
Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise worth booking?
Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise is a 7.8-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $122 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (22)
- Duration
- 7.8 hours
- From
- $122 per person
- 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^ - Included Island Stop 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
What you get
About this experience
- 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^ - Included Island Stop 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
What's included
Included
- Live commentary
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Dedicated time for marine mammal viewing
- Island Stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O' War Vineyards
Not included
- Lunch
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Auckland
Please check in at the Explore Kiosk (opposite the Maritime Museum) 15 mins before departure. Timetable: SUMMER (until 7 April) Mon–Fri (island stop): 9:15am–4pm Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 9:30am (island stop) & 11:30am–5:20pm WINTER (from 8 April) Wed–Sun (island stop): 9:15am–4pm
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please check in at the Explore Kiosk (opposite the Maritime Museum) 15 mins before departure. Timetable: SUMMER (until 7 April) Mon–Fri (island stop): 9:15am–4pm Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 9:30am (island stop) & 11:30am–5:20pm WINTER (from 8 April) Wed–Sun (island stop): 9:15am–4pm
Options you can book
9:15am Rotoroa Island Stop
Returns 4pm to Auckland
11:30am No Island Stopover
Returns 5:20pm Weekends
9:15am Man O War Vineyard Stop
Returns 4pm to Auckland
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Explore Group Limited
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are not required to sit on laps, nor do we have infant seats available. They will have their own adult seat but must be pre-booked as a passenger.
- Mon–Thur: 9:15am - Wildlife search, followed by a 2hr 20m island stop - Return to Auckland
- Fri: 9:15am - Wildlife search, followed by a 1hr 20m island stop - Return to Auckland 4:35pm.
- Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 9:15am - 2hr 15m Island stop, followed by wildlife search - Return to Auckland 5:20pm
- Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 11:30am - Wildlife search cruise only - no island stopover - Return to Auckland5:20pm
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Good experience!
Saw dolphins, saw island, well planned.
via Tripadvisor
😭
A glorified ferry service. Not a whale watching cruise. No attempt was made to find whales and only a couple of dolphins spotted. Ship was run down and crew were unfriendly.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing
it was nice, everything was organised. .............................................................
via Viator
Marvellous dolphin watching experience
I very well planned trip,Enjoyed the break at Rotoroa island. We were so lucky to have seen so many dolphins
via Viator
Wonderful time - swim +hike +saw dolphins!!
I went by myself and it was so lovely. We saw two pods of common dolphins and the crew members were so knowledgeable. As an conservation biologist, it was great to hear that they acknowledged the time limit that they can spend with pods, while still offering people to see them. It was a very interesting time biologically as they follow the ganets (sea-brids) to find the marine mammals and they explain every part of that. I did the rotorua island part and the island was super nice. Very quick turn around of 1.5 hrs allowed on the island, but it's super small, so you can definitely get a good hike in and a good swim in within that time period. 10/10.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $122 to $225
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Explore Group Limited, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.2.
See everything Explore Group Limited runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $122 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Auckland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise take?
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Plan for about 7.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Auckland is not rushed.
Is Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 22 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise?
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Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Auckland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Auckland and add a light layer if any part of the 7.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Auckland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Auckland?
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On Outty we rank every Auckland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Auckland?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Auckland?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise?
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Included: Live commentary; In-vehicle air conditioning; Dedicated time for marine mammal viewing; and Island Stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O' War Vineyards. Not included: Lunch; and Hotel pick-up or drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise?
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Please check in at the Explore Kiosk (opposite the Maritime Museum) 15 mins before departure. Timetable: SUMMER (until 7 April) Mon–Fri (island stop): 9:15am–4pm Sat. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are not required to sit on laps, nor do we have infant seats available. They will. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise?
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Across 22 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, organization, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including 9:15am Rotoroa Island Stop, 11:30am No Island Stopover, 9:15am Man O War Vineyard Stop. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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