Boat Trips in Auckland

A dolphin and whale watching cruise, a dinner tour of the harbour area, a sailing trip with tickets to the popular Maritime Museum or a tour of the Bay of Islands. If you want to see Auckland from a different perspective, the city offers a number of boat tours that take in the coastline, the bay and some of the best views from the water.

One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the city, which is surrounded by beaches and paradise-like scenery, is to take a dolphin and whale watching cruise, which also contributes to marine mammal conservation.

The Hauraki Gulf is known for its variety of marine life and as you cruise through you will see a variety of wildlife such as:

• Seabirds, including albatrosses, petrels and gulls**.
• Marine mammals, such as orcas, humpback whales and dolphins.

Expert guides will share with you information about the behaviour and life of these species and also take you to the best places to take pictures during the tour. On the way back to Auckland Harbour, you'll enjoy some of the best views of the coastline from the water- spectacular!

Details of interest

• Price: from 110 euros.
• Duration: 4 and a half hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to see the Hauraki Gulf, which is one of the most beautiful places in the north of New Zealand.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they do not include free time for swimming.

If you're looking for a unique and romantic experience in Auckland, a harbour dinner cruise is one of the best options.

Auckland Harbour is an ideal place for an evening cruise, with panoramic views of the city lit up at night. During the cruise, you'll be able to admire some of the highlights such as the Sky Tower, the Harbour Bridge, Viaduct Marina and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

Dinner cruises are generally of a high quality, with a selection of dishes including fresh seafood, local meats and vegetables. Local wines and drinks to accompany the meal are also often available. Most cruises have vegetarian and gluten-free options available, so you'll find a menu to suit all tastes.

Interesting details

• Price: from 87 euros per person.
• Duration: 2.5 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to enjoy the night views of the city from the water.
• Disadvantages of these tours: if you do these tours in winter, you may not be able to enjoy some of the views as the weather is wet and often cloudy.

New Zealand has spectacular mountain and sea scenery, and booking a Waitakere Ranges Coastal Tour gives you the opportunity to combine both.

These comprehensive tours, which also include picnic lunch and refreshments, often take in stunning natural sites such as the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, a 15,000 hectare wilderness where you will see:

• Panoramic views of the Tasman Sea.
• An exhibition of traditional Maori carvings.
• The amazing giant ferns.
• Black sand beaches.

Next stop, after refuelling, is usually Kitekite Falls in Piha - an amazing excursion that won't leave you indifferent!

Interesting details

• Price: from 162 euros.
• Duration: 7 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be in contact with the exuberant nature of New Zealand.
• Disadvantages of these tours: The hike takes 3 hours, so a minimum of physical stamina is required.

If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure during your visit to New Zealand, you can't miss a boat tour of the Bay of Islands, a paradise-like place with over 140 islands and a variety of water and land-based activities to explore.

Most boat tours of the Bay of Islands depart from the town of Paihia on New Zealand 's North Island. From here, visitors embark on a cruise and sail around the bay, passing highlights such as the Urupukapuka Islands, Cape Brett Lighthouse and the famous Hole in the Rock.

During the trip you'll be able to spot local marine life, such as dolphins and whales, which often come close to the boat. You will also have the opportunity to disembark at some of the islands in the bay, such as Motu Rohia Island or Roberton Island, to explore their natural beauty and cultural heritage, as well as the famous Hole in the Rock, an impressive rock formation in the water that is one of the main attractions of the region.

Details of interest

• Price: from 185 euros.
• Duration: approximately 13 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to see one of New Zealand's most famous sites.
• Disadvantages of these tours: These are full day tours and may not be compatible with a short stay in Auckland.

A sailboat tour of Auckland Harbour is an experience not to be missed if you're visiting the city and want to opt for a leisurely excursion. Sailing around one of the world's largest and most picturesque harbours is an adventure that will allow you to enjoy incredible panoramic views, while experiencing the sensation of sailing on the sea.

There are several options for a sailing tour of the city's harbour, from short 1-hour trips to longer half-day excursions or full-day tours. Tours generally start at the harbour and take you through the harbour, passing highlights such as the Viaduct Marina, the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the Hauraki Gulf Islands.

Auckland Harbour Sailing Tours are a great option for families, couples or groups of friends looking for a different activity during their visit to the city. Some tours even offer the opportunity to stop at an island or secluded beach for a picnic or a swim.

Details of interest

• Price: from 55 euros.
• Duration: approximately 2.5 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to enjoy a maritime experience ideal for sailing enthusiasts.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they are short, so you may not have time to see some of the sites in the harbour area, which is one of the largest in the world.

If you're looking for an experience that integrates a tour of the high seas with a trip to a museum, opt for this combination that allows you to enjoy a boat ride while learning about the region's maritime history and culture.

During the sailing trip, you'll feel the wind in your hair and the breeze on your face as you soak in the breathtaking views. You will be able to see the city from a different angle, observing the buildings, monuments and bridges from a unique perspective.

After sailing for approximately 2 hours, the sailboat will stop at the Maritime Museum, where you can explore the exhibits and learn about the history and culture of the region, which is intimately connected to the sea. The museum can include exhibits on sailing, fishing, life at sea and shipbuilding.

Details of interest

• Price: from 65 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 and a half hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you can combine a boat trip with a cultural experience.
• Disadvantages of these tours: it is a quick tour, so you might find it a bit intense.

You can either book a boat tour in advance online or book the tours once you're in town, although this is not recommended if you plan to visit Auckland in December or during the summer months, or during Christmas Eve as it's part of the peak season.

Also, if you book in advance online, you can secure your place, freeze the price and avoid last minute price increases, as it is common for prices in New Zealand to be dynamic and rise with tourist demand, which is usually very high in high season.

The answer will depend on the tour you choose, but in general you'll get to see the picturesque harbour area and some of New Zealand's North Island paradises such as the Bay of Islands or Hole in the Rock, which is a rock formation that is one of the region's main attractions.

These tours also offer some of the best views of the city, especially at night, when you can enjoy the lights of Auckland from the water. The harbour can be reached by public transport, taxi or hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses.

Auckland is known as the City of Sails, making it an ideal place to take a boat trip and enjoy the beauty of Waitemata Harbour and the surrounding area. If you're planning a boat trip, you might find these tips useful:

• Plan ahead - so you don't lose your place on the tour you want and on the date and time that suits you best.
• Wear comfortable, warm clothing: although Auckland is known for its warm weather, the wind in the harbour can be chilly, so make sure you wear comfortable, warm clothing, as well as sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun.
• Follow the safety instructions: this includes knowing where the life jackets are and how to use them in an emergency.
• Take in thesights - a boat trip in Auckland is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. D
• Learn about local history and culture - learn about the importance of Waitemata to Maori and the history of the city while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

There are many reasons to take a boat trip in Auckland, but chief among them is to enjoy the sights and marine wildlife, as the city's harbour is home to a number of islands, bays and beaches. Taking a boat trip will give you the opportunity to discover a different perspective.

In addition, there are many options available for boat tours in Auckland, from sailing tours to dinner cruises and boat tours with entrance to the Maritime Museum, so you're sure to find an excursion to suit your interests.

On the other hand, New Zealand's North Island is the main Maori region, so you can learn about the history and culture and the importance of Waitemata to the tribe.