Known for its cultural diversity, music, food, and arts scene, Auckland is a beautiful coastal city located over volcanic lands in the country of New Zealand. As the biggest city in New Zealand there's a buzzing urban environment, however, its unique location provides close proximity to diverse landscapes making it the perfect getaway for a mix of city life and immersion in nature. From lush rainforests to expansive golden beaches, and rolling hills to shimmering ocean vistas, exploring Auckland's offerings - such as year-round whale watching! - is just one more reason for anyone to visit New Zealand.
Kiwi’s are passionate about protecting all the natural wonders they have, including the 4,633 square miles of coast, 6 marine reserves, and 50 islands of Hauraki Gulf Marina Park that surround Auckland. The Hauraki Gulf is filled with activities for everyone, from the amazing vineyards and olive groves in Waiheke Island to kayaking, sailing, surfing, or fishing in the sparkly-blue waters. One of the most popular activities in the area is whale and dolphin spotting aboard the Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari.
Read on to find out more about this incredible experience, and to learn more about whale legends in Māori culture as well as marine conservation efforts in New Zealand.
Whale Watching Auckland - What to Expect:
The safari takes 4 to 5 hours long and cruises through the most iconic landmarks in Auckland like the volcanic Rangitoto Island, the Harbour Bridge, North Head and Devonport, and Waitematā Harbour – a hotspot for orca and dolphin watching. The weather is considered subtropical in the region, so it stays at a fairly moderate climate all year long. In the warmer months, the waters are calm, and the days are sunny so sunglasses and hats are advisable. The colder months are often fresh and sunny too, though skipping on the extra layers is not recommended. A waterproof jacket and waterproof case for your phone or camera is a good idea to protect from the wave’s spray that may come aboard.
Usually, whale watching trips need to be planned according to migration routes, with each species present at different times of the year. However, Auckland’s case is different since the waters that surround are the permanent home of the Bryde’s whale, a Nationally Endangered and non-migratory species, as well as being a year-round home for the common dolphin.
Whale migration happens due to the eating and breeding needs of each species. Migratory species that visit the Hauraki Gulf include the sei whales (an endangered species), and the pygmy blue whales which have had an increased number of sightings in the past couple of years. Humpback whales and southern right whales also head to the New Zealand coast between June and August. The largest mammal in the dolphin family, the orca, cruises the gulf throughout the year in packs of five to ten, as do bottlenose dolphins — known for jumping up to 15 feet in the air!
Underwater marine life isn't the only unique wildlife that you might spot aboard the cruise - the Marina Park is also the home of 84 different bird species, of which 42% are only found in New Zealand.
Connection between the Māori and Whales
Affection and passion towards whales have been a part of the Polynesian way of living for centuries and are evident in much of the Māori’s unique culture and traditions, still celebrated and honored in New Zealand. Māori’s are the indigenous group of the islands and represent 12% of Auckland’s population.
According to their cosmology, whales were descendants of the god of the oceans and thus were perceived as guardians of the tribe’s ancestors. As supernatural and sacred, they have always been mentioned as the companion to various hero’s in Māori legends and myths. According to the Tutunui legend, it is believed that the discovery of New Zealand – known as Aotearoa to the Māori — was due to whale riding adventures in the sea by ancestors of their people.
This deeply embedded love for these mammals, as well as New Zealanders’ strong passion to be in touch with their rich landscapes and natural resources, has inspired many locals to diligently protect these magnificent creatures.
Whale & Marine conservation in New zealand
Nearly half of the world’s marine mammals can be spotted in New Zealand’s waters, which has created a strong desire among locals to protect them from any stress, displacement, or harm. The Marine Mammal Protection Act (1978) discourages the endangerment of these magical creatures and aims to prevent any harm, harassment, injuries, or unsustainable interactions.
Expanding on the goals of such laws, Auckland Whale & Dolphin donates a percentage of each ticket to support the Hauraki Gulf Cetacean Fund, which contributes towards marine mammal research. In addition, on each trip aboard their marine research vessels, data is collected in order to augment valuable long-term environmental and behavioral research. This information provides a better understanding of inter-annual changes as well as changes in the ecosystem over time.
Another organization working hard to protect and respect New Zealand’s marine population since 1974 is Project Jonah. Instrumental in responding to whale strandings throughout New Zealand and training locals to respond to these crises, they are also dedicated to generating awareness about the importance of the health and wellness of these amazing animals. Their workforce is based on local volunteers looking to give a hand rescuing stranded whales and cleaning up beaches.
Join our small-group or self-guided trips
We are proud to partner with Project Jonah and to take you aboard the Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari on our New Zealand Fantasy itinerary, where you'll also enjoy the unique experience of being joined by members of Project Jonah and learning about their work firsthand. In addition to this incredible whale watching and educational experience, each of our New Zealand itineraries includes a plethora of highlights from learning about the traditional Maori worldview to dipping into the Tasman Sea and hiking in jaw-dropping landscapes.
If reading about Auckland whale watching has sparked your outdoor-enthusiasm then be sure to check out our two small-group itineraries in New Zealand or our self-guided adventure, each journey fully immersing you in the jaw-dropping nature and welcoming culture of this one-of-a-kind corner of the world.
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