DOLPHIN TRAVEL GUIDE
The trips that actually find the pods.
The 15 dolphin tours in new zealand travellers book most, gathered in one place. Where you go to find the pods, how long you stay out, who runs the boat, and what a seat on deck costs.
Two-hour Akaroa harbor cruise in a roomy catamaran to spot Hector’s dolphins, seals, and penguins with drink and homemade cookies.
Most Popular“We had lovely weather, just remember to take a warm jacket with you if you are going to sit at the front of the boat. Lovely staff on the boat too highly recommend”
4.5-hour eco-safari from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour on a 65-foot catamaran to spot whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds.
“A beautiful day on the water and so wonderful to have the marine scientists on board collecting data and sharing their knowledge with us. We saw two giant nursery pods of dolphins, the baby dolphins were so cute I could cry. The captain did an amazing job of skirting the bad weather and we had…”
Cruise Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park for orcas and bottlenose dolphins, with expert science aboard a luxury catamaran.
“It was very good overall. We were lucky to see lots of dolphins and whales. Guides were very good, they knew exactly very well where can we find the marine animals.”
Cruise the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell to the Hole in the Rock, spot dolphins and whales, then swim at Urupukapuka.
“Excellent trip. Very informative and stunning scenery. The staff were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.”
2-hour Akaroa Harbour catamaran for Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins and sea caves, with local wine and homemade baking.
“We had a fantastic time and couldn’t recommend this cruise more. It was recommended to us by a waitress during our trip and we managed to book quite last minute. It ended up to be one of the highlights of our 3 weeks trip in NZ. We saw many hector dolphins, which was magical, but…”
Auckland Tikapa Moana whale and dolphin cruise with Rotoroa or Waiheke wine stop, live commentary, onboard cafe, and a sighting guarantee.
“Absolutely fantastic. Lots of interesting facts, we saw so many dolphins and we enjoyed a little walk on Rotoroa island ❤️”
Swim in Akaroa Harbour with wild Hector’s dolphins on a small boat, with wetsuit gear, safety coaching, and a warm shower after.
“Black Cat actually wouldn't let us swim because the dolphins were feeding - I was impressed they showed restraint in this way. We saw lots of Hector's Dolphins from the boat, but they followed New Zealand's laws in not having us disturb them because they were feeding. I could imagine a company with less scruples…”
2-hour Akaroa dolphin cruise on a catamaran with Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins, and volcanic scenery, plus tea, coffee, and a postcard.
“Saw penguins , Héctor dolphins and seals just as advertised.”
Half-day Bay of Islands cruise to Hole in the Rock, with dolphin spotting and a 90-minute island break at Urupukapuka.
“Great boat trip through the Bay of Islands to the Hole in the Rock. The captain and crew were very good. When we got to the Hole in the Rock, they positioned the boat so everyone could have a good view. The stop at their island was really refreshing.”
Swim and snorkel with wild dolphins off Tauranga on a half-day Bay of Plenty cruise with hot drinks, gear, and live commentary.
“Didn’t see any dolphins. Very sad but only their fifth time not seeing them since November. Wish we could have at least gone for. Bit of a swim. We do have a free trip whenever we come back!”
Half-day Picton cruise to Motuara Island bird sanctuary with dolphin and fur seal sightings, plus onboard commentary and drinks.
“Its a good experience like any other cruise. Alan and Bella are wonderful people to learn about marine wildlife.”
Swim with common dolphins in Tauranga’s Bay of Plenty, with snorkel gear and friendly guides. Expect wild wildlife and plenty of ocean time.
Swim with rare Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa Harbour with a small group, warm wetsuits, guided etiquette, and onboard wildlife spotting.
“Harry, Charlotte & Thomas were amazing crew , knowledgeable and fun too! Thanks for an amazing trip. We were lucky enough to get to swim with the Hector dolphins, have an albatross chick land about 2 metres from us while we were in the water, see a white flippered penguin and a seal while we…”
Half-day Bay Explorer dolphin and wildlife cruise from Tauranga with 360° views, expert commentary, and Mt Maunganui coastline spotting.
“Great experience! The crew were really friendly and super knowledgeable. Managed to see Sharks, Dolphins & penguins while on the tour as well as a great view of Tauranga, Mt Maunganui and Karewa. Highly recommend”
A 5-hour dolphin and wildlife cruise from Tauranga with 360° deck views, live captain commentary, and a good bar to relax onboard.
Every coast where the dolphins are, country by country.
