Animal Encounter Tauranga
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informationvenue Details
- Packages start from NZ$75.00
NZ$ Prices
From NZ$75.00
Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Half day - Tauranga departure
Join Bay Explorer for Tauranga’s #1 Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise – the most popular half-day eco-tour in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Rated #1 on TripAdvisor, this unforgettable experience showcases dolphins swimming alongside our vessel, seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, sharks, orca, schooling fish… even turtles!
Departing daily from the Tauranga CBD waterfront, our cruise explores the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands, offering you close-up encounters with marine wildlife in their natural environment.
What Makes This Cruise Special?
Our Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise is more than sightseeing – it’s a genuine Kiwi adventure at sea. From the large open sun deck, you’ll help search for that once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. With limited passenger numbers and a spacious 18-metre vessel, comfort and personal experience are always a priority.
Your captain and crew include qualified marine biologists, eager to share fascinating commentary about the Bay of Plenty’s rich marine world. From history to habitat, you’ll leave with new insights and unforgettable memories. Don’t forget your camera – this is a photographer’s dream.
And the best part? You’ll return to Tauranga by early afternoon (2:00–3:00 PM), leaving plenty of time to explore the Bay of Plenty or continue your New Zealand travels.
Cruise Highlights
- Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, whales, penguins, seals, sunfish, sharks, schooling fish, seabirds, turtles, and orca – depending on the season.
- Half-Day Adventure: 4–5 hour cruise aboard our comfortable 18m (60ft) vessel with 360° outdoor viewing.
- Family Friendly: Enclosed indoor seating and an open upper sundeck for the best wildlife spotting.
- Food & Drinks: Licensed bar with regional wines, cold beer, coffee, and non-alcoholic drinks (Eftpos available). Bring your own snacks or pre-order food options.
- Expert Commentary: Learn from Tauranga’s only skipper-and-crew team of qualified marine biologists.
- Unforgettable Views: Capture incredible photos of New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty marine life and coastal landscapes.
Cruise Details
Check-in: 9:30 AM at Tauranga City Waterfront (opposite 120 The Strand – easy to find on Google Maps)
Briefing: 9:45 AM
Departure: 10:00 AM
Return: 2:00–3:00 PM
Why Book With Bay Explorer?
Rated #1 on TripAdvisor for things to do in Tauranga
Over 10 years of operating wildlife cruises in the Bay of Plenty
Eco-conscious and family-friendly tourism experience
Perfect for families, couples, and groups looking for unforgettable Tauranga activities
Book Your Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
Spaces are limited and demand is high, especially in summer. Don’t miss this premier Tauranga activity – book your Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise today and discover why locals and visitors alike call Tauranga Harbour our big blue backyard.
Restrictions
- people Group Size: From 1 Up To 49
From NZ$90.00
Island & Wildlife Cruise - Full day
Bay Explorer offers you the premium wildlife and adventure experience in the Bay of Plenty.
We’ve heard many times that it’s the BEST DAY EVER.
You will explore the aquatic world of seasonal marine wildlife; dolphins, seals, penguins, fish, birds and whale encounters. The regular dolphin encounters can range from a few animals to hundreds (superpods).
Other seasonal species regularly encountered are sharks, sunfish, orca (killer whales all year round) turtles and even marlin and tuna are seen
It’s a great way to spend an amazing day.
You are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographer’s dream.
You can choose to explore even more at the islands. Optional activities include swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP).
Your experienced Captain and BEST DAY EVER crew will provide a fascinating commentary on the history, geography and culture of the area. They have knowledge on marine wildlife and personally share with you everything they observe. Books and references are on board to enhance your experience.
Don’t miss this premier Bay of Plenty island and wildlife adventure.
The BEST DAY EVER includes:
- A full day cruise on our spacious boat with 360° outdoor views from the largest open-air wildlife watching sun deck.
- The largest most comfortable boat in Tauranga with loads of space and comforts on two levels. Suitable for all ages.
- Watch seasonal marine wildlife which may include penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks and orca.
- Enjoy an Island stopover and kayak, stand-up paddle board and/or swim. Water sport training and lifejackets for all ages.
- Onboard BBQ facilities for lunch (please bring your own lunch or your own food for cooking on our BBQ).
- Cold beer and chilled regional wine from our licenced bar (Eftpos available).
- Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
- Our friendly, professional BEST DAY EVER Crew.
Check-in is at the Strand, Tauranga City waterfront at 7.30am for
briefing at 7:45 and departure at 8:00am, returning 2:00pm – 4:00pm.
Restrictions
- people Group Size: From 1 Up To 40
today Check Availability
directions Location
Address:
- 3116
- Tauranga
- Bay of Plenty
Maps and directions used on our website are for guide purposes only. Please use the directions supplied with your booking confirmation when making travel arrangements.
Also at this location
Venue Ref: 1017442-268
