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North IslandDolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended North Island Dolphin & whale watching

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock and Bay of Islands Cruise

1. Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock and Bay of Islands Cruise

Embark on a catamaran tour of the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell. Enjoy guide commentary as you visit famous sights, including Piercy Island (The Hole in the Rock.) Look for Maeune Mammals and enjoy a 1.5-hour stop at Urupukapuka Island to swim, explore, or sunbathe. Hop on board and take in sweeping views of the Bay of Islands as you cruise along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse watches over the famous Piercy Island or so-called Hole in the Rock (also known in Māori as Motukōkako). Conditions permitting, travel through the Hole in the Rock and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife. Make a 1.5-hour island stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to enjoy free time for a swim or walk around. On board, benefit from indoor and outdoor seating and large outdoor viewing decks. Sip on hot and cold refreshments available to purchase at the licensed small cafe on board or enjoy food and drinks at the fully licensed Otehei Bay Cafe and Bar during your island stopover.

Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

2. Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

Climb aboard a 65-foot luxury catamaran conveniently docked in the heart of Auckland. Set sail on the "Dolphin Explorer" to take in the sights and sounds of the city from the water. Enjoy a quick tour past impressive landmarks, such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge, North Head/Devonport, and Rangitoto Island. Keep a close look out for Orca and Bottlenose Dolphins that regularly visit the waters close to the city. Then explore the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Get up-close viewings of whales, dolphins, and sea birds. The "Dolphin Explorer" is able to get much closer than whale watching operations in other locations. Learn about the fauna via expert commentary from the ship's skipper, gained from 15 years of running trips daily in the area.

From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Stop

3. From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Stop

Travel among the 144 remote islands of New Zealand's renowned Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided boat tour departing from Paihia and discover some of the most unique sights of this natural destination. Admire the stunning Hole in the Rock and stop to explore one of the islands. Set sail and surround yourself with the imposing rocky scenery of the Bay of Islands. Keep an eye out for a variety of marine wildlife as you cruise along the coastline. Listen to interesting commentary from your tour guide as they relay the history of the area. Visit the original landing site of Captain James Cook on Roberton Island. Experience Cathedral Cave on Motukokako Island and the famous Hole in the Rock. If weather permits, you'll even sail through it. Up next, take in the awe-striking Cape Brett Peninsula and its lighthouse. Stop at one of the islands along the way. Take a short walk toward a lookout point and help feed the schools of fish in the Voluntary Marine Reserve.

From Tauranga: Half Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour

4. From Tauranga: Half Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour

Step aboard a purpose-built dolphin-viewing vessel and embark on a wild encounter with the ocean's most fascinating creatures. After meeting your crew at the dock, set off into the open water to several well-known dolphin spotting locations, all the while maintaining a respectful distance. With a crew filled with experience sea-farers and dolphins-watchers, trust that your experience will be thrilling, informative, and above all, humane to the dolphins.  The sunshine capital of New Zealand, the "Bay of Plenty" is home to diverse and spectacular sea life from majestic dolphins and orca to the beautiful fur seals, penguins and marine birds. As you travel from spot to spot, keep your eyes peeled for the plethora of marine life that call the bay home. With your expert crew, you’ve got a great chance to to find a pod of dolphins with which you can swim—which is, without question, a magical experience.

Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales and Dolphins Wildlife Cruise

5. Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales and Dolphins Wildlife Cruise

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 Tāmaki Makaurau... View diverse marine wildlife abundant in their natural habitat - the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park - including whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, birdlife and more from our comfortable cruise vessel purpose-built for wildlife viewing. 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. Operating in partnership with Ngāi Tai Te Haeranga

Whitianga: Cathedral Cove, Small Caves & Snorkel Boat Trip

6. Whitianga: Cathedral Cove, Small Caves & Snorkel Boat Trip

Discover the scenic Cathedral Cove and smaller caves on this boat trip from Whitianga. Experience the thrill of small, hard-to-get-to caves and discover magnificent offshore views. See New Zealand's 2nd largest sea cave, and get up close to aquatic life in the marine reserve. Leaving Whitianga Wharf, stop to view Shakespeare's Cliff, and pass the stunning Lonely before exploring inside Cooks Beach Blowhole and gazing out through the top. Be amazed at the panoramic scenery at Cathedral Cove. Head south, getting close along the coastline in and out of bays, caves, and blowholes. Take in the mesmerizing volcanic landscape of towering pinnacles and rock sculptures. Marvel at the size of New Zealand's 2nd largest sea cave "Orua" before visiting offshore islands with more caves. Have the option to snorkel and witness sea life in the marine reserve before heading back to Whitianga.

The Cream Trip: A Day in the Bay of Islands

7. The Cream Trip: A Day in the Bay of Islands

Glide past some 144 islands out to the remote Cape Brett Peninsula on a Bay of Islands day cruise. Board your purpose-built cruising vessel, and join your skipper as you set out on the original route used to deliver milk, post, and other supplies to the people who live in the remote Bay of Islands, the Cream Trip. See the Black Rocks. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales as your crew provides entertaining commentary. Make a stop at a secluded island where you can enjoy a relaxing swim while admiring the natural beauty surrounding you. If you are looking for a unique Bay of Islands cruise, the Cream Trip is sure to deliver.

From Tauranga: Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise

8. From Tauranga: Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise

Meet at the Tauranga waterfront jetty and board your vessel. Relax as you leave the city behind and spend the cruise exploring the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca, and even turtles. Passenger numbers are limited for comfort and to enable a more personal experience. The large spacious boat is also ideal for families. The Captain and experienced crew will be more than happy to share their marine knowledge with you and will provide fascinating commentary and point out all that they see so you won’t miss a thing. You can also enjoy a drink from the onboard bar as you relax and soak up the sun. Don’t forget your camera as you are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographers dream for those once in a lifetime snaps. You will return to Tauranga by 2:00, giving you the rest of the day to explore this beautiful region, the Bay of Plenty, or continue your travels.

From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve Cruise & Swim

9. From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve Cruise & Swim

Relax & enjoy Shakespeare’s Cliff, Lonely Bay & Cathedral Cove on an open boat with unrestricted stunning views. Experience the thrill of going inside Cooks Blowhole, Whale Cave and our very own “Hole in the Rock”. Regularly going to the places seen in online videos & pictures, venture inside caves others cannot take you! View fish in the Marine Reserve. Learn the history of the area and be amazed by the volcanic formations throughout the Bay. You won’t be disappointed with Coromandel’s fantastic coastline as we go down to the Orua Sea Cave where you will be taken inside the cave and hear the amazing acoustics as we play music.

Little Barrier Island: Full-Day Scuba Dive Charter

10. Little Barrier Island: Full-Day Scuba Dive Charter

Enjoy a full-day scuba diving charter off Little Barrier Island. Keep a lookout for orcas, dolphins, whales, common dolphins, and sharks on your journey. Experience some of the best diving close to Auckland. Travel along the sandy sloping bottoms on the southern coast to the dramatic walls and pinnacles on the northern side, where copious fish and invertebrate life live among the kelp forests. Uncover holes and cracks that house many crayfish, red crayfish, and packhorse crayfish, which can be found occasionally. Spot large red moki and their rarer cousins, the painted moki, that often share the holes or swim through the weed above them. Swim among eagle rays and long-and short-tailed stingrays, leatherjackets, and wrasse in this marine wonderland. Discover the swarms of demoiselle and blue maomao schools over the sponge gardens and Little Barrier.

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Frequently asked questions about North Island Dolphin & whale watching

What are other things to do than Dolphin & whale watching that are worth visiting in North Island?

The other unmissable things to do in North Island are:

Other Sightseeing Options in North Island

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What people are saying about North Island

Was absolutely incredible! Cannot recommend this enough! One of the best experiences of my life!!! Way better than all the other boats that go out. (Bonus that they go out a lot futher too, so you get to see way more!) I was screaming like a little girl when we first went out but it was so thrilling after my husband told me to open my eyes haha! Then I didnt want it to stop!! Captain was amazing, full of knowledge. We will 100% do this again when we go back to Coromandal! Thank you for a fantastic experience!

It was a beautiful trip out with lots of info shared with us. The stop on the island gave a chance to see 360 degrees around for breathtaking views. Just watch for the sheep dung!!

Exceeded expectations 1000%! Awesome skipper so informative , great interaction, incredible experience . Cannot recommend highly enough .. for the thrill seekers .

Great cruise that got through the hole as well as seeing dolphins. The stop at the island was a good break to the cruise.

Amazing experience, it was so wonderful to see whales and dolphins. Good cruise with excellent guides