Whale and Dolphin Explorer

Whale and Dolphin Explorer
from £3,676 excluding flights
Customers rate Discover the World
Average score 4.8/5
Based on 1186 reviews. Powered by

Highlights

Search for dolphins on a cruise in the Bay of Islands

Spot yellow-eyed penguins on Otago Peninsula

Encounter sperm whales and other marine life in Kaikoura

Experience stunning Milford Sound on an overnight cruise

See the world's largest gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers

Look for dolphins and seals in the Bay of Plenty
Why this trip...

Tailor made
This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe

Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

Activities included
This itinerary features a range of included activities
Overview
Enjoy the best whale and dolphin encounters around New Zealand wrapped up in a great 20-day self drive touring itinerary. With a wide variety of whales and dolphins in the coastal waters and an abundance of unspoiled flora and fauna on land, New Zealand's two islands are a paradise for the wildlife and nature enthusiast.
Experience the beautiful harbour city of Auckland and the stunning Bay of Islands, where a year round dolphin presence makes this one of the best places in New Zealand to see these amazing marine mammals. You'll also visit the white sandy beaches and rainforests of the Coromandel Peninsula and travel through New Zealand's less visited Bay of Plenty with its premier surf beaches and kiwi and citrus orchards.
Head to the South Island, where the grandeur and variety of scenery and wildlife is simply staggering. Encounter sperm whales off the coast of Kaikoura and witness the endangered yellow-eyed penguin in Dunedin. You'll also visit the majestic Fiordland National Park where you'll spend the night on-board the Milford Mariner allowing plenty of time to view the spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife - you're bound to encounter seals and if you're lucky maybe dolphins and penguins.
Itinerary
The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have a wide choice of hotels and a variety of route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
Day 1 arrive Auckland
Fly into Auckland on North Island where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel on the city's North Shore for an overnight stay.
Fly into Auckland on North Island where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel on the city's North Shore for an overnight stay.

Day 2 Auckland - Bay of Islands
Collect your rental vehicle and drive north to Russell in the beautiful Bay of Islands for a 2-night stay.
Collect your rental vehicle and drive north to Russell in the beautiful Bay of Islands for a 2-night stay.
Day 3 Bay of Islands
Join a full day sailing adventure and, conditions permitting, encounter wild dolphins. Relax as you set sail into the bay to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Keep watch for dolphins and other marine wildlife, indulge in a delicious lunch, stop on beautiful remote islands and sink your toes into gorgeous sandy beaches. BBQ lunch included.
Join a full day sailing adventure and, conditions permitting, encounter wild dolphins. Relax as you set sail into the bay to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Keep watch for dolphins and other marine wildlife, indulge in a delicious lunch, stop on beautiful remote islands and sink your toes into gorgeous sandy beaches. BBQ lunch included.



Day 4 Bay of Islands - Whitianga
Leave Northland and drive south via Auckland to Whitianga on the east coast of the Coromandel for a two-night stay.
Leave Northland and drive south via Auckland to Whitianga on the east coast of the Coromandel for a two-night stay.
Day 5 Whitianga
Enjoy a day leisurely exploring the Coromandel Peninsula, a region filled with rainforest-clad gorges and pohutukawa-fringed beaches. Perhaps enjoying a soak in the thermal springs on Hot Water Beach, or a kayaking adventure at Cathedral Cove. Coromandel Town, at the northernmost part of the peninsula, is also worth a visit, with wonderful restaurants, bars and local craft shops on offer.
Enjoy a day leisurely exploring the Coromandel Peninsula, a region filled with rainforest-clad gorges and pohutukawa-fringed beaches. Perhaps enjoying a soak in the thermal springs on Hot Water Beach, or a kayaking adventure at Cathedral Cove. Coromandel Town, at the northernmost part of the peninsula, is also worth a visit, with wonderful restaurants, bars and local craft shops on offer.



Prices and Departures
Price from £3,676 excluding flights
Airfares start from around £825 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price.
When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- 7 breakfasts, 1 BBQ lunch and 1 dinner
- Car rental throughout
- Interislander ferry (premium plus cabin)
- Private airport transfer on arrival
- Carino Sailing & Dolphin Adventure in Bay of Islands
- Dolphin and seal encounter in Whakatane
- Half day gannet beach adventure in Hawke's Bay
- Kaikoura whale watch experience
- Penguin place conservation tour in Dunedin
- Overnight cruise onboard the Milford Mariner
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
This itinerary starts from £3,676 per person, based on 2 sharing a room in superior accommodation, and vehicle rental with GPS.
- Prices may vary depending on departure date, or should you prefer alternative categories of accommodation or vehicle size. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.
Offers
Meet our expert

You may also like
Tailor made trips
As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.
Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us
Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences
Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book
From the moment you book until you return home we’re here for you no matter what