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Port of Auckland is today launching Te Waharoa, the city’s new international cruise terminal – set to open in early 2027. The dedicated terminal aims to further revitalise downtown Auckland and inject new energy into the city’s central wharves.

Located on Quay St, Te Waharoa is a new global gateway to the city and part of a wider $200 million investment by Port of Auckland into the city’s cruise precinct, including the development of a new big ship wharf at Bledisloe North.

Port of Auckland CEO Roger Gray says Auckland is growing – with a need to recognise that growth by setting the city up for the future. 

“We’re investing in infrastructure that supports Auckland’s long-term prosperity. Te Waharoa international cruise terminal is a major step in building a thriving, globally connected city.

“More than 300,000 cruise passengers currently pass through the port each year, and Te Waharoa – designed to handle up to 1,500 people an hour – will help attract more ship calls while ensuring the efficient movement of visitors and a high‑quality first impression of Auckland as they arrive in the heart of the city” says Gray.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Deputy Chair Ngarimu Blair says this is a step towards the kind of international city Auckland should be — one that helps to reinvigorate our economy, and delights and exceeds global standards because it is uniquely informed by us as tangata whenua, and by the stories of our place.

“Te Waharoa sits in the heart of our rohe, Te Kahu Tōpuni o Tuperiri, so it matters to us how the world arrives here. Welcoming manuhiri to our shores is not new to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, it’s a responsibility we’ve carried for generations,” says Blair.

Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown welcomes the launch of the new cruise terminal and says it delivers on one of his key priorities to make the most of Auckland’s downtown area, port and waterfront.

“I welcome this investment from Port of Auckland that will lift the experience of visitors arriving in our city from the water. With 3,200 kilometres of coastline, Auckland’s harbour and waterfront is a big part of what makes our city unique. By opening up our wharves, we are transforming industrial zones into vibrant, accessible public spaces for visitors and Aucklanders.

“This is the kind of investment that will have a positive impact on Auckland’s CBD and our city’s economy,” says Mayor Brown.

As a key economic enabler for Auckland and New Zealand, the port’s investment in revitalising the waterfront and upgrading cruise infrastructure will support economic growth while strengthening connections between the port, the city and local businesses.

Tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export sector, contributing around 7.7% of GDP, and the cruise industry alone generates more than $600 million per year in economic value for Auckland – making it a key driver of economic activity.

Te Waharoa is being developed in collaboration with the port’s long-term partner, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, architect RCG and design agency Guardians.

Key highlights:

  • Bledisloe North wharf will be able to support the large 350m vessels expected to visit New Zealand.
  • Te Waharoa will include a new pick-up and drop-off area for buses and taxis going sightseeing around the region.
  • Passengers will be able to walk straight into Britomart, to ferry services, hotels, restaurants and the surrounding areas. 
  • The new cruise area will also better facilitate efficient re-supply of cruise ships with New Zealand food and beverage. 

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