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Aimee Jones
Explore NZ
Spend an afternoon relaxing out on the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park whilst viewing large pods of Common dolphins, the Bryde’s whale and even Orcas!
Although Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest City with a population of over 1.3 million not many are aware and are often shocked that the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is home to a wide variety of marine mammals.
In fact over 25 of the 37 southern hemisphere marine mammals have been identified, making the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park a biologically and geographically diverse maritime national park.
A great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life is to relax out on the open sea is and enjoy a Whale and Dolphin Safari. There is nothing quite like the fresh sea air and being on the open water, away from traffic, noise and pollution of everyday life.
If this sounds appealing to you, it’s about to get better as there has been no mention of viewing Common dolphins in their natural environment or the Bryde’s Whale going about it’s day.
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park being home to 25 of the 37 southern Hemisphere marine mammals means that the success rate of viewing whales and dolphin’s is very high. There is also the chance to see Australasian Gannet diving head first into the water at speeds of over 100 kph to poach off the dolphin’s world class hunting skills.
You will sometimes see hammer head sharks feeding on the dolphin leftovers and from time to time you will run into the biggest of all dolphins, Orca!
Viewing whales and dolphins in the wild is truly an amazing experience. Dolphins tend to swim and hunt in large pods of around 300 to 500, so there is plenty to look at. It is a joy watching them catching a free tow at the bow, or showing off jumping out of the water and flipping around.
Whales tend to keep their distance from the boat but you still get great views of them, the big foot print they leave when they submerge back to the depths of the ocean and the spray from the blow holes when they re-emerge.
Auckland’s Whale and Dolphin Safari is a great day out and offers so much more than the chance of viewing whales and dolphins, although that is what everyone is there to see! The trip departs form the Viaduct basin, close to the maritime museum, so it is a great opportunity to see luxurious boats berthed in the harbour and marvel at the money and wealth that is on display.
The commentary is really interesting and informative. The crew will amaze you with their knowledge as they have all studied or are studying marine biology, so they really know what they are talking about.
Finally you will get chance to witness some of the glorious Islands that make up the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park as you go passed Rangitoto, Motutapu, Rakino and Waiheke Island.
The Whale and Dolphin Safari is a great way to get away from the city, view some wildlife and relax on the open water. The trip lasts for 4.5 hours so takes a good afternoon and great way to see and experience wild life that many of us have never seen before.
