2013 once again brings the Queen Mary 2 to New Zealand and Ports of Auckland is offering a unique opportunity to see her close up.
At 345 metres long – about 50 metres longer than the berths at Princes or Queens Wharves – the Queen Mary 2 must berth within the commercial port.
However, as a special treat, Ports of Auckland has organised two free boat tours of the port on Monday 11 March so Aucklanders can get a close up view of the transatlantic liner
“We know Aucklanders love to see the Queen Mary 2 and having her berthed at Jellicoe wharf makes that difficult. A boat tour provides the perfect opportunity to get up close to the vessel while enjoying some time out in our beautiful harbour,” Ports of Auckland Chief Executive, Tony Gibson says.
The one hour tours operated by 360 Discovery will depart from Pier 4 at the Ferry Terminal in Downtown Auckland at 11am and 12:30pm.
“The tours have proven more popular than anticipated. The 12:30pm tour was fully booked before we’d even had a chance to advertise it, so we decided to lay on an 11am tour as well,” Mr Gibson says.
“These are the only times 360 Discovery has a boat available, so get in quick”, he added.
Bookings are essential. Please call 360 Discovery on 09 307 8005 to book.
If you can’t go on one of the tours, don’t worry, there are some fantastic opportunities to view the vessel as she enters and departs the harbour. She will arrive at the pilot station, north of Rangitoto, at around 6:30am making her way to Jellicoe wharf by around 7:30am. She will depart at 10.00pm the same day.
Good vantage points:
From 6:30am
Between 7:00am and 7:30am
The ship will be carrying up to 2,700 passengers and crew.
The Queen Mary 2 will provide another stunning view for ship spotters as she leaves port at 10pm, lit for the night's journey.
For further information contact:
Ports of Auckland Communications: 09 348 5247 or email [email protected]
After Hours Media Contact Number (5.30 pm – 8.00 am): 09 348 5040.
