Port of Auckland Prepares for Busy Cruise Season Ahead

The Port of Auckland is set for a bustling cruise season, expecting over 100 ship visits and an estimated 230,000 passengers between October and April 2025.

A recent press release highlighted that Auckland’s cruise industry contributed $604.7 million to the economy during the 2023-24 season, supporting 4,184 jobs. This season, the port will be the primary entry point for most cruise ships, with temporary cruise terminals established at Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf.

Avinash Murthy, head of marine and cruise operations at the Port of Auckland, said: “Cruise passengers and crew are a welcome economic boost to the region, providing revenue to our visitor and tourism sector. Because the port is in the city center, it is very easy for passengers to find plenty of great restaurants, bars, retail shops and tourist attractions in close proximity.”

This season will also feature 12 ships making their debut in New Zealand, including Cunard’s Queen Anne (Cunard’s first new ship in 14 years) and the Scenic Eclipse II.

Disney Wonder is set to return in late November for its second season, offering Broadway-style entertainment, themed dining, character appearances, and fireworks at sea.

The Port of Auckland has also announced plans to develop a multi-purpose berth at the northern end of the Bledisloe Terminal, designed to accommodate both cruise and cargo vessels. This new infrastructure will help manage larger cruise ships and ease congestion in the Downtown Ferry Basin.

In the short term, the port, in collaboration with the Auckland Transport Harbourmaster, has extended the restricted maneuvering time for cruise ships in the Downtown Ferry Basin by an hour.

From October 1, the evening stand-down period for cruise ships will continue to start at 4:30 PM, now running from 6:05 PM to 7:05 PM daily, to minimize disruption to ferry services during peak hours. These changes were developed in coordination with cruise operators, industry bodies, and Auckland Transport.