Hi, I am going to book the cruise trip. Please kindly advise if the morning session or afternoon session will have better chance to see the whales and dolphins for a family of three (with kid). Thank you very much in advance.
AKLWhaleAuckland Central, New Zealand5 contributions
hi there, each 4.5-hour Safari in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is a unique experience and the sightings vary, so morning or afternoon does not give a higher chance over another.
Remember we are working with wild animals in their (rather large) natural environment, and unfortunately sometimes they just do not want to be found.
However a typical Safari will encounter common dolphins and Brydes whales. Sometimes, we find sharks, orca, bottlenose dolphins, blue, humpback, minke, sei, pilot, beaked, sperm or southern right whales. Also, leopard and fur seals, turtles and manta ray.
There are 24 species of seabirds confirmed breeding in or near the Marine Park including the Northern Blue Penguin.
We are very lucky to enjoy one of the highest marine-mammal viewing rates in New Zealand and rest assured our expert crew are always working tirelessly to find you some whales and dolphins.