New Zealand · DOLPHIN WATCHING

15 Dolphin Watching Tours in New Zealand, With the Price Beside Each

24 tours  ·  from $71

New Zealand leaves you fewer spare days than you planned for. These 15 dolphin watching tours justify one, priced and timed so the choice takes a minute.

Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise - Stop 1: Akaroa Lighthouse and the harbour entrance
Akaroa Tours, Boat Tours in Akaroa, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

1.Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

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

Spend two hours on a stable, roomy catamaran exploring Akaroa Harbour, the lighthouse, and Banks Peninsula. Skippers such as George, Dave, and Joe share local stories while trained dolphin-spotting dogs help scan the water. Your ticket includes a New Zealand beer, wine, or soft drink plus a homemade cookie. Dolphin sightings are likely but never guaranteed.

“Excellent harbor cruise! My family (mom, dad, 4mo baby) enjoyed every minute of this experience. We were able to see dolphins, penguins, and seals. Our captain, George, was personable and provided an excellent tour. We’d recommend this to all ages!”

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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise - Rangitoto and the island waters of the Gulf
Auckland Tours, Boat Tours in Auckland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

2.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

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

Cruise Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf aboard a 65-foot catamaran with marine research scientists. Look for dolphins, Bryde’s whales, seals, blue penguins, sharks, and rare seabirds while learning about conservation. The 4.5-hour trip leaves Viaduct Harbour, visits island waters, and returns to central Auckland.

“Wonderful start to finish with excellent staff, more dolphins than I ever expected and endless beautiful views all around the gulf. Can’t recommend this highly enough!”

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Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise - Four and a half hours on the Hauraki Gulf
Auckland Tours, Boat Tours in Auckland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

3.Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

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

Spend 4.5 hours aboard the 65-foot Dolphin Explorer with marine scientists and guides such as Emily, Sanaa, John, and Toni. Cruise from Auckland past North Head and Rangitoto Island, search for dolphins, orcas, whales, penguins, and seabirds, and see research work in progress. A free second cruise is offered if no marine mammals appear.

“The upfront weather communications and crew were amazing on a very challenging weather day!”

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Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise - Seeing Hector’s dolphins in the wild
Akaroa Tours, Boat Tours in Akaroa, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise

4.Dolphin Nature Cruise

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

Spend two hours on Akaroa Harbour with a local crew, watching for rare Hector’s dolphins and other wildlife. Guides such as George, Dave, and Chops add lively local stories, while dolphin-spotting dogs Albie, Wilbur, Theo, or Archie help scan the water. Your fare includes a drink, homemade cookies, warm jackets, sunscreen, and a comfortable catamaran ride.

“Weather was perfect. Captain knew exactly where to look for the dolphins, and spent time explaining how the area was formed, and the rock formations. Also saw seals as well. Hot and cold drinks and home made cookies on offer as well. Very enjoyable.”

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Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise - The first hours: harbor views and wildlife patrol
Auckland Tours, Boat Tours in Auckland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

5.Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

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

Set out from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour for 6 to 8 hours of wildlife watching, island scenery, and live commentary about Tikapa Moana. You’ll have dedicated time to look for whales and dolphins, then stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyard on Waiheke. The boat has toilets, indoor seating, and a licensed café.

“Well organised and so informative. Lucky enough to see a pod of dolphins and so many birds! And the trail in the island was beautiful”

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Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa - Why the 12-swimmer limit makes a difference
Akaroa Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa

6.Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 261 reviews · from $128

Join Black Cat Cruises at Akaroa’s main wharf for a 3.5-hour swim with wild Hector’s dolphins. A maximum of 12 swimmers, a skipper, and a nature guide keep the outing personal. Wetsuits, masks, hot showers, and a warm drink are included. You may also spot seals, penguins, and other marine life.

“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 saying go ahead anyway. Also, they gave us a partial refund because we didn't swim with dolphins, which we appreciated.”

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Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise - Leaving the Main Wharf and entering the volcanic harbour
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Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise

7.Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise

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

Cruise Akaroa Harbour aboard a spacious catamaran with an English-speaking skipper and nature guide. Look for rare Hector’s dolphins, little penguins, fur seals, albatross, and cormorants while passing sea caves, 500-foot cliffs, Scenery Nook, and Nikau Palm Gully. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, toilets, and covered seating are provided.

“Very nice experience. If you visit Akaroa is a must to do this excursion. Highly recommended”

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Swim With Wild Dolphins in Tauranga - Searching the Bay of Plenty for common dolphins
Dolphin Watching, Tauranga Tours, Tour Reviews

Swim With Wild Dolphins in Tauranga

8.Swim With Wild Dolphins in Tauranga

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

Set out from Tauranga Bridge Marina on a six-hour search for wild common dolphins in the Bay of Plenty. Your professional crew chooses the route based on sea and wind conditions. Watch from the boat or, if the dolphins and conditions allow, put on the supplied wetsuit and snorkel gear for a supervised swim. Tea and coffee are included.

“The crew are lovely and very reassuring, and they know a lot about the beautiful dolphins that you swim with. Also watching a pod of dolphins play beside the boat in there own habitat.”

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Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton - Searching for dolphins, seals, and seabirds
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Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

9.Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

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

From Picton, cruise into Queen Charlotte Sound aboard a small boat with guides such as Bella, Andy, Will, or Cam. Look for dolphins, fur seals, penguins, and seabirds, then walk Motuara Island’s predator-free sanctuary. Binoculars, species cards, hot drinks, biscuits, and a glass of local wine on afternoon trips are included.

“Lovely ride around Marlborough sound. Saw many seals King birds and others. Smooth boat ride. Cam was fabulous guide. Definitely an adventure for the soul.”

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From Tauranga: Half-Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour - The boat ride into the Bay of Plenty
Dolphin Watching, Half-Day, Tauranga Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Tauranga: Half-Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour

10.Half-Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 151 reviews · 5 hours · from $98

Join Dolphin Seafaris NZ Ltd in Tauranga for a five-hour search for wild common dolphins in the Bay of Plenty. Heidi, Lizzie, and the crew handle the boat, safety, and marine-life briefing while you watch from the deck, snorkel, or swim when conditions and dolphin behavior allow. Tea, coffee, fruit, gear, and free parking are included.

“The crew were really lovely and we saw various dolphins and 2 hammerhead sharks!! It was an incredible day.”

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Akaroa: Swimming with Wild Dolphins Experience - Meeting the crew at Akaroa Harbour
Akaroa Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Akaroa: Swimming with Wild Dolphins Experience

11.Swimming with Wild Dolphins Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 123 reviews · from $123

Swim near wild Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa Harbour on a 3.5-hour Black Cat Cruises trip. A skipper and nature guide explain safe dolphin etiquette, then take up to 12 swimmers past volcanic cliffs, fur seals, and marine birds. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, hot showers, lockers, drinks, cookies, and downloadable photos are included.

“Done this activity over Christmas. Everything was excellent, good briefing to start off with and lay out expectations for the day. Wetsuits were warm and comfortable. Can't remember guide and pilots names, guide was an English lad and skipper a local Kiwi, but both very friendly and informative. Great time in the water and lucky enough to have plenty dolphins around us. The guide took some great pics and they were sent to us almost before we'd even left the facility on our return. Highly recommned.Read more”

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Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Tauranga - Moturiki Island And The Search For Dolphins
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Half-Day, Tauranga Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise – Tauranga

12.Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise – Tauranga

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 103 reviews · from $108

Cruise Tauranga’s Bay of Plenty aboard the 18-metre Bay Explorer, looking for wild dolphins, penguins, seals, whales, sharks, orca, and sunfish. Captain and crew, including guides such as Emily, Brandon, and Amy, provide commentary. You get indoor seating, an open sun-deck, and views of Mount Maunganui and offshore islands.

“It took awhile to find the dolphins but very fun when we did. The captain tries really hard to communicate with other boats to locate them He was accommodating dropping us off at our cruise ship. Very nice! Nice people”

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From Tauranga: Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise - Mount Maunganui and the harbour bridge
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tauranga Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

From Tauranga: Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise

13.Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 96 reviews · 5 hours · from $104

Set out from Tauranga at 9 am aboard Bay Explorer for a 4 to 5 hour wildlife cruise. Jamie, Taylor, Emily Dee, James, and Jordan are among the crew members praised for lively commentary and careful wildlife spotting. The open-deck boat offers 360-degree views, onboard bathrooms, and a bar selling drinks and snacks.

“very good saw so many dolphins, people were all respectful of one another and staff were friendly and helpful”

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Motuara Island Sanctuary: Wildlife & Dolphin Watching Tour - Motuara Island and its rare native birds
Dolphin Watching, Picton Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife

Motuara Island Sanctuary: Wildlife & Dolphin Watching Tour

14.Motuara Island Sanctuary: Wildlife & Dolphin Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 57 reviews · 4 hours · from $100

From Picton, E-Ko guides such as Courtney, Connor, and Dan take you through the Marlborough Sounds to Motuara Island Sanctuary. Expect a small-group wildlife cruise, forest trails, binoculars, hot drinks, and possible sightings of Hector’s dolphins, King Shags, penguins, seals, and Orca.

“Courtney and Dan were so informative and interesting to listen to. I could’ve stayed all day and heard about all the facts of the Sound. They made the trip very fun. With the bad weather we did not see what we planned to see (but that’s wildlife!) but they made up for it. Thank you both !!”

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Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour to Blumine Island - Cruising Queen Charlotte Sound from Picton
Bird Watching Tours, Dolphin Watching, Picton Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour to Blumine Island

15.Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour to Blumine Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews

Join E-Ko’s marine biologists in Picton for a 3 to 4-hour cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound. Look for Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, seabirds, king shags, and orange-fronted kakariki before visiting predator-free Blumine Island. Guides such as Bella, Will, and Alice provide live commentary, with light refreshments included.

“Fantastic day out with beautiful scenery to view on the Sounds. Captain took particular attention looking for the wildlife. We saw fur seals, penguins and king cormorants. Spending an hour on the island was great. Will our guide had a wealth of knowledge of the area as we cruised and of the wildlife on the island. A well worthwhile trip.”

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New in Dolphin Watching

★ 5.0Akaroa with optional dolphin cruise (Small Group Tour)From $3403 reviews
★ 4.0Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from ChristchurchFrom $4629 reviews
★ 5.0Bay of Islands Day Tour with Dolphin CruiseFrom $28311 reviews

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