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Tikapa Moana: Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

4.4
162
Deals from $111.00 Save $59.00 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)

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 $510.00 (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

  • Allow approx. 4.5 hours for this experience.

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.

    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


  • 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 20 Nov to 3 Dec 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Thu 20 Nov
Fri 21 Nov
Sat 22 Nov
Sun 23 Nov
Mon 24 Nov
Tue 25 Nov
Wed 26 Nov
Thu 27 Nov
Fri 28 Nov
Sat 29 Nov
Sun 30 Nov
Mon 1 Dec
Tue 2 Dec
Wed 3 Dec

  • Adult$170.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$510.00

  • Adult$170.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$510.00

  • Adult$170.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$510.00

  • Adult$170.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$510.00

  • Adult$170.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$510.00

  • Adult$170.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$510.00

  • Adult$170.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$510.00

  • Adult$170.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$510.00

  • Adult$170.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$510.00

  • Adult$127.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$111.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$111.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$111.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$111.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$111.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$111.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • Family$425.00

  • Adult$111.00
  • Child$85.00
  • Infant Free
  • 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

162 reviews

Showing all 162 authenticated Bookme reviews

jol14 from New Zealand wrote on 10 November 2025

Day cruise

Too bad that we did not get to see the whales or dolphins, however we were given a ticket to book the trip again. Overall, it was a nice Hauraki Gulf day cruise.

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amandaw19 from New Zealand wrote on 28 September 2025

Amazing

Rotoroa island was beautiful, the marine life didnt want to be seen so we got a voucher for a free trip. Amazing service and value for money

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kerrya7 from New Zealand wrote on 23 August 2025

I like dolphins

They were really cute and we got to take many cute photos of them. Best trip to go on if you like cute dolphins

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Niraj Sheth from India wrote on 01 November 2025

Zero to wine tasting. 100 to the rest

Lovely experience which was totally marred by the wine tasting experience at Man O War. Cruise was punctual. Crew was funny and efficient. We saw a lot of dolphins. Sadly no whales. Also saw pelican feeding frenzy which was also a unique experience. All this was in stark contrast to the experience at Man-O-War!! The lady at the counter asked me to wait at my seat where she would bring me the wine tasting options. She brought the menu. After briefly explaining the options she left me to consider them saying she will return shortly. After a 10 minute wait I went back to her. Showed her the option. Asked a few questions. Informed her that I was given a table for 2 but we were 3 persons. Just then a table for 3 cleared. She said I should wait as she will set that table for me. She didn’t return for 10 min and the table was taken by another group. She didn’t even bring the wine tasters. After 10 min when I went to check she was first nowhere to be seen and later I saw her serve others. I left the tasting room disappointed and frustrated at the waste of time. Fortunately had just enough time to squeeze in a quick lunch at the restaurant next door. Went to tell her that I wasn’t interested in the wine tasting anymore as she took too much time but she wasn’t at the reception and later I saw her attending to others!! It was almost as if she was purposely avoiding me!! What could have been a great experience turned out to be a sour one. Hopefully I’m not crying sour grapes!!! Will rate the experience 3 stars because the rest of the experience was so good and is definitely worth it. But wouldn’t waste my money on Man-O-War again

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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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