Auckland’s cruise industry

Ports of Auckland provides marine and logistics services to cruise ships calling in to Auckland.

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.

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 P & O Cruises Australia operate cruise ships in both summer and winter around New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Cruise ships bound for Antarctica also call at Auckland on their way south.

Cruise ships berth at the main Overseas Passenger Terminal at Princes Wharf.

The Queen Mary 2 calls Auckland.

Princes Wharf is the primary cruise berth which processes cruise ship passengers with the adjacent Queens Wharf used as a secondary facility when there is more than one cruise ship in port.

The Waterfront Development Agency is leading the development of a new cruise terminal for Auckland.

The economic impact report which contains detailed information about the economic impact of the cruise industry within New Zealand and within each region, is commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism New Zealand and Cruise New Zealand. The most recent report shows the cruise industry generated approximately $190.9m to the New Zealand economy with $63.0m in Auckland. With 51% of direct expenditure, Auckland is New Zealand’s leading cruise port and the main beneficiary of the economic benefits of the business.

For information on cruise ships calling in to Auckland, please refer to our cruise timetable. 

If you are joining a cruise in Auckland, please direct your enquiry to your travel agent or cruise operator as they are best suited to assist you in the first instance. Alternatively, please visit Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd and Heart of the City for more information, or email info@poal.co.nz.