Watch New Zealand's ray-hunting orcas in the Bay of Plenty and Auckland's Hauraki Gulf, home to a small coastal population found feeding this way nowhere else. These orcas patrol shallow bays and harbours for stingrays and eagle rays, so sightings are unpredictable and prey-driven rather than seasonal, usually on eco-cruises out of Auckland or Tauranga. They turn up most in June and again from October to December.
Watch New Zealand's ray-hunting orcas in the Bay of Plenty and Auckland's Hauraki Gulf, home to a small coastal population found feeding this way nowhere else. These orcas patrol shallow bays and harbours for stingrays and eagle rays, so sightings are unpredictable and prey-driven rather than seasonal, usually on eco-cruises out of Auckland or Tauranga. They turn up most in June and again from October to December.
Up to 65% sighting chance in Bay of Plenty / Hauraki Gulf (New Zealand). Best months: November, June, December.
In June and from October to December, though New Zealand's coastal orcas follow rays rather than a fixed migration, so sightings are never guaranteed.
They are among the only orcas known to hunt stingrays and eagle rays as a staple, foraging in shallow harbours and bays.
The Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari runs about 4.5 hours and costs NZ$170 per adult (2026 prices), with a marine-mammal sighting guarantee (a return voucher if none are seen).
No. The guarantee covers any marine mammal such as dolphins or fur seals; orcas are a lucky bonus.
