Ports of Auckland supports the cruise industry through the provision of berthage, marine and logistics services on the Waitemata Harbour.
Cruise ships berth at the main Overseas Passenger Terminal at Princes Wharf.
This involves managing the logistics of every cruise call, including berthing ships, processing passengers, and working with shipping agents, hospitality and tourism providers, stevedores, Customs, MAF and other agencies, to ensure each visit goes smoothly.
Auckland is a key exchange port, so cruises can start and finish here – often on the same day. Auckland’s advantages include the Port's proximity to the Auckland central business and entertainment district, Auckland International Airport and other key tourism infrastructure.
Auckland is also the host of New Zealand’s only winter cruise season.
Well-known cruise ships to call at the Port include Queen Mary 2, one of the largest passenger ships ever built, and Pacific Sun, which operates cruises around New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Cruise ships bound for Antarctica also call at Auckland on their way south.
The Queen Mary 2 calls Auckland.
Cruise ship passengers are currently processed on Princes Wharf, with the adjacent Queens Wharf used as a back-up facility. Princes Wharf will continue to be used as Auckland’s primary cruise terminal until a new facility is built on Queens Wharf as part of the wharf's wider redevelopment.
According to the economic impact report commissioned by Cruise New Zealand for the 2006/07 season contains detailed information about the economic impact of the cruise industry and regional share within New Zealand. With 51% of direct expenditure, Auckland is New Zealand’s leading cruise port and the main beneficiary of the economic benefits of the business.
Tourism New Zealand has also produced a range of reports on New Zealand’s cruise industry.
For information on cruise ships calling in to Auckland, please refer to our cruise timetable.
If you have questions about a cruise you are joining or disembarking in Auckland, please consult your travel agent first or, alternatively, send your enquiry to cruise@poal.co.nz.
If you are joining a cruise in Auckland, please direct your enquiry to your travel agent or cruise operator. Alternatively, please visit Tourism Auckland and Heart of the City for more information, or email info@poal.co.nz.
