The 15 Best Cruises & Boat Trips in Auckland

1.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,790 reviews · from $135Our pick

Board a 65-foot catamaran at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour for a 4.5-hour wildlife cruise through the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Marine research scientists explain the animals and conservation work while the crew searches for whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and seabirds.

“The experience exceeded expectations. Our hosts understood the assignment and executed it flawlessly. They had to manage a lot of people and did so with patience, compassion, and care. Consummate professionals, they worked diligently to ensure that we not only were able to see marine mammals, but actively sought out the best possible viewing experience for us and made several programming pivots to ensure our voyage was a success. If you are on the fence about booking this experience, take this as your sign to do it. You won’t regret it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,072 reviews · 4h 30m · from $130

Join the 65-foot Dolphin Explorer from Auckland’s Viaduct for a 4.5-hour Hauraki Gulf safari. Marine guides such as Emily, Sanaa, John, and Toni explain wildlife and research work while you watch for dolphins, orcas, whales, penguins, gannets, and seabirds. A free second cruise applies if no marine mammals appear.

“This was a great excursion. We got to see many dolphins and 6 whales in the distance. The crew was very knowledgable and shared tons of information. Ride was a bit windy but totally worth it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 476 reviews · from $105

Board a 50-foot sailing yacht at Viaduct Harbour for a 2.5-hour evening cruise past the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, and volcanic Mt. Eden. Your captain provides live commentary, and you can help hoist the sails or try the wheel before sitting down to a preselected three-course dinner.

“Crew was amazing and very professional. Ride was nice if it started earlier it got dark 30 mins after our ride started and the other 2 hours were in the dark. Food was not worth it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 370 reviews · 2 hours · from $125

Join a professional crew aboard an ex-America’s Cup yacht in Auckland. You can steer, help raise sails, work the grinders, or simply enjoy the harbor views. No sailing experience is needed, but comfortable shoes, light luggage, and a willingness to move around are useful.

“Great two hours on Auckland harbour. Knowledgeable and competent staff, who made it a memorable experience. The good weather helped of course!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Scenic Harbour Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 369 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Join Fullers at Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal for a 90-minute cruise across Waitematā Harbour. You’ll pass beneath the Harbour Bridge, view the Sky Tower and waterfront, and hear English commentary on Auckland’s maritime past. Choose indoor or outdoor seating, with cafés and toilets on most vessels.

“Great views and the guide was entertaining and informative. I would highly recommend this sightseeing cruise.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 319 reviews · 2h 30m · from $95

Meet Explore Group at Viaduct Harbour for a 2.5-hour evening sail on a 50-foot yacht. Captain Noel, Peter, Luke, or another local skipper may share harbour stories, invite you to steer, and serve a three-course meal from The Lula Inn. Jackets and blankets are provided.

“It was a perfect way to see Auckland harbor. The sail back in 30 knot winds was wonderful!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 301 reviews · 1h 30m · from $65

Join Explore Group New Zealand at Viaduct Harbour for a 90-minute sailing trip on a 50-foot yacht. You’ll pass the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina, and Devonport, with a chance to steer or help with the sails. English-speaking crew provide commentary, ponchos, and coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with a cookie.

“The interaction between the crew and passengers was enjoyable. They were very engaging!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.America’s Cup Sailing on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 298 reviews · from $130

Spend two hours sailing Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour aboard an America’s Cup racing-class yacht with a professional crew. Take the helm, grind the winches, help with sails, or simply enjoy the ride. Julia and the crew provide safety guidance and commentary. No sailing experience is needed.

“So this review has two parts. First, the sail on the boats was amazing. Got to pilot the boat as well as work as a grinder; great experience. The crew was entertaining and had appropriate emphasis on safety. Felt very comfortable. Second, I had originally booked for 2, then later amended the count to 4. I paid for 4 via the viator app and got confirmation of payment and 4 people. When arrived at provider location, they didn't show the amended list, only the original two. Evidently there was an issue between the provider and viator. The provider tried to contact viator to resolve the issue, but had to wait…”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 292 reviews · 6 - 8 hours · from $92

Spend six to eight hours cruising Tikapa Moana with an English-speaking guide, searching for whales, dolphins, and seabirds. You’ll also stop at either Rotoroa Island for walks and swimming or Man O’ War Vineyard for food and wine. A marine mammal voucher applies if none are seen.

“Had an incredible experience with Tikapa Moana! We saw plenty of dolphins along the way and were lucky enough to spot a whale in the distance — truly unforgettable. The stop at Rotoroa Island was magical, with breathtaking views that made the whole trip even more special. Highly recommend this ride to anyone looking for a memorable adventure on the water!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Auckland Harbour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 224 reviews · from $36

Cruise Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour with Fullers360 on a 90-minute round trip from 107 Quay Street. You’ll pass the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse, Devonport Naval Base and nearby islands, with live commentary, indoor seating and outdoor photo spots.

“Not a lot of commentary and pretty bland trip! The trip really didn’t show you much and was just kind of bland non-descriptive”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Auckland Harbour Sailing Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · from $68

Board at Viaduct Harbour for a 90-minute yacht cruise past Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina, Devonport, and the skyline. The crew may let you steer or help with the sails. Brad, James, and Bridget have been praised for friendly, capable hosting, with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and a cookie included.

“My husband and I had a wonderful time on the sailing cruise. We had delightful weather. Our captain and the first mate were great! Very friendly guys. I got to steer the ship, which was so cool. This was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon and see Auckland from a different perspective in a nice, casual and relaxing way. Thank you for a great cruise!”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Glass Bottom Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · from $31Best value

Travel to Goat Island Marine Reserve for a one-hour glass-bottom boat trip with a licensed guide. Watch snapper, rays, kelp, and other sea life through the viewing panels, then cruise into the famous Key Hole and other sea caves. Wildlife varies with tides, weather, and the day.

“Very knowledgeable guide, lots to see but unfortunately not that many fish, still a beautiful place and would go again”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · from $452Top rated

Travel from Auckland to Northland with a small group of up to 15 people. Visit the Kauri Museum, Tane Mahuta, Opononi, Waitangi, and Paihia, then cruise to the Hole in the Rock and Otehei Bay. Guides such as Matt Van Veen and Mark add plenty of local insight.

“Fab tour full of history and fun. Tour guide/driver Mark very knowledgeable and considerate of people's needs. Small group so much better than a large coach load of people.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Exclusive Sailing Charter from Waiheke Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews

Join Terra & Tide aboard Pacific Star, a private 41-foot catamaran departing Waiheke. With skippers such as Bruce, Peter, and Renee, you can sail the outer Hauraki Gulf, spot seabirds, swim, snorkel, paddleboard, enjoy lunch, and walk on a pest-free island.

“Absolutely fabulous day out in the Hauraki Gulf. Snorkeling, paddleboarding, doubles kayak, great food, great boat. The skipper Peter and his assistant, Renee we gracious hosts. We all had an amazing day. Highly recommend this for anyone. We were part of a 21st and it was just a truly wonderful day for us all.”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Hauraki Gulf Eco Sailing Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $403

Join Captain Bruce and the Terra & Tide crew aboard the Pacific Star for a seven-hour Hauraki Gulf outing from Waiheke. Expect sailing, a guided walk on a pest-free island, seabirds, possible dolphins or whales, swimming, snorkeling, SUP boarding, lunch, and time to relax on deck.

“Wind and sailing were excellent. Captain Bruce let us sail quite a bit. We also had a walk on Tiritiri Matangi island that had amazing birds and views. His lunch spread was also top-notch.”

Check availability →Read our full review