Auckland Marine Safari Experience
Description
New Zealand’s most interactive whale and dolphin watching experience. An incredible eco safari direct from downtown Auckland As well as being a top Auckland attraction, this safari is a truly unique New Zealand conservation experience.
There’s no need to travel far to have a world-class wildlife adventure. With over 1/3 of all marine-mammal species seen here. Auckland is the perfect place for that once-in-a-lifetime encounter you’ve always dreamed of. Best of all it’s right on Auckland’s doorstep and waiting for you to explore it!
Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and travel aboard Dolphin Explorer into the expansive and rich Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Our family-friendly 4.5hr wildlife marine eco safari offers so much more than just whale and dolphin watching and will be the highlight of your trip to Auckland.
Get up close to personal viewing of whales dolphins and other wildlife amid the stunning scenery of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf with important Marine Biology research conducted on-board. Allowing the general public the chance to encounter, understand and above-all help protect this incredible resource of marine life. Experience all this from the most comfortable and stable purpose built whale watching vessel in New Zealand, the Dolphin Explorer, which is specifically designed for the sea conditions in this area. Operating within this incredible conservation area we have established NZ’s only research-based marine mammal experience. Talk to on-board marine mammal researchers as well as our own fully qualified marine experts about how they're working to protect the whales, dolphins and marine environment. Experience Auckland’s whales and dolphins and learn how you can help protect our oceans.
Dolphins are viewed on over 90% of our trips and whales viewed on 75%.Explore amongst volcanic islands with views of sandy beaches and hidden coves. Share special moments and close encounters with wildlife while capturing photos of rare birds, marine mammals and unique island views. Unforgettable memories and amazing photo opportunities
No trip to Auckland Marine safari is complete without a visit to Sea Life Aquarium. Experience by traveling the length of the Central Auckland easterly waterfront, the Tamaki Drive cruise to Bastion Point and Achilles Point being the two standout options, providing many an Instagram or Facebook opportunity. This revitalised waterfront precinct is brimming with the energy of locals and visitors of all ages. In less enlightened times, See New Zealand's unique aquatic life up close, including New Zealand's largest collection of sharks, gigantic stingrays, and beautiful seahorses. Watch the cool and calm king penguins and cheeky gentoos interact and swim past as you walk through the Penguin Ice Adventure exhibit. Touch a starfish or two at our Rockpool. The stunning new Seahorse Kingdom exhibit features the world's only display of spiny sea dragons, while other displays include New Zealand's only live jellyfish display, tropical fish, bizarre crustaceans and much, much more.
With an enchanting memory from land and water, experiencing through the heart and soul we head back to the place where we pick you up.
Included
- Fully guided return transfer from Auckland
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
- Complimentary refreshments and water on board
- A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
- Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
- Admission to 4.5 hours Whale & dolphin watching safari
- Admission to Sea Life Aquarium- sub Antarctic penguin colony
Excluded
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Access to Wi-Fi on board for a small surcharge
Know before you go
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, , Sun protection, shower proof jacket/warm layer & essential personal items
- Suitable for people of all ages with easy and good fitness level required
- Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as this is the perfect place to get some great experiences photos.
- Flash photography is not permitted inside sea life aquarium as this can scare and harm sea creatures
- This tour is not suitable for heavily pregnant women. Children under 5yrs are suitable for the trip only if closely supervised by a parent or caregiver.
- Lastly, please bring flat soled shoes. Anyone wearing heels will be asked to remove them.
- Please inform us upon booking if you have any pre-existing medical conditions that we should be made aware of. All members of the crew are fully trained in first aid response.