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Whitford Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
Tikapa Moana: Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise
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.
All prices are shown inNZD ($)
- Adult$170.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$510.00
- Adult$170.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$510.00
- Adult$170.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$510.00
- Adult$170.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$510.00
- Adult$170.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$510.00
- Adult$170.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$510.00
- Adult$170.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$510.00
- Adult$170.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$510.00
- Adult$170.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$510.00
- Adult$111.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$425.00
- Adult$111.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$425.00
- Adult$111.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$425.00
- Adult$111.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$425.00
- Adult$111.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$425.00
- Adult$111.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$425.00
- Adult$111.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$425.00
- Adult$111.00
- Child$85.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Family$425.00
Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme
Showing all 162 authenticated Bookme reviews
amandaw19 fromNew 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
kerrya7 fromNew 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
Niraj Sheth fromIndia 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
Kevin Lock fromNew 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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jol14 fromNew 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.