The 11 Best New Zealand Dolphin Watching Tours

1.Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

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

Spend two hours aboard a roomy catamaran with Akaroa Dolphins, looking for rare Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, white-flippered penguins, and seabirds. Local skippers such as George and Joe provide commentary, while dolphin-spotting dog Albie helps scan the water. A New Zealand drink and family-recipe cookie are included.

“Highly recommend this trip. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff who ensure you have a great time (thanks for the spare coat team!) and a comfortable boat. We loved seeing the seals swimming alongside and several dolphin sightings - the mum and baby were a definite bonus.”

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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 Hauraki Gulf, while the crew searches for Bryde’s whales, dolphins, blue penguins, seals, and seabirds. Sightings are not guaranteed, but a free return trip is offered if no marine mammals appear.

“Crew was very knowledgeable and worked to make sure that we were able to see wildlife. The ship was comfortable with plenty of room to sit and watch.”

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3.Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

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

Sail from Auckland’s Berth 9 aboard the 65-foot Dolphin Explorer for a 4.5-hour search for orcas, bottlenose dolphins, whales, seabirds, and penguins. Marine scientists provide commentary and conduct research during the trip. The boat is comfortable but not wheelchair accessible, and a free return cruise is offered if no marine mammals appear.

“10/10, got to see a few whales, several pods of dolphins, and lots of blue penguins and shearwaters. Would absolutely recommend!”

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

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

Set out from Paihia or Russell on a 270-minute catamaran cruise through the Bay of Islands. Your crew shares local stories while you watch for dolphins and whales, visit Motukōkako, and spend 1.5 hours at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for swimming, a hill walk, or lunch.

“We meet a group of Dolphins on our way. They stayed and flirted with us for almost 20 minutes or so”

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5.Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise

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

Spend two hours on Akaroa Dolphins’ stable, low-lying catamaran with skipper George, Elsa, and a dolphin-spotting dog such as Albie or Wilbur. You’ll search for wild Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins, seabirds, sea caves, and volcanic formations while hearing local history. A drink and homemade cookies are included.

“Nice excursion! We saw some dolphins and few seals during this 2 hours cruise in Akaroa.”

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6.Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

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

From Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, spend six to eight hours cruising Tikapa Moana with an English-speaking guide, searching for whales, dolphins, and seabirds. You’ll also stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyard on Waiheke Island, depending on the departure. The boat has toilets, indoor seating, and a licensed café.

“I initially decided to stop at Man O’ War Vineyard to enjoy some excellent New Zealand wines, swim in the ocean, and soak up the sun, I ended up missing the dolphins and other possible sea mammals. :) So in my case, the price might be considered a bit too high. However, I spent a wonderful day doing exactly what I wanted and dreamed of. In summary, I’m more than satisfied, thanks to the beautiful seascapes and the comfortable boat provided by Explore.”

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7.Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 261 reviews · from $128

Join Black Cat Cruises at Akaroa’s main wharf for a 3.5-hour trip with a maximum of 12 swimmers. Learn safe dolphin etiquette, watch for seals and penguins, then enter the open sea with Hector’s dolphins if conditions allow. Guides such as Ben, Thomas, Harriet, and Charlotte lead the experience.

“Fantastic experience with dolphins swimming so close. Dont let rain stop you as you will be in a wet suit anyway.”

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8.Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise

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

Cruise Akaroa Harbour by spacious catamaran, watching for tiny Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, albatross, and cormorants. Your English-speaking skipper shares Māori and European history, volcanic geology, and local wildlife facts as you pass Scenery Nook, sea caves, 500-foot cliffs, and Nikau Palm Gully. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, toilets, and covered seating are provided.

“Saw alot of hector dolphins and fur seals. Boat was really good and so were the staff. Captain was very knowledgeable about the area with excellent commentary. Thoroughly recommend!”

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9.Akaroa: Swimming with Wild Dolphins Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 123 reviews · from $123

Spend 3.5 hours exploring Akaroa Harbour with a skipper and nature guide, then swim with wild Hector’s dolphins if they approach. The small boat carries only 12 swimmers. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, hot showers, lockers, hot chocolate, cookies, and water photos are included. Guides such as Charlotte, Chris, and Thomas have been praised for their care and clear explanations.

“It was amazing! The guides and skippers were all great fun. Lots of joking around. Great vibe. And we saw many dolphins and the swimming was absolutely unreal. Magical to be so close to these beautiful creatures. There is a guide with you in the water so you’ll feel completely safe at all times. Definitely recommend if you get the chance!”

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10.Akaroa: Wildlife Cruise with Dolphins and Penguins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · 3 hours · from $77

Spend three hours aboard the wooden Fox II, a 1922 kauri ketch, sailing from Daly’s Wharf into Akaroa Harbour and the Pacific Ocean. Look for Hector’s dolphins, penguins, seals, albatrosses, and seabirds while your French- or English-speaking guide explains Maori, French, and English history. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits, and warm coats are included.

“A wonderful sail around Akaroa Harbour with close encounters with dolphins and seabirds and informative narrative about both human and natural history.”

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11.Bay of Islands Day Tour with Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 13 hours · from $283

Travel by comfortable minibus from Auckland to Paihia, then cruise through the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. You may see dolphins, whales, and other marine life before spending 1.5 hours at Otehei Bay. Guide Karthik has earned praise for his engaging commentary on the long drive.

“Guide was great. Great stop at world heritage toilets. Saw dolphins and went through the rock. Great day!”

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