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Tikapa Moana: Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

4.4
176
Deals from $119.00 Save $51.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
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 during the summer schedule)

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 $170.00
Child $85.00 (5-15 years old)
Infant $0.00 (0-4 years old)
Family $425.00 (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

  • Approx 7 - 7.5 hours

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.


    SUMMER SCHEDULE until 7th April:

    Monday - Friday:

    • 9:15am Departure including Rotoroa Island Stop
    • 9:15am Departure including Man O War Vineyards Stop
    • Returns 4:00pm


    Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays:

    • 9:30am Departure including Rotoroa Island Stop
    • 9:30am Departure including Man O War Vineyards Stop
    • 11:30am Departure - No Island Stop
    • Returns 5:20pm


    WINTER SCHEDULE from 8th April:

    Wednesday-Sunday:

    • 9:15am Departure including Rotoroa Island Stop
    • 9:15am Departure including Man O War Vineyards Stop
    • Returns 4:00pm
  • 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 30 Mar to 12 Apr 2026

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates
Mon 30 Mar
Tue 31 Mar
Wed 1 Apr
Thu 2 Apr
Fri 3 Apr
Sat 4 Apr
Sun 5 Apr
Mon 6 Apr
Tue 7 Apr
Wed 8 Apr
Thu 9 Apr
Fri 10 Apr
Sat 11 Apr
Sun 12 Apr

  • Adult$119.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$119.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$170.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$170.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$170.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$155.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$155.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
  • Family$425.00

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

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

4.4

176 reviews

Showing all 176 authenticated Bookme reviews

cenar from New Zealand wrote on 28 December 2025

Really satisfying

Before purchasing our tickets, we were not sure what will be experienced , but now I must say It was one of the best tours we ever had. The team was super cool and they did everything despite the rain to find some dolphins, and they did. The Rotoroa Islan was also so nice to visit. All in all, 10/10

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Melvin from New Zealand wrote on 19 January 2025

Fantastic

My son 2 daughter's and myself had a fantastic day out. The crew members were great. We were given a running commentary about the lives and habitat of the whales, dolphins and garnet that we saw. I would definitely recommend this cruise to my family and friends and whoever else asked me about it.

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O.Am from New Zealand wrote on 24 March 2026

Amazing experience

We saw pods of dolphins several times, and the sea birds diving into the water was truly powerful!

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Kevin Lock from New Zealand wrote on 09 March 2024

Nothing but a ferry

We were very disappointed with this cruise, yes we did see 6 dolphins playing but it was felt that as soon as we seen them the cruise was over and we were off to collect yet more people from yet another island even though the captain said he was looking for more dolphins no mention of whales at all. If we wanted to see the scenery which was lovely we wouldn't have paid a for a cruise, we expected to send some time looking for dolphins and whales as this was a 4.5 hour cruise we expected to spend at least 1.5 hours searching We were not the only passengers that felt this way, we would not recommend this trip again

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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.

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