Boat Trips in Auckland

A dolphin and whale watching cruise, a dinner tour of the harbor 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 where you can see 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 paradisiacal landscapes, is to take a dolphin and whale watching cruise, which also contributes to the conservation of marine mammals.

The Hauraki Gulf is known for its variety of marine life, and while cruising through it, you can observe 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 information about the behavior and life of these species and will also take you to the best places to take pictures during the tour. On the way back to Auckland harbor, you will enjoy some of the best views of the coastline from the water- spectacular!

Details of interest

• Price: from 110 euros.
• Duration: 4 hours and a half.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able 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 to take a swim.

If you are looking for a unique and romantic experience in Auckland, a harbor dinner cruise is one of the best alternatives.

The Auckland harbor is an ideal place for an evening cruise, as it has panoramic views of the city illuminated at night. During the cruise, you will be able to admire some of the tourist highlights, such as the Sky Tower, the Harbour Bridge, Viaduct Marina and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

Dinner cruises are usually of high quality, with a selection of dishes including fresh seafood, meats and local vegetables. They also usually offer local wines and beverages to accompany the meal. Most cruises have vegetarian and gluten-free options available, so you'll find a menu something for everyone.

Details of interest

• Price: from 87 euros per person.
• Duration: 2 hours and a half.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to enjoy the night views of the city from the water.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: if you do these excursions in winter, you may not be able to enjoy some of the views because the weather is wet and it is usually cloudy.

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

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

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

The next stop, after refueling, is usually the Kitekite Falls in Piha, an amazing excursion that will not leave you indifferent!

Details of interest

• 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 excursions: the hike lasts 3 hours, so a minimum of physical endurance 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 more than 140 islands and a variety of water and land 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 such highlights as the Urupukapuka Islands, Cape Brett Lighthouse and the famous Hole in the Rock.

During the trip you'll be able to observe local marine life, such as dolphins and whales, which often come close to the boat. In addition, you will have the opportunity to disembark on 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 excursions: you will be able to visit one of the most famous sites in New Zealand.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are full day tours, so they 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 are visiting the city and want to opt for a pleasant excursion. Sailing around the area of one of the largest and most picturesque harbors in the world 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 harbor, from short 1-hour trips to longer half-day excursions or full-day tours. The tours generally start at the harbor and take you through the harbor, passing notable sites such as the Viaduct Marina, the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the Hauraki Gulf Islands.

Auckland harbor sailing tours are an excellent 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 to enjoy a picnic or take a swim.

Details of interest

• Price: from 55 euros.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours and a half.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to enjoy a maritime experience ideal for sailing enthusiasts.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: it has a short duration, so you may not have time to see some sites in the port area, which is one of the largest in the world.

If you are looking for an experience that integrates a tour on the high seas with an excursion to a museum, you can opt for this combination that will allow you to enjoy a boat ride while learning about the history and maritime culture of the region.

During the sailing trip, you will 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 may include exhibits on sailing, fishing, life at sea and shipbuilding.

Details of interest

• Price: from 65 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours and a half.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to combine a boat ride with a cultural experience.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: it is a quick excursion, so you might consider it a bit intense.

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

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

The answer will depend on the tour you choose, but in general you will be able to discover the harbor area, which is very picturesque, and some of the paradisiacal sites of the North Island of New Zealand as the Bay of Islands or Hole in the Rock, which is a rock formation that is one of the main attractions of the region.

In addition, on these excursions you can also see some of the best views of the city, especially at night, when you can enjoy the lights of Auckland from the water. The harbor can be reached by public transport, cab or hop on-hop off tour buses.

Auckland is known as the City of Sails, making it an ideal place to take a boat tour and enjoy the beauty of Waitemata Harbour and the surrounding area. If you are planning a boat excursion, 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 works best for you.
• Wear comfortable and warm clothing: although Auckland is known for its warm weather, the wind in the harbor can be cool, so be sure to wear comfortable and warm clothing, as well as sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun.
• Follow safety instructions: this includes knowing where the life jackets are and how to use them in case of an emergency.
• Enjoy the sights: a boat tour 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 the Maori and the history of the city while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

There are many reasons why it is advisable to take a boat tour in Auckland, but among the main ones is to enjoy its sights and marine wildlife, as the city has a harbor that is home to a large number of islands, bays and beaches. Taking a boat tour 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 are sure to find an excursion that suits your interests.

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