while passengers relax on deck under full sails.
R Tucker Thompson Full Day Sail
North Island

Dec-Apr

Sailing Tours Cruises Family-friendly Tours Half-Day Tours
The R Tucker Thompson Full Day Sail from Russell offers a true tall ship adventure in the Bay of Islands. From hois...
Calendar icon Duration: 5.5 hours
Map icon Locations: 3
from AU$ 149
Te Papahu tour boat navigating the iconic Hole in the Rock at Piercy Island in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
Day in the Bay Cruise from Paihia
North Island

Oct-Apr

Cruises Nature & Wildlife Family-friendly Tours Day Tours
A seven-hour Bay of Islands cruise from Paihia or Russell, featuring the Hole in the Rock, marine wildlife viewing,...
Calendar icon Duration: 7 hours
Map icon Locations: 3
from AU$ 184
Glowworm silk threads hanging from the cave ceiling at Kawiti Glowworm Caves
Kawiti Glow Worm Caves & Kauri Forest Walk
North Island

Oct-Apr

Nature & Wildlife History and Māori Culture Family-friendly Tours Shore Excursions Small Group Tours Half-Day Tours
Explore the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves & Kauri Forest Walk in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. Be guided through glowing c...
Calendar icon Duration: 4 hours
Map icon Locations: 2
from AU$ 208
Three travellers walking down a grassy hill toward a catamaran anchored at Waewaetorea Island
Island Hopper Day Cruise
North Island

Oct-May

Sailing Tours Cruises Family-friendly Tours Day Tours
Set sail on the Bay of Islands with the Island Hopper Day Cruise. Enjoy snorkelling, paddleboarding, and native bus...
Calendar icon Duration: 6 hours
Map icon Locations: 2
from AU$ 203
Guests opening fresh kina on The Rock Adventure Cruise in the Bay of Islands
The Rock Adventure Day Cruise
North Island

Oct-Apr

Cruises Family-friendly Tours Day Tours
Join The Rock Adventure Day Cruise for a full day of fun on the Bay of Islands. Explore remote beaches, kayak hidde...
Calendar icon Duration: 7 hours
Map icon Locations: 2
from AU$ 239

Sign up to our newsletter for special deals & exciting news.