Auckland · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

15 Boat Trips in Auckland, Compared

27 tours  ·  from $21 a head

The popular boat trips go first in summer. Below are the 15 to book early, what each one includes and how they differ.

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise - The wildlife search, and what you may see
Auckland Whale and Dolphin Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

1.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

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

Sail from Viaduct Harbour aboard a 65-foot catamaran for a 4.5-hour search of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. The captain and onboard marine research scientists explain local wildlife and research as you look for whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and seabirds. Sightings are not guaranteed, but if you see no marine mammals, you can take the trip again at no extra charge.

“Nice views of the harbor and seeing dolphins. No whales however. All over a worth while and fun experience.”

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Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise - North Head, Devonport and Rangitoto Island
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Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

2.Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

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

Spend 4.5 hours aboard the 65-foot Dolphin Explorer, sailing past North Head and Rangitoto Island into Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Look for dolphins, orcas, whales and seabirds while the crew shares marine science and research. The $130 fare includes a second cruise if you see no marine mammals.

“The guides were really friendly and knowledgeable. Great experience!”

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Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner - The Harbour Bridge, Ferry Building and Sky Tower from the water
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Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

3.Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

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

Set sail from Viaduct Harbour on a 50-foot yacht for about two and a half hours. Your captain points out the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge and other sights, with live commentary and the chance to help with the sails or try the wheel. A three-course dinner, welcome drink, jackets and blankets are included.

“Sunset was colorful and spectacular Food was great and had a good variety Weather cooperated any was fabulous”

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America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour - Getting to know a racing yacht
2-Hour Experiences, Auckland Harbour Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland

America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour

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

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

Join a professional crew for a two-hour sail aboard an International America’s Cup Class yacht from Viaduct Harbour. After a safety briefing, you can help work the winches, take the helm, or stay seated and enjoy the harbour views. No sailing experience is needed, but wind conditions affect how fast and lively the sail feels.

“Wonderful! This was our second time in a week. This time it was a smaller group and we got to work quite a bit! We had a great time!”

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Auckland: Scenic Harbour Sightseeing Cruise - Spotting the skyline and waterfront icons
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Auckland: Scenic Harbour Sightseeing Cruise

5.Scenic Harbour Sightseeing Cruise

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

Cruise Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour for 90 minutes with an English-speaking local guide. Look back at the skyline, pass beneath the Harbour Bridge and hear about the city’s waterfront and maritime past. The trip leaves from the Downtown Ferry Terminal, costs $35 per person, and offers a useful change of pace from sightseeing on land.

“Beautiful tour of the harbour. Helped give some context to Auckland and surrounds. Appreciate commentary. Friendly staff.”

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Auckland: Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner - A welcome drink, shared canapés and dinner
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Auckland: Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

6.Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

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

Spend 2.5 hours sailing Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour aboard a 50-foot yacht. You’ll get a welcome drink, a three-course dinner from Viaduct restaurant The Lula Inn, and English commentary from the crew. Take in the skyline and harbour sights, try steering or help the crew if you wish, and use the supplied jackets and blankets when the evening turns cool.

“Excellent cruise along with excellent service by everyone.Food and drinks and views were amazing!!”

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Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise - The harbour route and its changing views
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Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

7.Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

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

Board a 50-foot cruising yacht at Viaduct Harbour for 90 minutes on the Waitematā. Your English-speaking crew shares live commentary as you sail past the Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina, Devonport, and the city skyline. Take a turn at the helm if you wish, or settle in with complimentary coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and a cookie.

“We had the best time ever. The crew were so professional and friendly guiding the trip brilliantly. We enjoyed steering the boat under the harbour bridge. A great experience - go on it and make memories.”

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America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour - Leaving Quay Street for the Waitemata
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America’s Cup Sailing on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour

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

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

Spend about two hours sailing Auckland's Waitemata Harbour aboard an America's Cup racing-class yacht. The professional crew explains the boat and invites you to help handle sails, grind, or take the helm, but you can also simply enjoy the ride. No sailing experience is needed. Flat shoes are best, and wet-weather jackets and sunscreen are provided.

“Great staff who had us participate as true teammates! The staff was personable and made sure that you were able participate at your own level of comfort. We had an amazing sail and experience! Would definitely recommend as the perfect Auckland adventure!”

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Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise - Choosing Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyard
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Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

9.Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

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

Cruise from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour into Tikapa Moana, the Hauraki Gulf, with live English commentary and dedicated time to search for marine mammals. Choose a stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyard on Waiheke Island on eligible departures. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but a return voucher may be available if none are seen.

“Went on the Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Island Cruise with the stopover at Man O' War Vineyard at 13:10. Had a great time and would highly recommend! Just a few things to be aware of: There is about 2 hours initially of just sitting on the boat watching the waves as you have to get out of Auckland harbour and drop off people on other tours- quite pleasant if its a nice day but can get a bit choppy/cold on a windy day so come prepared for any weather and would not recommend if you get travel sick. We were lucky the day after a storm and just had…”

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Auckland Harbour Cruise - Commentary that gives the view context
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Auckland Harbour Cruise

10.Auckland Harbour Cruise

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

From 107 Quay Street, Fullers360’s 90-minute Auckland Harbour Cruise takes you across the Waitematā Harbour past the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse and Devonport Naval Base. Live commentary adds local history and context. You return to the same meeting point, with indoor seating available if the weather turns.

“I found it really good, our last day in Auckland out on the harbour. The crew were informative, and it was a great way to wrap up our holiday, unfortunately. Enjoyed every moment of it”

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Auckland Harbour Sailing Experience - Sailing across Waitematā Harbour
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Auckland Harbour Sailing Experience

11.Auckland Harbour Sailing Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · from $68

Leave Viaduct Harbour aboard a cruising yacht for a 90-minute loop past the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina, Devonport and the city skyline. A captain gives a safety briefing and commentary; you can relax or help with the sails and take a turn at the helm if invited. Tea, coffee or hot chocolate and a cookie are included, and jackets are available.

“We enjoyed the sailing experience! Our boat and crew were great. Harbor views of shore and other boats were interesting and beautiful. We would have liked a little more historical commentary on the harbor and maybe a couple of less passengers on the boat.”

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Goat Island: Glass Bottom Boat Tour - Watching the reserve from the glass panels
Cruises & Boat Tours, Goat Island Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

Goat Island: Glass Bottom Boat Tour

12.Goat Island: Glass Bottom Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 46 reviews · 1 hour · from $23

Take a narrated 45-minute circuit of Goat Island Marine Reserve aboard a 49-seat Aquador glass-bottom boat. Look for reef fish, coastal birds and the reserve’s underwater terrain without getting wet. Dolphins, orcas, whales and sharks sometimes pass through, but sightings are not guaranteed. The tour costs $23 per person and runs for about an hour.

“Everything is fine and the glass boat is great. Your team is excellent.”

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Glass Bottom Boat Tour - Fifty minutes around the reserve
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Glass Bottom Boat Tour

13.Glass Bottom Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · from $31

Set off from Goat Island Marine Reserve in Leigh for a one-hour glass-bottom boat tour with a licensed guide. Look for fish and other marine life through the viewing area, then cruise past Goat Island to see boat-accessible caves, including the Key Hole. You make your own way to the departure point.

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

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Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland - A Hokianga Harbour lunch stop
2-Day Experiences, Bay of Islands Trips from Auckland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

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

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

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

Leave Auckland at 6:30 am with a guide for Northland’s kauri forest, Hokianga Harbour and Waitangi Treaty Grounds, then stay overnight in Paihia and cruise to the Hole in the Rock and Urupukapuka Island. The group is capped at 15. Guides including Matt, Mark, Brendan and Dean have been praised for clear explanations and considerate care.

“It was wonderful fun. It's a comfortable drive through rolling hills, with views of the oceans both side. Fish and chips in a glorious bay with turquoise water. Then up to Waitangi and the ceremony on a sunny day. The accommodation was nice Read more”

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Exclusive Sailing Charter from Waiheke Island - Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding
Auckland Harbour Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Waiheke Island

Exclusive Sailing Charter from Waiheke Island

15.Exclusive Sailing Charter from Waiheke Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews

Set out from Waiheke aboard Pacific Star, a 41-foot catamaran chartered exclusively for your group, with two crew on board. The trip can include a guided walk on a pest-free island, snorkeling, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding. Captain Bruce and crew members including Renee have hosted trips, though the crew may vary. Lunch, snacks, hot drinks, and snorkeling gear are included.

“We had a perfect day with Captain Bruce and Renee! They could not have been nicer and more accommodating. We had fun swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and relaxing on the boat. The lunch spread was a delicious surprise, too. We couldn't have enjoyed this experience more!”

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New in Cruises & Boat Tours

★ 5.0Waiheke Island: Gulf Marine Park Sailing Adventure & LunchFrom $3884 reviews
★ 5.02.5 Hours Wine Tour in Waiheke Island for Cruise Ship TravelersFrom $1304 reviews
★ 5.0Auckland Cruise/Wharf & Airport Transfers4 reviews
★ 4.5Private Transfer From Cruise Ship To Auckland Airport7 reviews
★ 4.0Auckland City Hotel to Cruise Ship Transfer by SUV5 reviews
★ 5.0Bay of Islands Tour & Cruise 2Day Small Group TourFrom $4394 reviews

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Auckland Harbour CruisesAuckland Whale and Dolphin ToursAuckland Kayak ToursRangitoto Island ToursGoat Island Snorkeling ToursAuckland Helicopter Tours
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Beyond Queen Street

Pick a harbour, a vineyard or the long road south.

Harbour and gulf

Harbour SailingWhales & DolphinsSea KayaksRangitotoGoat Island

In the city

City HighlightsSky TowerVolcano WalksMuseumsWalking Tours

Cellar doors and kitchens

Waiheke WineFood ToursWaiheke IslandFood & Drink

Days south

HobbitonWaitomo CavesRotoruaMāori Culture