Yes, whale and dolphin watching! Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari’s four-and-a-half hour cruise operates daily throughout the year from Viaduct Harbour, on the city’s waterfront. Until 31 October 2024, the cruise will depart at 10.30 am and return at 3 pm. It’s recommended to book in advance as the cruise sometimes sells out, especially during summer.
Viaduct Harbour is within easy walking distance of Haka House Auckland City, one of the city’s newest, most popular hostel. Centrally located just off Queen Street, this recently refurbished hostel is already establishing itself among discerning backpackers as one of the best hostels in Auckland. Some might even say the best hostel in Auckland!
Haka House Auckland City is an inviting blend of style, cosyness and practicality, and offers a choice of private rooms or shared dorms. Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, dining and living room, movie room, pool table and foosball table, laundry and free Wi-Fi.
Haka House Auckland City is a member of the Haka House collection of hostels in New Zealand, of which there are 13 properties in key cities and locations around the North and South Islands. Find them in: Paihia in the Bay of Islands, Auckland (two hostels), Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Aoraki Mt Cook, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Franz Josef, Queenstown (two hostels) and Wanaka.
Offering great Auckland accommodation deals, Haka House Auckland City is an ideal base for exploring the many Auckland city activities and attractions, just like the Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari cruise.
The cruise takes place aboard the Dolphin Explorer, a 65 ft catamaran purpose-built to maximise passengers’ viewing experience and make their trip a comfortable one. The vessel holds up to 100 passengers and features open decks on two levels and a range of indoor and outdoor seating, along with a licensed cafe and bar.
During the cruise, the crew provides commentary while marine science experts conduct biological studies and invite passengers to take part in the research activities.
The cruise explores the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of encounters with the diverse marine wildlife known to frequent the waters. The wildlife can differ from day to day, but the cruise typically encounters Bryde’s whales and common dolphins! There’s also a chance of seeing other whale species like pygmy blue whales, humpback whales, minke whales and pilot whales, as well as orcas, New Zealand fur seals, sharks, manta rays, turtles and a wide variety of seabird species including little blue penguins, Australasian gannets and terns.
The cruise boasts one of the highest marine mammal viewing rates in New Zealand, with over 95% of passengers getting to view dolphins or whales. Still, there are rare occasions when these animals don’t make an appearance, and in this case, passengers are given a complimentary voucher to take the cruise again for free! The voucher is open-ended and doesn’t expire.
The Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari cruise is also a great way to view some of Auckland’s most famous landmarks from a different perspective. The Harbour Bridge, North Head and Rangitoto Island, for example, and of course the striking city skyline.
Please note that the cruise will not be available from 17 June to 21 July 2024, due to winter maintenance.
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