Auckland Cruises

Auckland cruises leave from two spots on the waterfront and head either around the Waitematā Harbour or out across the Hauraki Gulf to the islands. This page sorts the things to do in Auckland that happen on the water by what you want from the trip: a sightseeing loop, a dinner or drinks cruise, wildlife, or a day on an island.

Harbour sightseeing cruises from Z Pier

The Red Boats run Waitematā Harbour cruises from Z Pier in St Marys Bay, and guests are asked to arrive early. The 90-minute harbour cruise with live commentary passes the Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse, Devonport and Rangitoto Island, with a bar and seating on board.

The harbour cruise with wine and cheese adds a beer, wine or soft drink and a cheese and charcuterie box. After dark, the 2-hour Nightlight Cruise goes under the Harbour Bridge with a drink, canapés and live music.

Dinner and sailing cruises from the Viaduct

The Viaduct Harbour is the other departure point, at the Explore booking kiosk diagonally opposite the Maritime Museum. The Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise is a 2.5-hour sail with a welcome drink and a 3-course set menu, timed around the sunset and the city lights.

Sailing here means helping the crew if you want to. The Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise is a 1.5-hour trip on a 50-foot yacht that sails under the Harbour Bridge, with tea, coffee or hot chocolate and a cookie. The America's Cup Sailing Experience is a 2-hour session as crew on a real America's Cup yacht, and no experience is needed.

Whale and dolphin cruises on the Hauraki Gulf

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park sits right off the city, and the Whale and Dolphin Safari is a 4.5-hour trip on the 20-metre catamaran Dolphin Explorer from Berth 9 at the Eastern Viaduct Marina. Bryde's whales and common dolphins are among the marine life on the Gulf, and the operator offers a complimentary return cruise if no marine mammals are sighted.

The Tikapa Moana cruise is run in partnership with Ngāi Tai and adds history and conservation stories to the wildlife search. Some departures include a stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O' War Vineyard on Waiheke Island, and the stop is chosen when you book.

Island ferries and day cruises

Ferries to the Gulf islands also leave from the Explore kiosk at Viaduct Harbour. The Rotoroa Island Ferry is a 75-minute cruise each way to an island with walking tracks, sandy bays, a museum exhibition and free-ranging native wildlife. The Man O' War Vineyard Return Ferry is a 90-minute return cruise to Waiheke Island's north-eastern tip, where there is a beachfront cellar door and restaurant.

For both islands in one go, the Rotoroa Island and Man O' War Combo Cruise is a full-day trip with time ashore at both islands. The Tiritiri Matangi Island Ferry is an 80-minute sail each way via Gulf Harbour to a wildlife sanctuary, with no food sold on the island.

Sailing further from Auckland

Sailing also starts away from the CBD. The Hauraki Gulf Eco Sailing Adventure leaves the ferry wharf on Waiheke Island at 10.00am aboard the 41-foot catamaran Pacific Star, with a guided island walk, swimming, snorkelling and lunch. Up the coast at Whitianga, the Mercury Bay sailing adventure is a 3.5-hour catamaran cruise past Cathedral Cove with snorkelling gear provided.

Choosing an Auckland cruise

A harbour cruise suits a short stay, because the trips are 90-minute or 2-hour outings that finish near the CBD. Wildlife and island cruises take most of a day. Dinner and nightlight cruises run in the evening. For more to do before or after, look at Auckland attractions and Auckland tours, or start from the Auckland region page.

Frequently asked questions

Where do Auckland harbour cruises leave from?

Auckland harbour cruises leave from two places. The Red Boats sightseeing and nightlight cruises depart from Z Pier in St Marys Bay, and the dinner, sailing and island ferry cruises check in at the Explore kiosk in Viaduct Harbour, diagonally opposite the Maritime Museum.

How long is an Auckland harbour cruise?

The Auckland harbour sightseeing cruises are 90-minute trips, the Nightlight Cruise is a 2-hour trip, the Harbour Sailing Cruise is a 1.5-hour sail and the Dinner Cruise is a 2.5-hour sail.

Can you see whales and dolphins from Auckland?

Yes. The Whale and Dolphin Safari leaves from Viaduct Harbour on a 4.5-hour cruise through the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, where Bryde's whales and common dolphins are among the marine life. The operator offers a complimentary return cruise if no marine mammals are sighted.

Do you need sailing experience for the America's Cup Sailing Experience?

No. The America's Cup Sailing Experience in Auckland needs no sailing experience, and taking part is optional if you would rather sit back and watch. It is suitable for children aged 10 and over.

What can you do on Rotoroa Island?

Rotoroa Island has walking tracks across open fields, native bush and sandy shorelines, plus an award-winning museum exhibition, heritage buildings and sheltered bays for a swim or picnic. A 90-minute ranger-guided walk can be added at extra cost.

Can you buy food on Tiritiri Matangi Island?

No. There is no food for sale on Tiritiri Matangi Island, so bring your own food and snacks in a sealable container. A visitor centre and shop near the lighthouse sells souvenirs and cold drinks.

Pick the departure point that suits your base in Auckland and book your cruise online with Experience Oz.