Tikapa Moana: Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

4.4
153
Deals from $101.00 Save $54.00 Check datescalendar_month
Discover Tikapa Moana - the Hauraki Gulf with us as we cruise through the myriad of islands, spot wildlife and learn about the cultural footprint of Tamaki Makaurau!

Discover Tikapa Moana - the Hauraki Gulf with us as we cruise through the myriad of islands, spot wildlife and learn about the cultural footprint of Tamaki Makaurau!

Highlights

  • Marine mammal viewing including whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and birdlife.
  • Marine mammal viewing guarantee - voucher to come again for free if we don’t spot marine mammals during your cruise.
  • Hear fascinating stories on the history and origins of land, sea and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki - original inhabitants of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Make your way through this stunning landscape including the volcanic peak of Rangitoto and island sanctuaries Motutapu and Tiritiri Matangi. Hear about the conservation programmes on many of these islands that are regenerating flora and fauna, and reintroducing native species.

Spot the locals! You'll see a variety of marine wildlife in their natural habitat including whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, birdlife and more from our comfortable cruise vessel purpose-built for wildlife viewing.

As part of your cruise, you can discover one of our island destinations with your choice of island stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O' War, Waiheke Island - take the opportunity to stretch your legs, swim in a sheltered bay and discover wine or wildlife. (no Island Stop is available on our 11:30am departure on weekends)

Operating in partnership with Ngāi Tai Te Haerenga, throughout your cruise you will hear the fascinating origins and histories of the land, sea and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki – original inhabitants of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Adult $155.00
Child $75.00 (5-15 years old)
Infant $0.00 (0-4 years old)
Family $450.00 (2x Adults + 2x Children)

What's included

  • Scenic cruising around the islands with informative commentary on our new purpose-built comfortable cruise vessel - includes passenger pickups at other locations
  • Dedicated marine mammal searching around the Hauraki Gulf
  • Opportunity to view a variety of marine animals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more
  • Marine mammal viewing guarantee - come again for free if we don’t spot any marine mammals during your cruise
  • Island stop over at either Rotoroa Island or Man O' War Vineyards
  • Learn about the history and conservation efforts on the volcanic peaks, many islands and extended coastline of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
  • Hear fascinating stories on the origins and histories of land, sea and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki – original inhabitants of Tāmaki Makaurau

Duration

  • Allow approx. 4.5 hours for this experience.

Location

  • Explore Booking Kiosk - Viaduct Harbour (diagonally opposite the Maritime Museum). Please check-in at least 15 minutes prior to departure.

Notes

  • Please select your preferred island stop at check-out. There will be no island stop on the 11.30am departure so if you have booked for this please select the 11.30am departure no island stop option.

    Mon - Fri:

    • 9:15am Departure including Rotoroa Island Stop(12:55pm-2:35pm)
    • 9:15am Departure including Man O War Vineyards Stop(1:10pm-2:20pm)
    • Returns 4:00pm

    Sat, Sun and Public Hols:

    • 9:30am Departure including Rotoroa Island Stop(10:15am-12:55pm)
    • 9:30am Departure including Man O War Vineyards Stop(10:00am-1:00pm)
    • 11:30am Departure NO Island Stop
    • Returns 5:20pm
  • Please note lunch is not included. Sandwiches, snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

    Mobility access to this vessel is limited, after booking please contact the operator for more details if you have limited mobility.

    Family Price: Family Price is based on prices if purchased separately - discounts shown from this rate.

Available Bookings from 26 Mar to 8 Apr 2025

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates
Wed 26 Mar
Thu 27 Mar
Fri 28 Mar
Sat 29 Mar
Sun 30 Mar
Mon 31 Mar
Tue 1 Apr
Wed 2 Apr
Thu 3 Apr
Fri 4 Apr
Sat 5 Apr
Sun 6 Apr
Mon 7 Apr
Tue 8 Apr

  • Adult$155.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$450.00

  • Adult$155.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$450.00

  • Adult$155.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$450.00

  • Adult$155.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$450.00

  • Adult$155.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$450.00

  • Adult$155.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$450.00

  • Adult$155.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$450.00

  • Adult$155.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$450.00

  • Adult$101.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$375.00

  • Adult$101.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$375.00

  • Adult$101.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$375.00

  • Adult$101.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$375.00

  • Adult$116.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$375.00

  • Adult$101.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$375.00

  • Adult$101.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$375.00
Lovely cruise Dolphin Safari Good experience Dolfriends A nice day out in the Hauraki Gulf
1 / 54
appsShow all photos

Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.4

153 reviews

Showing all 153 authenticated Bookme reviews

joannes15 from New Zealand wrote on 22 March 2025

Whale & Dolphin Cruise

Absolutely love this cruise. Done this 4 times now & with family too when they've visited from England. Unfortunately we haven't seen any whales yet but keep on hoping for the next time ❤️

verifiedVerified purchase ios_shareShare link to review

Mohamed Kajee from New Zealand wrote on 23 February 2025

Very good

Many dolphins however too many side stops

verifiedVerified purchase ios_shareShare link to review

vedavyas from New Zealand wrote on 09 February 2025

awesome experience

must experience once in a lifetime

verifiedVerified purchase ios_shareShare link to review

Rajni from New Zealand wrote on 18 February 2025

Dont book - always canceled without any notice

If you want to waste your time and money then go ahead and book this crusie. My booking was cancelled twice without any notice. I had called their office a day earlier to reconfirm if cruise is still on and was informed that cruise will definitely operate. Had booked uber and paid more then $50 to reach the pier only to be told on desk that trip is canceled. I asked the lady at the counter why werent we informed and she advised they in process of contacting customers. This lady is telling me at 08.45 am that they in process to inform customers that trip is canceled. If customers are to inform 24hrs prior fr cancellation why cant cmpany do the same. Had taken day off and wasted money on uber , asked if the cmpny can atleast refund 1 way uber on which cmpny advised they are not obliged as per fine writings on their conditions. Never going to trust this cruise and would highly recommend anyone reading this to never book as if number if traveooers are low 9/10 the cruise will b cancelled and youll be told excuses fr bad weather or swells at sea, while other cruise are running fine. If once cruise is canceled I'd understand but when it happens twice within a week theres something fishy . Just avoid this cruise unless you want to waste your time and money. Its just not worth it. Lady at the counter told me to send email together with uber cost and it shall be refunded but it never happened. Disgrace to New Zealanders and tourists.

verifiedVerified purchase ios_shareShare link to review

NEHA SHARMA from New Zealand wrote on 09 February 2025

Wonderful Experience

I recently went on the Tikapa Moana Cruise with Explore Group, and it was an amazing experience! The boat was very comfortable, with plenty of space to sit and move around. The crew was friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure everyone was having a great time. The best part of the trip was seeing dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. It was incredible to watch them swim so close to the boat! The guides gave us lots of interesting information about the marine life and the Hauraki Gulf. The cruise was well-organized, and everything ran smoothly. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves nature and wants to experience Auckland’s wildlife up close. Thank you to the Explore Group team for an unforgettable day!

verifiedVerified purchase ios_shareShare link to review

close

Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

Adult

Child 5-15 years old

Infant 0-4 years old

Family 2x Adults + 2x Children

*This option must be made together with another price type.
close

Qualmark

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

Qualmark Gold

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

Qualmark Silver

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

Qualmark Bronze

The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.

close

Review Photos

close

Property Photos

close

Where to?

Popular New Zealand Destinations

  • Fiji Islands - Viti Levu - Mamanucas
  • Cairns - Port Douglas
  • Queenstown - Southern Lakes - Fiordland
  • Whitsundays - Airlie Beach - Townsville
  • Rotorua - Taupo - Waitomo
  • Auckland - Waiheke Island - Warkworth
  • Melbourne
  • Sydney
  • West Coast - Glacier Country
  • K`gari (Fraser Island) - Hervey Bay - Town of 1770
  • Christchurch - Canterbury - Kaikoura
  • Gold Coast
  • Abel Tasman - Nelson - Picton
  • Northland - Bay of Islands
  • Noosa - Mooloolaba - Sunshine Coast
  • Dunedin - Coastal Otago - Oamaru
  • BOP - Tauranga - Maunganui - Whakatane
  • Perth & Western Australia
  • Greater Adelaide and Barossa Valley
  • Wellington - Wairarapa
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Great Barrier Island
  • Brisbane
  • Hamilton & Raglan - Waikato
  • Tasmania - Hobart and Surrounds
  • Gisborne - East Cape to Mahia
  • Hawkes Bay - Napier & Hastings
  • Canberra
  • Taranaki - New Plymouth
  • Manawatu - Whanganui to Masterton & Martinborough
  • Southland & Te Anau
close

Search

close

Bookme Lists

close

Ask a Question