Tikapa Moana: Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

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Highlights & inclusions

Discover Tikapa Moana
Travel across the Hauraki Gulf's many islands
Witness whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and birdlife
Discover Tmaki Makaurau's history and cultural legacy.
Collaborate with Ngāi Tai: share ancient stories of Hauraki
Comfortable wildlife viewing cruise vessel
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From $142.60
$125.49AUD
Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to experience

1. Select date

December 2024

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2. Select participants

Adult
0
Child (5-15yrs)
0

What you can expect

Explore the Hauraki Gulf and discover an abundance of marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Operating in partnership with Ngāi Tai Te Haerenga, hear the fascinating origins and histories of the land, sea and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, the original inhabitants of Tāmaki Makaurau, as you make your way through this stunning landscape.

Spot diverse marine wildlife abundant in their natural habitat - the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park - 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.

Location

220 Quay Street, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, Auckland 1010

What you need to know

Inclusions
  • Scenic cruising around the islands with informative commentary on our new purpose-built comfortable cruise vessel - includes passenger pickups at other locations
  • Island stopover at Rotoroa Island or Man O' War Vineyards (no Island Stop on 11:30am Departure)
  • 2.5 hours dedicated marine mammal search
  • Marine mammal viewing guarantee - come again for free if we don’t spot any marine mammals during your cruise^
  • 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
Exclusions
  • Please note lunch is not included. Sandwiches, snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard.
Time
  • Departs 11:30am | Returns 5:20pm
  • Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays
  • New schedule starting 29th October SUMMER SCHELDULE (available until April 2025)
  • Monday - Friday: Departs: 9:15am | Returns 4pm
  • Includes afternoon island stop for 1 - 1.5 hours
  • Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: Departs: 8:30am & 11:30am | Returns: 4:05pm
  • 8:30am departure includes morning island stop for 1.5 - 2 hours (no island stop on 11:30am departure)
Duration
  • This experience takes approximately 4.5 - 7.5 hours hours for the cruise
Departure Location
  • Ferry departs from the Explore Kiosk (diagonally across from the Maritime Museum) in the Auckland Viaduct.
  • From 29th October, the cruise will also include a stop at either Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyards on Waiheke Island (please select at time of booking).
  • NO Island Stop on the Weekend 11:30am departure
What To Bring
  • A warm jacket
  • Flat soled shoes
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
Additional Information
  • Check in 15 minutes before departure
  • Complimentary vouchers are subject to availability and valid for 12 months.
  • Lunch is not included. Sandwiches, snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board.
  • Toilets available on board
  • Operating in partnership with Ngāi Tai Te Haerenga
  • Please note schedule is subject to change due to tides and other circumstances, please contact us to confirm departure times.
Terms And Conditions
  • Explore Group reserve the right to alter proposed routes or cancel any departure in the interest of passenger safety and/or comfort.
  • All departures are subject to minimum numbers, sea and weather conditions and Explore Group reserves the right to cancel departures in the event that requirements are not met.
Cancellation Policy
  • Explore Group requires 24 hours’ notice of cancellation for all scheduled departure bookings.
  • Explore Group reserve the right to alter proposed routes or cancel any departure in the interest of passenger safety and/or comfort.
  • All departures are subject to minimum numbers, sea and weather conditions and Explore Group reserves the right to cancel departures in the event that requirements are not met.
Booking Information
  • Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
  • Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
  • Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
  • For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
  • Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
  • Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
  • We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements