10 Dolphin Watching Tours in New Zealand, Compared

1.Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

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

Review of Akaroa Dolphins’ two-hour Hector’s dolphin cruise, with wildlife, local guides, catamaran comfort, pricing, and practical tips.

“Loved it! Everyone was so enthusiastic about the wildlife and it seeped into everyone onboard! We got very lucky with a gap in the awful weather and even luckier (given the conditions) to see dolphins and an albatross. Dog was a welcome plus also who kept everyone aboard smiling. Would highly recommend.”

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2.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

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

Review Auckland’s 4.5-hour whale and dolphin safari, with wildlife odds, boat comfort, route details, price value, and practical tips.

“Great experience. Good knowledgeable crew and the vessel was stable. Had a good time on board. Do this for sure”

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3.Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

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

Review of Auckland’s 4.5-hour whale and dolphin eco-cruise, with practical tips on wildlife sightings, boat comfort, conservation, and value.

“great experience, saw lots of dolphins and cool birds, very comfortable boat and friendly crew! definetly recommend this one:)”

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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, spot dolphins, visit Urupukapuka Island, and reach the Hole in the Rock.

“Weather conditions were not the best, nevertheless the crew was really nice and tried their best to reach the hole in the rock (and made it!!)”

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5.Dolphin Nature Cruise

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

Review of Akaroa Dolphins’ two-hour Hector’s dolphin cruise, with seals, penguins, volcanic scenery, local history, and practical tips.

“George and the team on the boat were absolutely fantastic! They were enthusiastic and kind. George was also very knowledgeable about the town, harbour and nature. We saw hector dolphins, an albatross, a penguin and seals. The office was easy to find and the team there were also extremely friendly and welcoming! Even if we hadn’t seen any animals I would highly recommend this trip to see the harbour and learn the history of the town! Thank you!!”

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6.Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

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

Cruise Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf for dolphins, whales, island walks, and wine, with a marine mammal guarantee and practical tips for a full day at sea.

“Wow, wow, wow, what a fabulous day and so lucky😎 Even the guys running the boat said we saw a lot more than is usual and in perfect weather too. Loads of Gannets that gave away the positions of the feeding Common Dolphins and Bryde's Whales😎 These whales are quite common here but considered as critically endangered generally🙄 Brutus" is a nickname for the Bryde's whale, that is pronounced "Broodus"🐳”

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7.Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise

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

Review of Akaroa’s 2-hour dolphin cruise, with Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins, volcanic cliffs, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“Our two hour Nature trip was amazing. Our crew looked after us well. Saw amazing landscapes along the coast eg Cathederal and Elephant Rocks , and also close up dolphins, seals and even a fairy penguin. Great photo opportunities. Highly recommended.”

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

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

Review of the Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock cruise, with dolphin spotting, Urupukapuka Island, prices, tips, and honest drawbacks.

“Lovely day out .No dolphins though sadly .Would have been great if dolphins were tracked for us to see sonar wise Especially with advertising re same .”

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9.Swim With Wild Dolphins in Tauranga

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

Swim with wild dolphins in Tauranga on a six-hour Bay of Plenty cruise with wetsuits, snorkel gear, hot drinks, and expert commentary.

“Wonderful experience. The crew were helpful, friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Coffee and snacks were great but the stars of the show were the dolphins. We felt really privileged to have been able to not only observe them in their natural habitat but to engage with them as well. Couldn't have been a better day.”

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10.Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

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

Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound, spot dolphins and seals, and walk Motuara Island sanctuary on a guided half-day tour from Picton.

“Highly recommend this trip. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. They knew where the best viewing sites were and we were able to see all the wildlife that we expected, which was amazing to see. The hot drink and wine offered on the way back was an added bonus.”

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