The 12 Best Dolphin Tours in New Zealand

1.Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,143 reviews · from $80Our pick

Cruise Akaroa Harbour aboard a roomy catamaran with local skippers such as George or Joe, watching for Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, white-flippered penguins, and seabirds. Your fare includes a New Zealand beer, wine, or soft drink plus a family-recipe cookie. Dolphin-spotting dogs, including Albie, help scan the water.

“Excellent harbor cruise! My family (mom, dad, 4mo baby) enjoyed every minute of this experience. We were able to see dolphins, penguins, and seals. Our captain, George, was personable and provided an excellent tour. We’d recommend this to all ages!”

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2.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,790 reviews · from $135

Join Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari at Viaduct Harbour for a 4.5-hour cruise aboard a 65-foot catamaran. Marine research scientists explain the gulf’s wildlife and conservation work while the crew searches for whales, dolphins, seals, blue penguins, and seabirds. Sightings are never promised, but a free return trip is offered if no marine mammals appear.

“I loved this excursion so much! We fortunately did get to spend about 30 minutes where the dolphins swam and played around the boat which was amazing! I felt that they really respected the ecosystem and wildlife, which i appreciated. Overall I really loved it and would do it again with this company for sure. There are just a few things I think they could have done to make the experience better. We went during the busy summer holiday season so it was a full 100 passengers on the boat. To me it felt a bit crowded especially when it rained and everyone tried to huddle inside or under cover.…”

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3.Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,072 reviews · 4h 30m · from $130

Join Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari aboard the 65-foot Dolphin Explorer for a 4.5-hour trip through the Hauraki Gulf. Marine scientists and crew such as Emily, Sanaa, John and Toni explain wildlife, research and conservation. Expect city views, seabirds and possible dolphin or whale sightings, with a free return cruise if no marine mammals appear.

“Very informative. Saw a whale and multiple dolphins. Wonderful experience.”

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4.Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock, Dolphins & Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 821 reviews · 4h 30m · from $95

Cruise from Paihia or Russell through the Bay of Islands with an English-speaking crew, marine mammal viewing, and a stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. You will pass Cape Brett, visit Motukōkako, and may travel through the Hole in the Rock if conditions allow. Food and drinks are available onboard and at the island café.

“Captain and staff were very knowledgeable and helpful. No question asked was not answered. Only disappointing part was no dolphins or whales were spotted, but that can't be helped. We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise”

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5.Dolphin Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 440 reviews · 2 hours · from $77

Spend two hours on Akaroa Dolphins’ low-lying catamaran, watching for Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins, and seabirds. Local skippers such as George explain the harbour’s volcanic setting and Māori and European past. Dolphin-spotting dogs including Albie add charm, while your $77 fare includes a drink, homemade cookies, warm jackets, sunscreen, and filtered water.

“This was so worth it. vry friendly captain and crew. A really nice boat and not crowded with too many guests. And we were lucky to see lots of Hector dolphins, Seals and also som Bottlenose dolphins! A great time on the water!”

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6.Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 292 reviews · 6 - 8 hours · from $92

Set out from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour for a 6 to 8 hour cruise through Tikapa Moana, the Hauraki Gulf. Your day includes dedicated marine mammal searching, live English commentary, and a stop at either Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyard on Waiheke. The onboard café sells snacks and drinks, and a return voucher is available if no marine mammals are seen.

“I loved visiting the Rototoa Island. And we loved to watched dolphins. It was amazing experience!”

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7.Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 235 reviews · 2 hours · from $71Best value

Cruise Akaroa Harbour aboard a spacious catamaran with open decks, covered seating, toilets, and onboard refreshments. Your English-speaking skipper shares Māori, European, and volcanic history while you look for Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, albatross, and cormorants. Allow 80 to 90 minutes to reach Akaroa from Christchurch.

“Everything was great. The skipper explained everything great. Unfortunately did not see many dolphins but that can't be helped. Overall a great experience. Highly recommend”

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8.Hole in the Rock Scenic Cruise including Dolphins and Island stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 225 reviews · from $105

Spend 4.5 hours cruising the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell, with commentary from your skipper, chances to spot dolphins, and a 90-minute stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Swim, walk to hilltop viewpoints, visit the café, and see the Hole in the Rock, with a chance to pass through it when conditions allow.

“Fantastic experience. We didn’t see any sea life however, but the crew were professional which made the cruise a lot of fun. I defiantly recommend this .”

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9.Swim With Wild Dolphins in Tauranga

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 189 reviews · from $102

Set out from Tauranga Bridge Marina for a six-hour search for common dolphins and other marine life in the Bay of Plenty. Your crew chooses the route according to wind, weather, and dolphin movements. You can watch from the boat or swim with a pod when conditions and animal behavior allow. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, commentary, tea, and coffee are included.

“It was purely amazing We had an amazing pod. The crew was kind, helpful, professional and we learned a lot thanks to their passion. Thank you”

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10.Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 180 reviews · from $104

Spend about four and a half hours with E-Ko Tours exploring Queen Charlotte Sound by boat and on foot. Guides such as Bella, Andy, Will, Cam, and Nicky lead wildlife viewing and the Motuara Island walk. Expect seabirds, fur seals, possible dolphins, tea, biscuits, binoculars, and a PM glass of local wine.

“Great way to explore the charlotte sound track. Captain's commentary was great too. Lots to see from the boat and shore”

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11.Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise – Tauranga

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 103 reviews · from $108

Join Bay Explorer at 9am for a five-hour wildlife cruise from Tauranga. The 18-metre boat carries up to 50 people, with enclosed seating, an open sun deck, a licensed bar, and commentary from the crew. Expect coastal views, Mount Maunganui, Moturiki Island, and a chance to see wild dolphins, penguins, seals, seabirds, sharks, whales, orca, and turtles.

“Very exciting and fun, great crew who spotted the best areas to see lots of dolphins and it was hard deciding where to take pictures or the angle to capture as many a ti iTunes that dolphins provided for our pleasure”

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12.Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 96 reviews · 5 hours · from $104

Join Bay Explorer at Tauranga’s Strand Wharf for a 4 to 5-hour wildlife cruise through the Bay of Plenty. Captain Jamie and crew members such as Taylor and Emily Dee provide live commentary while you search for dolphins, penguins, whales, seals, sharks, orca, seabirds, and other marine life. The spacious boat has 360-degree views, bathrooms, and a bar.

“Awesome!! Took two young grandsons and they thoroughly enjoyed the whole day! We saw dolphins (2 different pods), penguins and the absolute icing on the cake was a pod of orcas who even went under our boat!”

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