6 Best Boat Trips and Cruises 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 wide range of boat trips where you can explore the coastline and the bay and enjoy 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 idyllic landscapes, is by booking 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, as you sail through it, you will be able to see a variety of wildlife such as:

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

Expert guides will share information about the behaviour and life of these species and also take you to the best spots for taking photographs during the tour. On the return to Auckland Harbour, you can enjoy some of the best views of the coast from the water. Spectacular!

Details of interest

• Price: from £110.
• Duration: 4.5 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will discover the Hauraki Gulf, one of the most beautiful places in northern New Zealand.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they do not include free time for swimming.

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

Auckland Harbour is an ideal place for a night cruise, as it offers panoramic views of the city lit up at night. During the trip, you can admire some of the most outstanding tourist attractions, such as the Sky Tower, the harbour bridge, the Viaduct marina and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

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

Details of interest

• Price: from £75 per person.
• Duration: 2.5 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you can enjoy night-time views of the city from the water.
• Disadvantages of these tours: if you take these tours in winter, you may not be able to enjoy some of the views because the weather is wet and often cloudy.

New Zealand boasts spectacular sea and mountain landscapes, and booking an excursion along the Waitakere Ranges coastline offers you the chance to combine both.

These comprehensive tours, which also include a picnic lunch and refreshments, usually visit breathtaking natural sites such as the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, a wild forest covering more than 15,000 hectares where you can see:

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

After refuelling, the next stop is usually the Kitekite Falls in Piha. An amazing excursion that will leave you speechless!

Details of interest

• Price: from £162.
• Duration: 7 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be in contact with New Zealand's lush nature.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: the walk takes 3 hours, so a minimum level of physical fitness is required.

If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure during your visit to New Zealand, don't miss a boat tour of the Bay of Islands, a paradise 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 board a cruise ship 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 will be able to observe local marine life, such as dolphins and whales, which often approach the boat. You will also 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 region's main attractions.

Details of interest

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

A sailing trip around Auckland Harbour is an experience not to be missed if you are visiting the city and want to enjoy a pleasant excursion. Sailing around one of the largest and most picturesque harbours 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 sailing trips around the city's harbour, from short 1-hour trips to longer half-day or full-day tours. Excursions usually start at the harbour and take you through it, passing by highlights such as the Viaduct Marina, the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

Sailing trips around Auckland Harbour 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 a swim.

Details of interest

• Price: from £55.
• Duration: approximately 2.5 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you can enjoy an ideal maritime experience for sailing enthusiasts.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they are relatively short, so you may not have time to explore some of the area around the port, which is one of the largest in the world.

If you're looking for an experience that combines a trip out to sea with a museum visit, this combination is the perfect choice, allowing you to enjoy a boat trip 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 take in the breathtaking views. You'll 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 exhibitions and learn about the history and culture of the region, which is closely linked to the sea. The museum may include exhibits on navigation, fishing, life at sea and shipbuilding.

Details of interest

• Price: from £65 per person.
• Duration: approximately 3.5 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you can combine a boat trip with a cultural experience.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: it is a quick excursion, so you may find it a little intense.

You can book a boat trip in advance online or book excursions once you are in the city, although this is not recommended if you plan to visit Auckland in December or during the summer months, or on Christmas Eve, as this is part of the high season.

In addition, if you book in advance online, you can secure your spot, lock in the price and avoid last-minute increases, as prices in New Zealand are often dynamic and rise with tourist demand, which is usually very high during peak season.

The answer depends on the tour you choose, but in general you'll be able to discover the picturesque harbour area and some of the idyllic spots on New Zealand's North Island, such as the Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock, a rock formation that is one of the region's main attractions.

In addition, on these excursions you can also enjoy some of the best views of the city, especially at night, when you can enjoy the lights of Auckland from the water. You can reach the port by public transport, taxi or hop-on hop-off tourist 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 its surroundings. If you are planning a boat trip, you may find these tips useful:

• Plan ahead: so you don't miss out on the tour you want at the date and time that suits you best.
• Wear comfortable, warm clothing: although Auckland is known for its warm climate, the wind in the harbour can be cool, so be sure to wear comfortable, warm clothing, as well as sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself 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 views: a boat trip in Auckland is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
• Learn about the local history and culture: learn about the importance of Waitemata to the Maori people and the history of the city while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

There are many reasons why a boat trip in Auckland is recommended, but among the main ones are enjoying the views and marine wildlife, as the city has a harbour that is home to a large number of islands, bays and beaches. A boat trip will give you the opportunity to discover a different perspective.

In addition, there are many options available for boat trips in Auckland, from sailing tours to dinner cruises and boat tours with admission to the Maritime Museum, so you are sure to find a trip 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.