Check-in (Important):
All passengers are required to check in no later than 15 minutes prior to departure time. Please be aware that your allocated seats may be released to stand-by passengers if you do not check-in by this time. There is no refund available for those passengers who arrive late and additional fees may apply should you wish to reschedule.
Weather Cancelations:
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park can at times become reasonably rough if the wind and sea conditions are not favourable. For this reason the supplier unfortunately does sometimes have to cancel its trip due to adverse weather for the safety and comfort of the passengers. The supplier recommends all customers check the marine weather forecast prior to booking, if you are unsure please contact the supplier friendly reservations team or check the website.
Directions:
Viaduct Harbour is located at the western end (left as you are looking at the water) of Quay Street in down-town Auckland. Upon arrival by foot you will need to look for the New Zealand Maritime Museum entrance on your right immediately after the large ‘KZ1’ yacht.
Public Transport:
The supplier strongly encourages the use of public transport (bus, ferry, train) into Auckland city centre for your safari. The supplier is committed to continually working to decrease its impact on the environment and would like to encourage its passengers to do the same.
Parking:
Unfortunately the supplier cannot provide parking for your vehicle whilst you are out on safari. If you do choose to use your own private transportation into Auckland city centre then there are plenty of car parks around the city which you can use.
If you are driving a campervan you are best to use an open-air car park.
Trip duration:
The trip generally takes about 4.5 hours, but this can change depending on conditions. It is the skipper’s call to return early, which they may make if the sea and wind conditions deteriorate. The supplier passenger's safety and comfort is always the supplier first priority (and being sea sick is no fun). As per our guarantee below, no cash refunds will be given if the Dolphin Explorer has to return early.
Some trips may be slightly longer than the scheduled 4.5 hours (normally by 15—30 mins). This is usually because we have found something special on the way home. We need agreement from all of the passengers on board to spend additional time on the water, and there is no extra charge if we do. If you must be back in Auckland on time, then please inform the skipper on boarding and we will do our upmost to achieve that.
What to bring:
Auckland is a micro-climate that is notoriously changeable. One moment it’s hot and the next minute it’s, well…not! So it’s best to be prepared and bring layers, like a light wind jacket or vest and a warm top. It’s also useful to have a sun hat (with chin strap – you don’t want it blowing away), sunscreen, sunglasses, camera and binoculars. Lastly, please bring flat soled shoes. Anyone wearing heels will be asked to remove them.
Refreshments:
There is a galley café on board which has a range of food and drink available for purchase. Please note that the supplier is an on-licence and thus no alcohol can be brought on-board but can instead be purchased through the café (do make sure you bring a form of approved photographic identification). The supplier is also welcome to bring your own snacks on-board.
Our Guarantee:
The supplier won’t refund money, but if you do not see any marine mammals, you can come again for free until you do. This complimentary voucher is valid regardless of how long it is until you visit the supplier again and is not transferable. The supplier see dolphins on over 90% of trips and whales on over 50% of trips, so your odds are really good!
Sea sickness:
If you are inclined to sea sickness then please check the weather and medicate yourself several hours before boarding. Sea sickness medication is available from most pharmacies and supermarkets. The supplies does not carry any medication on-board but the supplier does have Seabands available for purchase as well as ginger tablets and ginger beer. If you do begin to feel nauseous or seasick, please do notify a crew member and follow their instructions as they will endeavour to help you feel better.
Other medical conditions:
Please inform the supplier upon booking if you have any pre-existing medical conditions that the supplier should be made aware of or if you are pregnant. All members of the crew are fully trained in first aid response.
Auckland, New Zealand 
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