We are a vital tourism hub and handle around 100 cruise ships annually. Each cruise visit benefits the local economy by about $1.5 million and adds to the vitality of Auckland.
We support the cruise industry through the provision of berthage, marine and logistics services on the Waitematā Harbour.
The Cruise Operations Safety Protocols and corresponding Cruise Risk Assessment can be found here.
We manage the logistics of every cruise call, including berthing ships, processing passengers, and working with shipping agents, hospitality and tourism providers, stevedores, the New Zealand Customs Service, the Ministry for Primary Industries and other agencies, to ensure each visit goes smoothly.
Auckland is a key ‘exchange port’ – where people start or finish cruises. Exchanges have a significant economic impact on the city as cruise passengers often stay in Auckland for several days before or after their cruises. Auckland is attractive as an exchange port because of the port's proximity to the central business and entertainment district as well as Auckland International Airport.
Auckland is also the host of New Zealand’s only winter cruise port. Cruise ships bound for Antarctica also call at Auckland on their way south. One well known cruise ship to call at our port is the Queen Mary 2, one of the largest passenger ships ever built.
Since 2013, Shed 10 on Queen's Wharf has been Auckland's primary cruise berth. Shed 10 operates as a dual-purpose facility, available for functions and events when not required for cruise visits. Prior to a visit, the open area of the upper level is transformed into check in, customs and x-ray screening area. All equipment is then cleared away after passenger processing.
Neighbouring Princes Wharf is Auckland's secondary cruise berth, also a dual-purpose facility as when it's not being used for cruise visits it forms part of the Hilton Auckland Hotel's function and event space.
For more information see our cruise schedule or check out our FAQs.
If you are joining a cruise in Auckland, please get in touch with your travel agent or cruise operator as they are best suited to assist you in the first instance.
