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Orpheus Bay Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
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.
All prices are shown inNZD ($)
- 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$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$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
Authenticated Reviews
Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support
- emergencyCustomers loved the chance to see dolphins and whales up close (20 people said this).
- emergencyThe crew was frequently praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and professional (15 people said this).
- emergencyMany enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Hauraki Gulf and Rotoroa Island (12 people said this).
- emergencyPassengers appreciated the smooth organization and comfort of the cruise (10 people said this).
- emergencyMost found the experience to be great value for money (8 people said this).
- emergencyThe weather conditions were often noted as perfect, enhancing the overall experience (7 people said this). .
- star_shineBring snacks for the trip.
Secure a spot at the front of the boat for the best views.
Showing all 178 authenticated Bookme reviews
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!
Tracey Redfearn from United Kingdom wrote on 16 March 2026
Excellent day trip 🐬
Great service and friendly crew We saw lots of Dolphins 😁👏🏻
Quan from New Zealand wrote on 24 April 2026
To Tikapa Moana Whale & Dolphin Watch
To the Management of Tikapa Moana Whale & Dolphin Watch, I am writing to share my honest feedback following a very unfortunate experience during our recent trip with your company. I joined the tour with my mother and my son. We were all very excited and had been looking forward to this journey for a long time. Unfortunately, the trip turned into a frightening and disappointing experience. The main problem happened due to a lack of clear guidance from your staff. I mistakenly did not board the return boat at the correct time. I saw many people walking toward the wharf, and I followed, thinking that was the right time to leave. There was no reminder or announcement from any crew member to check who was re-boarding. As a result, we were left behind on the island for six hours. During that time, we felt extremely scared and helpless. We did not see any staff member or tour representative to help us. It was only after I called your company that your team realized we were still on the island. My mother, my son, and I all felt terrified and abandoned. To be honest, I also felt that we might have been treated differently because we are Asian. I hope that is not true, but the lack of attention and care made me feel that way. I believe that when people book a tour with your company, especially families with children and elderly, you have a responsibility to ensure their safety and provide basic supervision. A simple headcount or reminder before departure could have prevented this whole situation. I do not want this to happen to anyone else. I hope you will take this seriously and improve your safety procedures. A tour should not be just about collecting money. It should also be about caring for the people who trust you with their time and their loved ones. Despite everything, I still love nature and marine life. I truly hope to join your tour again one day, but only if I can be sure that such an incident will not happen again. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I look forward to seeing positive changes. Sincerely, Sally Quan
Josefine Jurkowski from New Zealand wrote on 08 March 2026
Its ok, overpriced kinda
We didnt see any whales, i think thats something many people have to be clear about that the chance of seeing a whale is very low. But we saw dolphins and penguins. Overall the cruise was good, most parts of information were read out and you could tell that the crew didnt really care about the landscape informations. It kinda felt like a taxi, we were mostly just pciking people up from different islands or drop them off. Only 1 hour of the tour was the actual whale watch safari. Still the scenery was beautiful and so were the dolphins and penguins, but honestly the whale watch tour in kaikoura would have been better
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bhagyav from New Zealand wrote on 07 April 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed the Cruse and awesome crew.
Thoroughly enjoyed the Cruse and awesome crew.