NEW ZEALAND

The 15 Best New Zealand Dolphin Watching Tours

29 tours  ·  from $71 a head

The good new zealand dolphin watching tours fill up weeks ahead and the best ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise - A roomy catamaran, not a cramped wildlife boat
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Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

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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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise - Crossing the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

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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Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise - Searching the Hauraki Gulf for dolphins and whales
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Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

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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Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock, Dolphins & Island Cruise - Setting out from Paihia or Russell
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Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock, Dolphins & Island Cruise

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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Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise - Setting out with George, Elsa, and the dolphin dogs
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Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise

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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Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise - The search for dolphins, whales, and seabirds
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Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

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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Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa - What the 3.5-hour trip includes
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Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa

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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Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise - Leaving the Main Wharf and entering the crater
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Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise

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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Hole in the Rock Scenic Cruise including Dolphins and Island stop - The Main Event at the Hole in the Rock
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Hole in the Rock Scenic Cruise including Dolphins and Island stop

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

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

Spend 4.5 hours cruising from Paihia or Russell through the Bay of Islands, with a skipper’s commentary on local history, ecology, and wildlife. Look for dolphins, pass 144 islands, and see the Hole in the Rock up close when sea conditions allow. A 90-minute stop at Otehei Bay gives you time to swim, hike, eat, or relax.

“Captain was great and very knowledgeable, crew were very friendly, we had a great day on the water!!”

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Swim With Wild Dolphins in Tauranga - Six hours searching the Bay of Plenty
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Swim With Wild Dolphins in Tauranga

10.Swim With Wild Dolphins in Tauranga

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

Set out from Tauranga Bridge Marina at 9:00 am for a six-hour search for wild common dolphins in the Bay of Plenty. You can watch from the boat or enter the water when conditions and dolphin behavior allow. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, tea, coffee, and live commentary are included. The season runs from November through May.

“The dolphins swimming and playing in the water alongside of the boat was awesomely amazing!! Just being on the water was an experience in itself!”

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Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton - Four hours through Queen Charlotte Sound
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Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

11.Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

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

From E-Ko Tours in Picton, cruise into Queen Charlotte Sound with guides such as Bella, Andy, Will, or Cam. Look for dolphins, fur seals, penguins, and seabirds, then walk Motuara Island’s predator-free sanctuary. Expect about 4.5 hours, a small group of up to 30, free binoculars, hot drinks, biscuits, and local wine on afternoon departures.

“Part of your price goes to help continue reserve efforts. The guides did a great job informing us and keeping us on time for our cruise schedule. We saw lots of bird and sea wildlife.”

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From Tauranga: Half-Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour - Searching for dolphins in the Bay of Plenty
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From Tauranga: Half-Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour

12.From Tauranga: Half-Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 151 reviews · 5 hours · from $98

From Tauranga, join Dolphin Seafaris NZ Ltd for a five-hour cruise into the Bay of Plenty. Guides such as Heidi and Lizzie explain the marine life, then look for common dolphins, whales, seals, seabirds, and turtles. You may swim or snorkel near dolphins when conditions and pod behavior allow, with tea, coffee, fruit, gear, and shaded seating included.

“We had a wunderful fun time on the boat. The guide girls were excellent. The encounter with the dolphins breath-taking! Thank you! We will definitely come again!”

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Akaroa: Swimming with Wild Dolphins Experience - The safety briefing tells you what the swim really involves
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Akaroa: Swimming with Wild Dolphins Experience

13.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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Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Tauranga - Two decks, two ways to watch
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Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise – Tauranga

14.Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise – Tauranga

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

Join Bay Explorer at 9:00 am for a five-hour wildlife cruise from Tauranga. Captain and crew search for wild dolphins, penguins, seals, whales, sharks, orca, and seabirds around Mauao, Moturiki Island, and beyond. You get indoor seating, an open sun-deck, onboard commentary, and a return to Tauranga by about 2:00 pm.

“WOW cruise was amazing Emily the perfect host.All the crew worked hard trying to find marine life .We saw hammer head shark ,a pod of dolphins adults and babies ,penguins.We are hoping to go again before we leave NewZealand”

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From Tauranga: Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise - Mauao and the Tauranga Harbour Bridge
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From Tauranga: Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise

15.From Tauranga: Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise

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

Join Bay Explorer at Tauranga’s waterfront for a four to five-hour wildlife cruise with 360-degree views, onboard bathrooms, live commentary, and a licensed bar. Your crew searches for dolphins, penguins, whales, seals, sharks, orca, and seabirds. Jamie, Taylor, Emily Dee, James, and Jordan have all been praised for their friendly, informative approach.

“Amazing! Special thanks to Emily Dee and James. They did a wonderful job.”

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New in New Zealand Dolphin Watching Tours

★ 5.0Dolphin & Wildlife EncountersFrom $1086 reviews
★ 5.0The Original Full day Bay of Islands Cruise with DolphinsFrom $13613 reviews
★ 5.0Akaroa with optional dolphin cruise (Small Group Tour)From $3403 reviews
★ 4.0Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from ChristchurchFrom $4629 reviews
★ 4.0Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island CruiseFrom $10517 reviews
★ 4.8Paihia: Bay of Islands Dolphin Eco Cruise & Island StopoverFrom $8912 reviews
★ 4.6From Christchurch: Kaikōura Day Tour With Dolphin EncounterFrom $20612 reviews
★ 5.0Bay of Islands Day Tour with Dolphin CruiseFrom $28311 reviews

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Dolphin Watching Cruises358Swim with Dolphins98Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours270Sunset Dolphin Cruises166Private Dolphin Watching Charters212Kayak Dolphin Tours87
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Where to see dolphins

Pick a coast, a boat or a swim.

From the deck

Dolphin CruisesWhales and DolphinsSunset SailingsCatamaransRIBs and Speedboats

In the water

Wild SwimsSnorkel TripsDolphin HouseWild EncountersKayak Trips

Smaller boats

Private ChartersSmall GroupsLuxury HullsUnder SailWith a Biologist

Other ways

Dolphins and ManateesEco TripsAquariumsTrips with LunchHalf-Day Trips