Cruises
Nature & Wildlife
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What wildlife can you see in the Hauraki Gulf?
Short-beaked common dolphins and Bryde’s whales use the Hauraki Gulf year-round. You might also encounter bottlenose dolphins, orca, New Zealand fur seals and seabirds such as diving gannets and shearwaters. These are wild animals, so neither a particular species nor any sighting is guaranteed.
There is no single whale-watching season for this cruise. Bryde’s whales can be seen throughout the year, while the operator reports that larger dolphin pods are sometimes more active in the cooler months. Weather, feeding activity and the animals’ movements shape each day’s search.
What if we don’t see whales or dolphins?
Explore Group’s Marine Mammal Viewing Guarantee applies if no marine mammals are sighted at all during the cruise. In that case, the travellers on the booking receive a complimentary voucher to take the same cruise again. It is valid for 12 months, with return bookings subject to availability on a standby basis; it cannot be exchanged for cash or transferred.
The guarantee concerns marine mammals, rather than a promised whale or dolphin sighting. For example, a fur seal sighting would mean the “no marine mammals” condition has not been met.
Which island stop should you choose?
Choose Rotoroa Island for native birdlife, short walks, conservation history and sheltered beaches. Choose Man O’ War Bay for a beachfront vineyard, the Tasting Room, lawn and a swim. You can read more about each destination on the Rotoroa Island Ferry and Man O’ War Vineyard Ferry pages.
Select your preferred island when booking, rather than waiting until you board. As the timetable shows, you have about 1 hour 30 minutes ashore in winter; summer time ashore varies from about 1 hour on Friday to 2 hours 20 minutes on Monday–Thursday. The 11:30am summer weekend sailing has no island choice or stop.
Food and facilities on board
Lunch is not included, but sandwiches, snacks and drinks are available to buy on the vessel. There are toilets on board. Bring a jacket, sun protection and any personal medication you may need; seasickness medication is not sold on the cruise.
If you choose Rotoroa Island, take food for your time ashore because there is no lunch service there. At Man O’ War, food at the restaurant costs extra and a reservation is recommended. Travellers who want a separate trip with a restaurant meal included can compare the Man O’ War Cruise & Dine.
Is the Whales & Dolphins Cruise suitable for kids?
Children aged 5–15 pay the child fare, while those aged 0–4 travel free and must be included in the booking. Children must remain with a responsible adult aboard. Families should consider the length of their selected sailing: the 11:30am summer weekend cruise takes 5 hours 50 minutes without an island break, while the longest island itineraries take 8 hours 20 minutes.
The cruise heads into open Hauraki Gulf waters, where conditions can vary. If someone in your family is prone to seasickness, plan ahead and bring any medication they need, as none is sold on board. For more ideas, see Auckland family tours and activities.
- 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.
- Adults: 16 years and older
- Children: 5-15 years old
- Infants (free): 0-4 years
- More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**
- Within 24 hours: No refund
The operator may change the route or cancel a sailing because of sea conditions, weather or other operating requirements. If it cancels the trip, you can move to an available date or receive a refund if another date cannot be arranged. A changed route may also affect the planned island visit, so check the confirmed itinerary before travel.
**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.
