Auckland whale watching is one of the most exciting ways to get out on the water in New Zealand’s largest city. In addition to whale sightings, we enjoyed pods of playful dolphins. Plus, seabirds frequently circled overhead or dove into the water.
Here, we share the magic of our day out on the purpose-built Dolphin Encounter, a catamaran ideally suited for an Auckland whale watching afternoon.
The onboard crew from Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari (AWADS) kept the day running smoothly, making sure there was plenty of time for sightings and capturing wildlife photos.
It’s been a while since our last trip out, and back then, it was mostly tourists onboard, suggesting to me that locals are missing out on a treat.
If you are new to Auckland, planning a visit, or just haven’t been out on an AWADS adventure, now is the time. If you’re not sure, read on. Imagine yourself on the boat with us, taking photos and experiencing the fun.
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Auckland whale watching in the Hauraki Gulf
The process is simple when we sail with experts.
Looking for birds, not whales, is the trick.
Initially, the experts on board look for hundreds of birds diving into the water. In the summer, the birds are often Australian gannets, although the Hauraki Gulf is home to 26 species of seabird.
Amongst the birdlife, we also spotted several little blue penguins paddling on the water.
The bird’s feeding frenzy will often attract nearby dolphins, usually either common or bottlenose dolphins.
After the dolphins, the whales are often close behind.
We saw four nationally endangered Bryde’s Whales on the day we were out.
Other whales sometimes spotted in the Hauraki Gulf include orca (technically a dolphin), blue, minke, southern right, sperm, sei, and pygmy whales. Also, humpback whale sightings occur during their migratory period.
Onboard the Dolphin Encounter
One of the coolest things about the AWADs adventure is that not only is it a sightseeing experience for people like me, but it’s also a research vessel. As a result, its rules are different. The Dolphin Encounter can get closer to marine mammals than other recreational or commercial vessels. Of course, they still have to be careful not to get in their path.
There were several marine biologists on board with us. They were happy to share their great wealth of knowledge and answer questions.
The Dolphin Encounter has two decks, both with inside and outside areas. People move about often. On our cruise, there were 60 passengers (maximum is 100), and importantly, our boat never felt crowded.
There is plenty of space on board, and being a catamaran, there are two bows, therefore twice as many spots to stand up at the front (note: you will most likely get wet if you stand here while the boat is moving fast).
The front of the boat is the only area without proper seats, but a fun place to watch the action.
More than just whale watching – Auckland wildlife and landmarks
Sailing in Auckland always provides plenty of views, whether or not we are searching for marine mammals.
Auckland has an interesting skyline. Most notable are key landmarks like its tallest points both in nature (Mt Eden) and manmade (Sky Tower).
Then there are several marinas, including Westhaven, the largest yacht marina in the southern hemisphere.
A few of the key landmarks across the bay include Mt Victoria and North Head in Devonport, Tiritiri Matangi (open bird sanctuary island) at the end of Whangaparaoa Peninsula, and Rangitoto Island.
Also, there are a variety of islands in the Hauraki Gulf.
And, of course, wildlife. In addition to marine mammals, New Zealand fur seals, sharks (we have personally seen both a bronze whaler and a hammerhead), manta rays, and turtles.
I love watching the dolphins play
While the whale sightings are really special, I also love watching dolphins at play. There are typically even more dolphins spotted in winter months.
Tips to make your Auckland whale watching experience even better
- AWADS guarantees a sighting. Dolphins are seen on over 90% of trips and whales on over 70%. If they don’t think it was “good enough,” you get a voucher for a free trip. This is ideal for locals as there’s always another day.
- If you are prone to seasickness, remember to bring or take whichever medicines you use. On the day we went, the weather was perfect; however, our first attempt out was turned back due to an unexpected change in the weather.
- Listen to the commentary – it’s informative, interesting, and funny.
- We planned our day when there were no cruise ships in port, assuming there would be fewer passengers.
- Consider wearing layers and include an all-weather/rain jacket and either a sunhat or beanie, depending on the weather. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, and your lunch (or you can buy food on board, but they may not be able to cater to special diets).
- Whale watching is how I like to get my blood pumping, and therefore I include it among the best adventure activities in Auckland.
Auckland whale watching photos from other days
As these animals are wild, every day is different. Therefore, I was provided with some of the AWADS favourite shots to share here.
Where is AWADS?
Dolphin Encounter, the AWADS boat, is docked just across from the entrance to New Zealand’s Maritime Museum. While you can book up to twenty minutes before departure, it’s easiest to book online.
Other places to whale watch in New Zealand
Auckland isn’t the only spot in New Zealand for whale watching. Kaikoura and Akaroa on the South Island are both well-known for marine mammal sightings. If you’re headed that way, check out these options, all listed here with links offering discounts depending on the date you choose:
- Whale Watch Kaikoura: Also a catamaran sail, they typically spot Giant Sperm Whales, New Zealand fur seals and dusky dolphins. Check for Whale Watching Kaikoura discounts here.
- Flyover Kaikoura – Whale Watching – Seen from the air rather than a boat, on this 40-minute adventure you will see sperm whales, other marine life, and the stunning Kaikoura mountains and coast. Check for Flyover Kaikoura discounts here.
- Akaroa’s Coast Up Close Scenic Wildlife Tours: While whales are rarely spotted here, they often do spot Hector’s dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins, and of course, the beautiful Akaroa and Banks Peninsula. Check Akaroa’s Wildlife tour for discounts here.
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Have you been whale watching in Auckland?
More from Auckland you might also like … starting with these 75 free and nearly free things to do in the city
Disclaimer: We were guests of Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari boat. To aid in the writing of this page, we were also provided with several of the images above, and we have been granted permission to use their photos on this page. However, the opinions stated here are strictly our own.
Rowan Flora
Oh cooool I didn’t actually realise that you can do this from Auckland! We did a dolphin-spotting trip when we were in Kaikoura which was incredible – will definitely consider doing another one from Auckland now!
Ryan K Biddulph
Hi Rhonda,
Fun times in Auckland. We did little there as winter had just arrived and we had 2 quick days in the city before flying back to the States. We will do much there – and in all of NZ – when they open things up, down the road. NZ is a dream.
Ryan
Zoe Garden
such great photos!
Lydia C. Lee
You got Orcas too? OMG! So jealous! We’re dying to see some. Missed them by 1 day in Tasmania at Easter. Argh! #WWOT
Alan Bates
I never get tired of seeing whales and dolphins.
Nancy
Thanks for sharing such consistently wonderful and informative posts.
Brittany
This sounds like so much fun! I love dolphins and my husband loves whales, so we would definitely have a blast doing this tour.
Kayy
I love seeing dolphins any time I can. I would love to watch dolphins, whales , anything in the water. These are really amazing photos as well. Thanks for the visionary guide.
Barbara Farfan
How did I not know that an Orca is technically a dolphin? You learn something new every day. I petsitted my way around New Zealand and Australia for 2 years. After reading your article and remembers how amazingly beautiful it is, I’m ready to go back! Thanks for the great photo inspiration!
Kathryn Burrington
I lost count of the number fo whales we saw in Clayoquot Sound, Canada last year. They were all Grey Whales. In June I’m going back to Canada and the Bay of Fundy where I believe 15 species can be found. Hope I get lucky with some photos. I can’t wait!
Tony Payne
They didn’t have trips like that when I was living in Auckland, looks like it was an amazing trip, and you got some brilliant photos.
I saw a couple of whales when I dived of Whangaparaoa back in 1988, and I did a whale watching tour in Maine where we saw only a couple of whales, but hundreds of huge Basking Sharks.
I definitely think this would be a great thing to do in Auckland.
My cousin is visiting her sister in Auckland, should be arriving about now, so will send them your post in case they haven’t done the trip before. Should be right up their alley.
Joyce
Beautiful photos! I SO want to visit you.
charlotte
This would definitely make me smile! Beautiful!
Sarah E. Albom
Wow so many animals! Wish I could’ve come
Maggie
Isn’t it funny how locals often miss out on the best adventures? This looks fantastic! Your own photos are quite lovely 🙂
Catherine Johnson
What a magical sight to have so close to home. We didn’t see anything like that at the Bay of Islands.
Moni
I love dolphins, too, and your photos are amazing.
On one of my holidays in Australia, we went to Monkey Mia WA, where wild dolphins come to the beach for feeding. Although it was packed with other tourists 😉 it was a wonderful experience.
And it’s always exciting when they come and swim along with the boat.
Cheers, Moni
Mary {The World Is A Book}
These are such great photos and what a wonderful way to spend the day. I really like the odds of seeing dolphins and whales on this cruise. We have seen dolphins and whales in the wild while on cruise ships and on whale watching tours. It really is such a magical experience to see them in their natural habitat.
City Coastal Lifestyle
Such beautiful, ethereal creatures, so lucky to get the opportunity to photograph them.
Jen Massey
WOW!! what an experience 🙂
Sarah Ferguson
This looks like a great trip! I was lucky enough to see a lot of whales while in Hawaii this year – but I would still definitely take this trip if ever I get to New Zealand!
Charlotte
What an experience! Seeing this wonderful mammals live in their habitat is beyond words…
Rachael@safari254
The photos are amazing. I love dolphins, I am hoping to travel to a marine park down at the coast to see some this year.
Paula McInerney
Totally amazing. You have shared an experience with us. I have not seen so many. Great job
Julie K Pick
How exciting to get such a close-up view of dolphins and whales! Our boys went swimming with the dolphins in Aruba, but I just watched from the stands. Delightful shots, Rhonda!
Rhonda Albom
Did they enjoy the experience? I would love to go swimming with dolphins, but only if I could do it any natural setting in the wild.
Eileen @ FamikiesGo!
What amazing photos! You are lucky indeed.
Betty
What an adventure that must have been! The pictures shared here are great! I have actually seen both dolphins and whales in the ocean on whale watching tours. Have also seen dolphins swimming in the ocean close to where we used to live in the San Diego area. Amazing creatures to see!
betty
Lisa Buie-Collard
Rhonda, when I was in NZ, we went out several times on my sisters and her husbands catch sailboat. Each time there would be dolphins that rode right by the boat the way you show them doing in this post. Such a magical time for me there, and no wonder I dream about returning. Lucky you to live there!
Anabel
Beautiful pictures! I have seen whales in New England. We went on a trip to see dolphins in Australia. My husband saw them but I had broken my foot and couldn’t get on deck
Nick Wilford
I’ve been to Auckland – wish I’d done this! Nearest I came to seeing dolphins was off the side of a cruise ship. But they were gone by the time I got there.
Hilary
Hi Rhonda .. that is added to my list of things to do – the ‘tour’ looks amazing and what fun to be able to have research members there too – to bounce ideas off and get extra information. I too would love to see a breaching whale – incredible …
How very fortunate you live where you do .. cheers and here’s to dolphins! Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie
I have yet to swim with the dolphins, but I’m going to. I’ve talked to people who say it is one amazing experience.
Rhonda Albom
I would love the opportunity to swim with dolphins, but for me, it would have to be a natural opportunity.
Comedy Plus
What great shots. How fun. I’ve seen both whales and dolphins in the wide and it’s most exciting.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
LaShaunda
I would love to go on a Dolphin Safari. I’ve been to Sea World and zoos, but to actually see them in the ocean would be amazing.
Thanks for sharing your pictures.
Rhonda Albom
I generally don’t go to places like Sea World. If I remember what I just learned from AWADS correctly, dolphins life expectancy in the wild is close to 40 years, but it’s under two years in captivity.
artmusedog and carol
Wonderful post and awesome shots of the dolphins ~ what a gift to see and photograph!
Happy Weekend to you,
artmusedog and carol
Marie-AZ
What an amazing experience!!! It must have been thrilling to see the dolphins and the Brydes whale. I’d love to do that someday here in US. Have a very blessed Easter!
Chrys Fey
Ever since I read Deep Wizardry as a kid, I’ve loved whales. 🙂
Those pictures are amazing!
Tasha
We went whale watching when we went to British Columbia a few years ago – it was awesome, however, much murkier and colder than your adventure looks 🙂 Lovely photos.
Tasha
Tasha’s Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
stevebethere
Now these photos are lovely they are so nice to look at and watch aren’t they what a fun trip, the photo of Auckland city centre and the whales in one shot..brilliant 🙂
Have a flippertastic day Rhonda 🙂
Marisol@TravelingSolemates
Hi Rhonda, you’re so lucky you don’t have to travel far to see these wonderful creatures in the wild. And it’s amazing how close some of them are to the city center. You captured some nice shots, especially the first one with the dolphin in action. I love seeing dolphins in the wild, just like penguins they are super charming. Great advice to do this trip when the cruisers are not around:)
Tamara Narayan
I have seen dolphins in the wild. Every year my family goes to the coast of South Carolina in the US and we stay on Kiawah Island. I’ve seen them in the rivers there and in the rivers surrounding nearby Charleston. It is always a highlight of our trip when we spot one.
Dorothy Bolstein
Quite interesting…..
Paul F. Pietrangelo
I loved looking at your photos, so beautiful. I’m amazed just how close the dolphins be to you and their speed is amazing. I’m so glad that found your blog. It’s so interesting. Have a wonderful Saturday Rhonda. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
Thank Paul. You have made my day. And yes, it was amazing that they swim so close, but never get hit by the boat.
DeniseinVA
Thank you for sharing these incredible sights. Beautiful and mesmerizing at the same time.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
It looks like you had a fantastic time and managed to take some stunning photos.
Tom The Backroads Traveller
I have been on several whale watch trips, but never saw sights like these. Tom The Backroads Traveller
Eileen
I would love to go out on one of these safari boats, seeing the dolphins and whales would make my day. I love seeing the gannets diving into the water.
Awesome photos!
orchid
Wow, What a Fantastic experience to see them actually swimming in the sea♡♡♡ WONDERFUL photographs!!! I’ve been to your country once, Have a wonderful Easter weekend.
Sincerely from Japan to New Zealand, xoxo Miyako*
Marie
I am so jealous. that looked like the best of trips to view dolphins and whales. Some great reflection shots as well.
Ulla Laiho
What a fantastic experience with exciting images.
Gunilla
Wonderful photos of these amazing animals. I’d love to see them one day.
Margaret Birding For Pleasure
Fantastic images and post. Marvellous reflections. HAVE A HAPPY EASTER WEEKEND.
Nagzilla
The ten year old ichthyologist in me is fangirling right now. This is most definitely on my bucket list. Amazing!
Jim
Great photos.
Katie
Truly amazing that these beautiful creatures are so close to a major urban center … hope you fully enjoyed your trip out!
Ara the Booksnake
Whoa! It’s a truly magical sight. 🙂 thanks so much for sharing this! 🙂
Gemma Wiseman
Dolphins are magical creatures. Strange when we have photographic opportunities close to home that we tend to overlook them. These photos are wonderful. Great treasures. I’d be thinking about going again in the near future.
Bob (@beauty_in_ruins)
Some very cool photos, and absolutely a great experience. It’s funny how locals always take for granted what’s right in their backyard, isn’t it? I have friends and colleagues who’ve never once driven by Niagara Falls, despite it being 10 to 15 minutes away.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
How amazing! And they are so close to you. I bet you’ll be taking that tour again. Awesome photos, Rhonda.
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
Dolphins are so beautiful! I have been dolphin watching a couple of times here and loved seeing them. I’ve been whale watching once too and was fortunate to see a couple of humpbacks come close to the boat. Magnificent creatures!
Indah Nuria Savitri
oh my god…they are magical indeed…I would love to go diving with them…thanks for sharing all these beautiful photos Rhonda…cheers…