Frequently Asked Questions

This section covers general questions on cruise arrivals and departures. If your question is not listed on this page please email cruise@poal.co.nz for assistance.

Click on the links below to view relevant FAQs

Arriving Cruise Ship Vessels

Q: Where can I find information about arriving and departing cruise vessels?

A: Click here for information regarding the arrival and departure dates, times, and locations.

Q: What time will the ship arrive alongside the berth?

The arrival time of the ship as noted on the Ports of Auckland Cruise ship timetable shows the Pilot boarding time. The ship then takes approximately an hour and a half to arrive alongside the berth. For example, if the Pilot boarding time is 5:30am, the ship should be alongside the berth and tied up around 7:00am.

Q: What time do passengers starting disembarking the cruise ship?

A: Passengers will generally start leaving around 30 minutes after the ship has arrived alongside the berth. This can vary between ships.

Collecting passengers and parking at Princes Wharf

Q: Am I able to drive onto Princes Wharf to collect passengers outside the terminal?

A: Yes, access to the wharf is permitted. There will be traffic control in place and you will be given directions. There is restricted parking so you may not be able to stop.

Q: Where am I allowed to park on Princes Wharf when a cruise ship is visiting?

A: There is limited car parking on Princes Wharf and we advise that you do not attempt to park here. There are public parking facilities available at the Downtown car park, Viaduct car park, and Britomart car park. It is recommended that you park and walk to meet passengers who will be at the passenger exit/entry point.

Q: Is there long term parking available on Princes Wharf?

A: There is no long term parking available on Princes Wharf.

Q: Am I able to contact my family member/friend who is aboard the cruise ship?

A: You will be able to contact your family member/friend if they have a cellular phone. There is no communication available with the ship itself.

Q: Where do I meet people who are disembarking the ship?

A: There is only one passenger exit and this is outside Shed 21 on Princes Wharf. This is indicated by the yellow star on the Princes Wharf map.

Q: Am I able to pick up family/friends from the ship itself?

A: No - due to the Maritime Security Act 2004 and the Customs and Excise Act 1996, public access to the working areas of the port is restricted to those on port business.

Safety and security measures mean that access to the ships is restricted to staff, passengers and crew only. Members of the public meetings passengers can do so outside of these working and restricted areas.

Q: I would like to board/visit the ship. How am I able to do so?

A: There are only two instances in which you will be able to board or visit the ship:

1. If you are an embarking passenger in which case please ensure you have your passport and ticketing information with you to gain entry to the terminal. Please have the passports for any children that will be accompanying you.

2. If you are an approved visitor to the ship you must have valid photo identification (passport, drivers licence, 18+ card) in order to gain access to the ship.

Viewing the arrival/departure of a cruise ship

Q: Where the best place to view the arrival or departure of a cruise ship?

A: Any of the public areas on Princes Wharf and along Quay Street near the Ferry Terminal will give good views on the ship.

Other public areas include:

The public walkway beside the Helicopter terminal/ Mikano restaurant

  • Fred Ambler Lookout, Gladstone Road, Parnell
  • Mt Victoria
  • North Head
  • Devonport Wharf
  • East Coast Bay beaches

Car & luggage storage

Disembarking Passengers:

There is currently no luggage storage facility for passengers disembarking at Auckland. Please contact the Auckland i-site for tourist information.

Embarking Passengers:

There is no luggage storage facility for passengers embarking at Auckland, however check in for luggage is from 9:00am on the day of departure. Please note that no personal effects will be held. Once your luggage is checked in it will be taken directly to the ship and you will not have access to it.

Car Storage:

There are various companies who offer car storage with vehicle pick-up and drop-off services. Please contact a travel agent for further details.