A Whale of a Time in the Hauraki Gulf
Imagine seeing a huge whale breach the waters just a few metres away from your boat, or a playful dolphin racing along beside you in the ocean! Auckland's stunning Hauraki Gulf is well known for its yachting and beautiful offshore islands, but it's also regarded as one of the most biologically and geographically diverse marine parks in the world – and best of all, it's right on the doorstep of the central city.
Explore NZ's Auckland Dolphin and Whale Safari provides a fascinating window into the many seabirds and marine mammals that live in Auckland’s maritime park – and there are more than you might think. Twenty two species of marine mammals have been recorded and nearly a third of the world's marine mammal species live in or stop to visit this rich marine playground.
The company's luxury 20m high catamaran is especially built for scientific and conservation research, and the boat's knowledgeable crew have been gathering marine data for six years now – the safaris help pay for the cost of the research projects. One of the most majestic residents of the Gulf are the whales, and huge swathes of krill (their main food source) mean that sightings are made about 75% of the time.
Unlike the giant sperm whales of Kaikoura which stay underwater for up to half an hour, the most common whales in the Hauraki Gulf are Bryde's whales, which surface for air about every four minutes. Once krill feeding grounds are located you'll be able to see the blowholes on the horizon, and nothing beats the excitement as you watch the graceful arc of a whale surfacing to take air. The massive Bryde's whales are up to 15m long and weigh in at over 20 tonne – now, that's heavy! If you're lucky, you may even spot an orca – the largest and most powerful member of the dolphin family, and one of the ocean's great hunters.
Huge schools of pilchard and kahawai generally mean that dolphins – and behind them the sharks – aren't far away. A good tip-off is the sight of Australasian gannets wheeling high above the ocean. It's amazing to watch these spectacular hunters drop from the air like speeding bullets at up to 145km/h, plunging into the sea to emerge with a fish. The birds blow up special air sacks in their necks, so they can dive without breaking their necks.
Dolphins are sighted on 90% of the safaris, and they add a genuine excitement factor to the trips. The common dolphin is found in the Gulf throughout the year, and its playful nature makes it a favourite with people. They are powerful swimmers and, if you're stationed on the bow, you'll probably see them swimming alongside the hull, cheekily hitching a ride on the currents. The bottlenose dolphin also lives in the Gulf, and is usually found in smaller pods around the rocks and bays. On rare occasions, you may even get to experience the thrill of swimming with these graceful mammals – as long as the crew's strict conditions are met.
And of course, no excursion is complete without the grand old Kiwi tradition of a barbecue – no better way to round off your safari than a classic Kiwi meal of sausages, steak and salad.
Fact File
- Explore NZ's booking kiosk is at the Viaduct Harbour (opposite Loaded Hog), phone 09 359 5987, freephone 0800 EXPLORE, email info@explorenz.co.nz
- The day cruise departs the Viaduct at 9.30am and returns at 3.30pm, and includes a barbecue lunch, snorkelling and swimming (as conditions permit). On rare occasions, swimming with the dolphins may be permitted. Bring
swimming gear and a towel.
- The evening cruise departs the Viaduct at 4pm and returns about 8.30pm, and includes a classic Kiwi barbecue, plus tea and coffee.
- If dolphins or whales are not seen, a non-transferable voucher will be given to go again for free.
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