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Cruises from Auckland, New Zealand

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Auckland Cruise Port Guide

Nestled between two harbors New Zealand’s North Island, Auckland is the country’s largest city and the ideal jumping-off point for cruises around New Zealand , to the South Pacific, and to Australia. Stroll around Waitemata Harbor and explore the city’s eclectic waterfront bars and restaurants. Dive into Auckland’s diverse history and culture at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Or enjoy a day of sun and secluded beaches during a visit to Waiheke Island.

On cruises from Auckland, you’ll discover the best of New Zealand while sailing down its majestic fjords and stopping in exciting ports like Wellington and Christchurch. You can also embark on a journey to the islands of the South Pacific, visiting islands such as Fiji and Samoa. Or cruise to Sydney, Australia, where national parks, golden beaches, and a sparkling harbor await. 

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Top destinations on cruises from auckland.

Visit multicultural cities, laid back beach towns, remote islands, and a world-renowned wine country during one of our New Zealand cruises. Explore the Bay of Islands and go snorkeling, fishing, or scuba diving. Walk around artsy Wellington, known for its vibrant food and coffee scene. Venture down the serene fjords of New Zealand, including Milford Sound, where you’ll be surrounded by lush cliffs and stunning waterfalls. During a stop in Picton, sip on a glass of Sauvignon Blanc in the nearby Marlborough wine region.

South Pacific

Sail to the exotic islands of the South Pacific, where tropical islands and impossibly white sand beaches await. Explore the treasured islands of Samoa, where tropical vistas and romantic shores await. Discover pristine destinations in Fiji, like Suva and Lautoka, which are full of lush rainforests and untouched shores. Or visit the kingdom of Tonga, a group of islands where the ocean sparkles in a hundred different shades of blue.

Embrace the vibrant atmosphere of Sydney, Australia, where you’ll find a picturesque harbor, golden beaches, and an impressive culinary scene. Take a guided tour of the city’s highlights, including the iconic Sydney Opera House that sits on the harbor. See Australian wildlife, like kangaroos and koalas, from up close during a trip to the Taronga Zoo. Or simply relax on one of the city’s popular beaches, such as Manly or Bondi, where you can rest on the soft sand or try catching a wave.

Our Ship Sailing Out of Auckland

Celebrity Edge

Why Sail from Auckland with Celebrity Cruises

On a Celebrity Cruises vacation, you’ll cruise from Auckland to some of the world’s best destinations while immersed in complete luxury. Our award-winning ships are destinations in and of themselves, where you’ll enjoy world-class dining, unlimited entertainment options, and impeccable service throughout your journey. Spend your days discovering exciting ports of call in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, then come back on board and unwind in spacious staterooms and inviting spaces.

During days at sea, explore all of the amenities aboard Celebrity Eclipse. Order dishes crafted by a Michelin-starred chef at the main restaurant or savor globally inspired cuisine at one of the specialty restaurants. Watch riveting music and dance shows at our state-of-the-art Theatre. Unwind by the outdoor pool or catch up on some reading at the serene indoor solarium. Schedule a reinvigorating afternoon at the Spa or plan a movie night under the stars at the Rooftop Terrace. There’s no shortage of fun and relaxation waiting for you on a cruise with Celebrity.

Auckland, New Zealand Cruise Port Facilities & Location

Ships dock at either Princes Wharf or Queens Wharf, both of which are only a short walk to restaurants and shops and just a 10-minute walk from the heart of downtown Auckland.

Top Sights & Attractions to See Before Cruises from Auckland

This telecommunications tower is a modern, ever-visible landmark in the city and one of the best places to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. Standing at over 1,000 feet tall, the Sky Tower is home to the only revolving restaurant in New Zealand. There’s also the Sky Café for coffee and pastries, and a collection of diverse eateries at the street level. For the adventurous, there’s a bungee jump or a skywalk around the outside. Booking tickets in advance is recommended. 

Auckland War Memorial Museum

For a museum experience unlike any other, the Auckland War Memorial Museum tells the rich histories of the native Maori people who populated New Zealand for thousands of years before European colonization. You’ll learn about Auckland’s role in the development of New Zealand and see priceless Maori and South Pacific artifacts. A guided tour is a must for history lovers. 

Waiheke Island

Escape the city on a short ferry ride to Waiheke Island from the CBD. Fascinating winery tours and grape tastings, like at Man O’ War Vineyards, or an upscale afternoon at the luxe Mudbrick Vineyard, await you on the “island of wine”. This is where much of Auckland’s wine is produced. Plus, secluded walking trails and hidden waterfalls beg to be explored at Whakanewha Regional Park. 

Top Things To Do in Auckland

Visit one tree hill.

Interestingly, One Tree Hill is a volcanic cone and one of 50 in Auckland city. It’s important to both early Maori and European history, and a  tour of One Tree Hill will give you the inside scoop. It’s set in a spacious park with beautiful gardens, avenues of trees, a planetarium, and a children’s playground.

Walk Waitemata Harbor

What could be more romantic than a harbor stroll at dusk or sunset? Luckily, Waitemata Harbor in Auckland is particularly beautiful, with downtown’s skyscrapers glittering off the waters. A long walk, picnic, or bar-hopping in the harbor’s restaurants is a must-do.

Step Inside the Ruakuri Caves

Descend into the breathtaking Ruakuri Caves, a natural wonder full of Maori history. Go down the cave’s spiral staircase and marvel at this underground labyrinth full of beautiful stalactites and brilliant glow worms at every turn.

Where can I eat in Auckland?

The Sugar Club

Address: Level 53, Sky Tower, Auckland, New Zealand

The crown jewel of Auckland’s skyline is the Sky Tower, and its observation deck restaurant is a fine dining experience like no other. The lunch and dinner menus emphasize sustainability and local sources, meaning the freshest ingredients are their main priority. The seasonal a-la-carte menu offers delicate dishes with powerful flavors, like scampi dumplings and Japanese quail. Desserts include a coconut and blood orange ice cream sandwich and a sheep panna cotta. The Sugar Club takes risks to bring you an unforgettable culinary experience in Auckland. 

Best Ugly Bagels

Address: 90 Wellesley St W, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

The motto at Best Ugly Bagels is “ugly ain’t fancy,” and this bagel spot hand-rolls their bagels and simmers them in honey water. It’s a different take on the traditional water-boiled bagel, but it’s meant to be crispy on the outside and doughy on the inside. Choose classic toppings like lox, capers, and dill, or go for a cream cheese schmear. Either way, it’s a delicious breakfast option in Auckland. 

Ela Cuisine

Address: Elliott Stables, 39-41 Elliott St, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

If you’re craving the tastes of South India, traditional Kerala cuisine is Ela’s core focus. Dinner mains include prawn curry, vegetarian dosa, lamb shank curry, and more. The restaurant also boasts a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options. It’s part of a dining precinct with a wide range of cuisine offerings.

What’s the culture and history of Auckland?

Maori settlement in the area of Auckland began thousands of years ago. In the 1800s, the discovery of gold in New Zealand caused an unforeseeable but impactful boom in fortune hunters from countries like China and Australia. This melting pot of individuals greatly influenced the culture of New Zealand, and they stayed in the region permanently to start their businesses and raise families. Today, Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city with over 1.5 million people representing many ethnic origins.

Where can I go shopping in Auckland?

You’ll find duty-free shopping for souvenirs and other local items at the DFS Galleria Custom House that you can stop in before one of our cruises from Auckland. At Britomart, you’ll find fashion boutiques, bookstores, and a variety of shopping. Ponsonby is known for designer fashions and shops that highlight local designers in jewelry, art, and interiors. Whether you have a retail mission or you’re just window shopping, Auckland’s shopping districts offer homewares, art, and beautiful clothes at all price points. 

How can I get around Auckland?

Getting around the city of Auckland is pretty easy and straightforward, and downtown Auckland is walkable. There’s also a bus system, including the green Link bus which loops around central shopping precincts. Taxis are all over the port area where cruises from Auckland depart and are easy to use. 

What are the local currency and tipping customs?

The official currency of the country is the New Zealand dollar. Tipping isn’t common practice in New Zealand, so don’t worry about tipping your taxi driver. Restaurants in Auckland don’t include service charges, so you can leave a 10% tip for excellent service. Most accept both cash and credit cards, and there are plenty of ATMs around the city. 

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Auckland (New Zealand)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Australia - New Zealand - Pacific Ocean Islands

Local Time 2024-04-19 18:56

Port Auckland cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Auckland, New Zealand. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Auckland is the turnaround cruise port of New Zealand. Since ships docking here are also being re-provisioned, the port's exchange role makes it of crucial importance for the country's and the city's economy.

Port Auckland

Port Auckland is located in Waitemata Harbour. It is managed by the Council-owned company Ports of Auckland Ltd. It manages Greater Auckland's commercial cargo and cruise ship facilities, but not the ferry terminals and the yacht marinas.

The port has 2 harbours (excluding the ferry terminals) - the container port (Auckland City) and the port in Onehunga. Wiri Inland Port (in Wiri, South Auckland) has terminals that serving NZ's reshipment (quick turnaround cargo shipping) trade linking the seaport with the country's road and rail freight networks.

Auckland is a major containership port located on the central-eastern waterfront. The port covers an area of 0,55 km2 / 0,21 mi2 of wharves and storage facilities (mainly for TEU-containers and cars). All the land is reclaimed (from the former Commercial, Official and Mechanics bays).

• Wynyard Wharf (aka Western Reclamation) is used for chemicals and liquids storage.
• Princes Wharf (Overseas Passenger Terminal/cruise terminal and residential development) provides cruise ship berthing.
• Queens Wharf is the proposed location for a new cruise terminal.

The other freight wharves are named Captain Cook, Marsden, Bledisloe, Jellicoe (alternative dock for large-sized cruise vessels), Freyberg, Fergusson.

In 2006, Ports of Auckland Ltd (management company) bought for NZD 27 million 3x new large dockside gantry cranes (for TEU-containers) from Zhenhua Port Machinery Co (China). The new cranes were installed at Axis Intermodal Terminal (Fergusson Wharf), in addition to 2x older cranes (2001-bought). The new gantry cranes are NZ's largest - each with weight 1250 tons, height 103 m (338 ft), boom length 56 m (184 ft) and lifting capacity 2x TEU-containers (at once) with speeds of up to 150 mph. The new cranes serve Post-Panamax vessels and in case of power failure provide emergency electricity to reefers (refrigerated containers).

The port handles annually around 1600 vessels, ranking it NZ's largest commercial port with over NZD 20 billion in shipped goods per year, It handles around 60% of the country's imports and 40% of the exports. Its annual container capacity is around 780,000 TEUs. The annual number of imported second-hand cars is around 166,000 (mainly Japanese models).

In late-December 2017, the port authority company (POAL) announced its plans for building shore power infrastructure (estimated project cost NZD 18,3 million). Shore-to-ship power supply reduces significantly the number of emissions generated by visiting vessels. The technology allows docked cruise vessels to shut down completely their diesel engines and connect to the city's electrical grid for all the onboard electrical power while berthed. The annual volume of reduced greenhouse gas emissions (COx, NOx, SOx) was estimated at around 31%.

In mid-August 2020, ​Ports of Auckland (management/authority company) was granted consent for deepening the shipping channel from 12,5 m (40 ft) to 14-14,2 m (46 ft). The channel dredging will allow larger (New Panamax) container ships to enter Port Auckland. These vessels have max draft 15 m (50 ft) when fully loaded.

Auckland cruise port

Port Auckland's cruising industry is a large contributor to the city economy. Each ship call brings in about NZD 1 million from passenger spending. For 2010 was estimated that the region received over NZD 177,4 million from direct expenditure by arriving passengers and crew. Each cruise passenger to NZ injects into the country’s economy ~NZD 1700. In 2010, New Zealand was ranked as the 4th largest international passenger cruising market - following Australia, UK, and the USA.

(statistics) during season 1996-1997 the port handled only 27 ship calls and around 19400 passengers.

(statistics) in the season 2005-2006, the port handled 48 cruise ship calls with over 100,000 passengers.

In March 2010, the world's second- largest cruise company - Royal Caribbean (RCCL) - announced its decision to open a dedicated office in NZ catering to the increasing numbers of local residents taking cruise ship travel vacations. RCCL acquired part of the Auckland-based travel agency "Cruise Vacations", which served its brand lines since 1990. Since April 2010, the NZ office is overseen by "Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia" and supports all operations for the RCCL's 3 brands - RCI, Celebrity, and Azamara. RCCL opened its Sydney-based office in December 2008.

During season 2010-2011, a total of 87 cruise ships visited Auckland, carrying 138,200 passengers and 56,400 crew, bringing around NZD 305 million into NZ's economy, plus around NZD 177 million into Auckland.

During season 2011-2012, the cruise port handled a total of 97 ship calls from 30 different vessels, over 200,000 passengers and 88,000 crew. Those injected NZD 346 million into the country's economy and provided over 5600 full-time jobs. Compared to the 2009-2010 season (109,951 passengers, over NZD 191 million to GDP) this was an increase of 81%.

(statistics 2014) the cruise port contributed USD 190 million to the local economy, with 115 ship calls and handling 188,500 passengers plus 75,000 crew.

According to CLIA, 2015 was a record year for NZ's cruising market. A total of 66152 local residents booked a ship cruise, which was a 10% increase over 2014. The statistics showed NZ as the 3rd international cruise market with a record double-digit increase in 2015 (preceded by China and Australia). The increase in NZ cruisers traveling to Australia was 71%, and to Asia - 64%. Over the period 2010-2015, the NZ's cruising market recorded an ~65% growth.

(statistics 2015) the cruise port reported a record passenger spending of about USD 484 million (port's worth USD 220 million to the local economy). This was an increase of 15% over the season 2014-2015 season. During season 2015-2016, Port Auckland had 105 cruise ship visits and served around 230,800 passengers.

Princess Cruises 2015-2016 itinerary program for the first time ever included a round-trip departure out of Auckland. The 9-night itinerary visited Melbourne, Burnie (Tasmania) , Kangaroo Island , Port Lincoln and Portland (Victoria) , with prices starting from AUD 1200 pp (quad cabin). The cruise line's 2015-2016 program had scheduled more than 80 departures out of Australian ports ( Sydney , Brisbane , Melbourne ) and also from Auckland NZ.

In 2016, NZ's economy received a total of USD 484 million from the 249,000 cruise tourists. NZ's season 2016-2017 (September-April) ended with a total of 41 vessels (22 different companies) and 760 ship calls to 31 port- and island destinations. New Zealand's economy received over USD 490 million (across all regions).

In 2018, the port handled 113 ship calls and over 285,000 passengers. The number of cruise ship tourists to NZ (2017-2018 season) was estimated at around 280,000. For 2019, the cruise port had booked a total of 131 ship calls, with expected 322,000+ passengers (24% increase over 2018). Among season's highlights was the homeported Majestic Princess (port's largest liner so far). The 330-m, the 18-deck ship was launched in 2017 and has a max capacity of 4270 passengers plus 1350 crew.

In 2019, Stats NZ reported record levels of total cruise ship expenditure in New Zealand - NZD 569.8 million (~USD 363,5 million) to June 30, 2019, or an increase of 28% over 2018.

Cruise itineraries to and from Auckland New Zealand

Follows a list of destinations visited by cruise ships leaving out of Auckland:

World Cruises from Auckland are offered mostly as one-way segments from around the world itineraries by UK-based lines - like Cunard, P&O, Princess, Cruise Maritime). Full-length itineraries (eastbound or westbound) can be up to 110+ days round-trips starting from Southampton England ). On those, just like Australia, New Zealand is only a mid-itinerary destination offering one-way departures from Auckland back to Southampton (disembarkation port). The longest eastbound itineraries from Auckland generally include USA ports (including Hawaii, California, Florida, often New York) and feature Panama Canal transition and Transatlantic crossing to Europe (UK). Longest westbound itineraries include the Suez Canal transition and ports in the Mediterranean Sea.

With the constantly growing popularity of cruising vacations among New Zealanders, the "World Cruises" round-trip from Auckland is starting to appear on the market. Such a deal is the Sea Princess ship's 2017 world itinerary (104-days westbound, May 16 through August 29) visiting ports all over Europe (including Norway and Iceland), also Canada New England, USA and South America (through Panama Canal). Princess started to offer round-trip New Zealand to Hawaii itineraries that include stops in Australia, Western Samoa, the Hawaiian islands and French Polynesia (with overnights in Papeete (Tahiti Island) ).

Cruises around New Zealand leaving round-trip from Auckland (13-14-day itineraries) visit also Melbourne or Sydney as turnaround port, usually on the way back (second leg).

Cruise to Nowhere Auckland deals is on 3-day round-trip itineraries without any ports of call along the route. Generally, these are themed voyages with themes like "food and wine" (most common), also comedy, sports, wellness, music, etc. There are onboard pre-scheduled theme events and activities like parties, concerts, meetings, presentations, tastings, etc.

Short-break ("Mini Cruises") are round-trips visiting Napier (4-day eastbound) or Bay of Islands (4-day northbound).

One-way cruises to Sydney from Auckland are 14-15-days in length and often visit Tasmania and Melbourne before Sydney.

The "South Pacific Islands" group of itineraries offers round-trip voyages with duration 8-9-10-15-days. They visit ports in New Caledonia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Espiritu Santo, New Guinea, Tonga.

Repositioning cruises from New Zealand to Asia are mostly offered by luxury ships as segments of their around the world itineraries. They end up in either Singapore or Hong Kong and include ports in Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan. Longer segments may also include ports in China, Japan, and South Korea.

Repositioning cruises from New Zealand are between Auckland and the USA (via Hawaii) ending up in Honolulu or in California - Los Angeles , San Francisco or San Diego . Rarely, there are itineraries going all the way to Alaska ending in Vancouver BC (Canada) or Seattle WA (USA) .

Auckland cruise terminal

Auckland cruise port terminal is part of Waitemata Harbour. Liners berth right at the heart of the city.

Port Auckland's principal cruise terminal is at Princes Wharf. The second facility used for cruise vessels is Queens Wharf. There is approved funding for “Shed 10″ (Queens Wharf) upgrade. Upon completion, it will become the port's primary cruise berth.

Queens Wharf cruise terminal

In 2010 was made the decision the old Shed 10 (2-story historic building, former warehouse) on Queens Wharf to be rebuilt and refurbished as a modern cruise terminal. The project's interior designers were from Jasmax.

City Council spent over NZD 23 million on the new terminal. Refurbishment works started in 2012 and were completed in 2013. The new cruise ship terminal is equipped with Customs, lounge, processing/waiting area, and various service facilities. The building's ground floor is used for pax luggage, security and border agency processing. Queens Wharf is a popular public space also used for themed event space by locals and tourists.

In September 2016 started the building of a mooring structure at the end of Queen's Wharf. The "mooring dolphin" was sunk into the sea bed (off the wharf's end) to provide a mooring point for longer / larger cruise vessels without spending much more money on a wharf extension. The structure cost USD 10 million and was completed and usable for the season 2017-2018.

In 2017, the port was visited twice by its ever-largest vessel - RCI's Ovation of the Seas . During both visits, the 348-m liner had to be moored in Waitemata and its passengers ferried ashore via tenders. The new mooring dolphin (location 75 m / 246 ft off Queens Wharf's end) is used for berthing only of the  largest cruise liners .

In September 2018 were announced plans for a 90-m (295-ft) long mooring extension to be constructed off Queens Wharf. The 42 m (138 ft) long extension will be partially served by a gangway and will allow berthing for larger vessels - with LOA length up to 337 m (1105 ft). The new plan also includes the building of 2 mooring structures (48 m and 82 m dolphins) out from Queens Wharf. Walkway to the first mooring will be available to the public when liners are not docked. A smaller gangway will give port workers access to the 2nd structure. Once started, the project could be operational by summer 2020.

• address - "Queens Wharf, 150 Quay Street, Auckland New Zealand"
• location - near City Centre (Downtown Auckland), close to main transportation connections
• finger pier structure with 4 berths (one either side of both piers)
• Princes Wharf berth - max LOA length (1050 ft / 320 m), draft/depth (33 ft /10 m), served by jetway (airbridge) covered gangway
• Queens Wharf berth - max LOA length (968 ft / 295 m), draft/depth (33 ft /10 m), served by jetway (airbridge) covered gangway Tidal Range: 0.2 to 3.3 metres

The ship arrival times (mentioned above) show Pilot boarding times. To those must be added approx 1 1/2 hour for docking alongside the berth. This means if the Pilot boarding time is 6:30 am, the ship should be berthed and tied up around 7:30 to 8 am.

• Passenger disembarkation starts ~ 30 min (varies by vessel) after the ship has berthed.
• Meeting arriving passengers - Princes Wharf's passenger exit is located outside Shed 21. Queens Wharf's best place to meet quests is between Ferry Terminal and Cloud (the adjacent wharf).
• Public access to the port's working areas and the docked ships are forbidden (restricted to port staff, crew, and passengers only).
• The only people allowed to board the docked vessel are its crew, embarking (cruise ship) passengers and pre-approved visitors.

The terminal has no luggage storage facility for disembarking passengers.

The nearest supermarket is Countdown (on 76 Quay Str).

The facilities at Auckland cruise terminal include MAF agency, customs, stevedores, tour information. The port is located close to the Auckland International Airport, the city highlights, and the business district.

Cruise ship terminal directions & parking

Exiting the airport turn left at first traffic lights (George Bolt Memorial Drive) and continue as the road runs into motorway route 20. Exit route 20 at the 2nd off-ramp to City and Nelson Str. Continue straight through the traffic lights at Nelson Str. and to the intersection of Nelson and Sturdee. Turn right into the left lane of Sturdee and at the 2nd street on the left turn in to Lower Hobson Str. Stay in the left lane and continue to the next set of traffic lights to the cruise terminal.

• Airbus Express leaves from the bus stop at Downtown Ferry Terminal. It takes ~ 45-60 min in each direction.
• Bus and train services are provided via Britomart Transport Centre, located across the street from Queens Wharf, and it's at ~ 5 min walking distance from Princes Wharf.
• Both cruise terminals have dedicated taxi ranks.
• Downtown Ferry Terminal (between both cruise ship wharves) is for ferry services to Devonport, West Harbour, Half Moon Bay, Pine Harbour, and Waiheke Island, plus various tour destinations.
• Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf are both public accessible. On-site traffic control gives directions for pick up / drop off zones. Both wharves don't offer public and long-term parking. Nearby located public parking facilities are the car parks Downtown, Viaduct and Britomart.
• The Red LINK bus line runs around Downtown and links Britomart Transport Centre, Queen Str, Karangahape Road and Wynyard Quarter. The bus is every 15 min (between 6.30 am - 11.30 pm).
• Green LINK bus line runs around the inner suburbs and major shopping areas. Among those are Parnell, Auckland Museum, Newmarket, Karangahape Road. The bus runs every 10 min (between 6.30 am - 8 pm).
• Orange LINK bus line runs the Green LINK routes plus Mt Eden, St Lukes Mall, MOTAT, Herne Bay. The bus runs every 15 min (between 6.30 am - 8 pm).
• Auckland Explorer Bus (hop on - hop off the bus stopping at Queens Wharf) circles around 14 of the city's main attractions.

Auckland port beside its passenger (cruise ship) terminal also has facilities to handle oil tankers and cargo ships (vehicle carriers, bulk carriers, and container vessels) and dry dock facilities for marine vessel refurbishments and repairs.

• UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - NZAKL
• supported by excellent road, rail, and air infrastructure
• deep channel water and berths - channel draft (41 ft / 12,5 m), berths draft (33 ft /10 m)
• sheltered harbor area
• access unrestricted by tides
• capability to accommodate 4 vessels at a time

The Auckland cruise ship terminal doesn't provide shore-to-ship power (shore-side electricity supply) which could reduce significantly the levels of emissions, noise, and vibration in port. The port is accessible the whole year round - 24/7, 365 days a tear.

Cruise ships usually arrive in Auckland in the early morning (at 5, 5:30, 6, 6:30 or 7:30 am) and depart from Auckland in the late afternoon or in the evening (at 4, 5, 6 or 7 pm).

The cruise terminal is at approx 14 mi / 22 km from Auckland International Airport, which is ~ 30-40 min drive distance.

The best vantage points to see ship arrivals/departures are public areas on both docking wharves, along with Quay Street (near Ferry Terminal), Fred Ambler Lookout, Gladstone Road, Mt Victoria, North Head, the Devonport Wharf, the East Coast Bay beaches.

• Auckland War Memorial Museum: the largest museum in Auckland, dates from 1852. You will find different exhibitions.
• Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World: see the vision of the ocean by Kelly Tarlton, great inventor, explorer, famous Kiwi adventurer, and diver.
• Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT): 40 acres interactive journey through great achievements in the technology at the largest museum for transport and technology in New Zealand.
• Waiwera Thermal Spa Resort: it is located 40 minutes away from the Auckland’s center, direction North. The best place to relax not only your body but your mind too.
• Waiheke Island: catch a ferry and after 35 minutes you will reach this charming island. Explore the historical Stony Batter, beautiful vineyards, relax at the beach or have a picnic.
• SKYCITY: this casino and entertainment complex is located in the city center. It has stunning architecture. It offers a wide range of entertainments and a lot of places for dining.
• Auckland Zoo: the largest animal collection in New Zealand. It is next to Western Springs Park, just 5 min away by car from the central part of the city. You will see more than 750 animals and 120 different species.
• Vineyards: you can just visit a vineyard or join a tour for wine tasting. Try the Turanga Estate in Whitford, the Soljans in Kumeu, the Stoneyridge on Waiheke Island and the Babich Wines in Henderson.
• Beaches: the most popular is Takapuna and Eastern Beach at Mission Bay. If you prefer the quiet and peaceful place, visit Cockle Bay or Maraetai Beach.
• Cafes, bars, and restaurants: this city has to offer “something for everyone.”

Auckland tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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New Zealand / Aotearoa Cruises

Authentic experiences and extraordinary landscapes await onboard new zealand cruises.

Escape to this unhurried corner of the world, where Māori legends, steaming volcanic lakes, penguins and hobbits add to the magical landscape. From the historic North Island, known as "the birthplace of the nation," to the stirring drama of  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi  , a cruise to New Zealand / Aotearoa with Princess will defy expectations.

Across the Ditch cruise activities

Enjoy enriching experiences onboard and ashore

Princess Cruises proudly presents Across the Ditch, an immersive program designed to bring guests the very best of New Zealand / Aotearoa. Our program brings authentic Maori experiences, culture and local flavors onboard and ashore to showcase what makes New Zealand so unique. With more New Zealand wines, beers, entertainment, enrichment (including the Matariki Festival) and more Shore Excursions than ever before, you’ll have the chance to enjoy even more of this fascinating country as you journey Across the Ditch on a New Zealand cruise.

"Across the Ditch" is an affectionate term for crossing the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand and vice versa - known colloquially as "the Ditch".

Excursions — your gateway to New Zealand's best attractions

On a cruise to and from Auckland, delight at the sight of glittering glowworms inside Auckland’s / Tāmaki Makaurau Waitomo Grotto, and enjoy an exclusive kiij at Māori and Polynesian exhibits in  Auckland . Travel along Akaroa’s Southern Alps, and see white-flippered blue penguins and New Zealand / Aotearoa fur seals on a cruise through Akaroa Harbour. On itineraries with More Ashore Late Night calls, we stay until at least 9 p.m. in port so you can experience some of the fabulous nightlife.

And with a range of  Discovery Recommended and Exclusive excursions  available only with Princess Cruises, you’ll see New Zealand in a whole new way.

Photo: Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Let Your New Zealand / Aotearoa Cruise Journey Begin

Lifestyle & culture.

Savor the unique tastes of an authentic Māori hangi or sample award-winning wines from  Picton . See how the Māori’s rich heritage comes alive in the Bay of Islands / Pēwhairangi, and discover how Napier’s / Ahuriri beautifully preserved 1930s architecture pays homage to the Māori by merging the linear symmetry of Art Deco with tribal motifs.

Photo: Traditional Māori welcome

Natural wonders & landscapes

Witness the unparalleled beauty of what locals call “Godzone” (God’s own country) on a hike into Tauranga’s / Tauranga Moana Wai-O-Tapu thermal valley and be rewarded with spectacular mud pools, geysers and rainbow-colored lakes. And just outside  Wellington , you’ll experience a world teeming with Māori myths, rugged coasts and adorable seals.

Be awestruck by the beauty of  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi , named one of the 7 Cruise Wonders of the World by  Condé Nast Traveler . And sail through the glassy waters and towering cliffs of Milford Sound, which was formed a millennia ago by massive glacial flows.

Photo: The volcanoes in the Wai-o-Tapu Valley

Unique experiences on New Zealand / Aotearoa cruises

New Zealand’s vast, dramatic and diverse landscape is the unrivaled home of Tolkien’s mythical Middle Earth. Journey to the city of Edoras and walk in the footsteps of  The Lord of the Rings  in Wellington, and visit Peter Jackson’s Weta Studios.

Marvel at the sight of twinkling glowworms in Auckland’s Glowworm Grotto, and explore Wellington’s Zealandia, nicknamed "Jurassic Park," in search of the giant weta – one of the world’s largest insects!

Photo:  The Lord of the Rings  movie sets in Hobbittown

Onboard enrichment on New Zealand / Aotearoa cruises

At Princess® we want you to enjoy an unforgettable New Zealand adventure. That’s why we’ve created a unique onboard program ‘Across the Ditch’ - with special regional experiences, including:

• See traditional folkloric performances, and learn the art yourself such as the Haka Māori War Dance or Poi Dancing.
• Enjoy kiwi favorites served on board New Zealand cruises, including Pavlova, or Lamb, or even a Hangi Dinner – a Māori tradition. Pair this with a glass of world famous wine from the Marlborough Region.
• Learn more about New Zealand’s rich history with a pop-up display from Auckland War Museum in the Atrium.
• Participate in “Festivals of the World” celebrations, such as Matariki, a Māori festival that marks the start of the Māori New Year, with ceremonial offerings and homage to whakapapa (ancestors). Celebrate with kiwi music, dance, crafts & even traditional face painting.

Photo: A traditional Māori Matariki Festival on board

Landmarks & Cultural Masterpieces

Don’t miss the famed Christchurch Botanic Gardens, which boasts the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand, Port Chalmers’ Larnach Castle (the country’s only castle) or cruise to Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau and see the Sky Tower, the tallest man-made structure in the southern hemisphere.

Photo: Larnach Castle in Dunedin

Art, museums & historic treasures

Wellington ’s number-one attraction, the Te Papa National Museum, showcases Māori and Pacific cultural treasures, New Zealand’s extraordinary natural life and its most important works of art.

Photo: The famous TranzAlpine Express in the Southern Alps

UNESCO world heritage sites

Sail into a world of surreal beauty in  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi , where the verdant flanks of snowcapped peaks plunge into the crystalline waters of ice-carved fiords. Or visit the Tongariro National Park outside of Napier / Ahuriri, which holds the title of first park in the world to receive UNESCO World Heritage status for both its natural and Māori spiritual and cultural value.

Photo: Fiordland National Park

Discover More

Australia cruisetours.

Before or after you set sail for the wonders of New Zealand, why not also discover some of Australia’s greatest attractions. Sailing from Sydney or Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau, you can pair your cruise with a land tour to the Australian Outback to famed Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit the Great Barrier Reef.

Photo: Australia’s magical Great Barrier Reef

Australia & New Zealand Cruise Articles

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Cruise from Auckland – the essential guide

It was fantastic to visit New Zealand, a place we had dreamt of seeing for a long time. Starting our vacation in Auckland was perfect for our sporting family. There was so much to do around both Waitemata and Manukau Harbour. It’s a fantastic city, beyond all expectations. We’d love to come back someday.

The natural wonders of New Zealand, in the Pacific Ocean, draw visitors back time and again. Consisting of the two main islands, North Island and South Island, New Zealand is also made up of 700 smaller islands. The sheer diversity of flowers, fauna, and landscapes, coupled with the fascinating Māori culture, has ensured that this beautiful country tops many the bucket list of world travelers like yourselves. 

New Zealand (Maori: Aotearoa (“Long White Cloud”) will breathe new life into travelers who are wondering where the next “big” vacation should be. Many say that the air is fresher, colors are brighter and folk are friendlier than in any other place on earth.

We say we agree. And your starting point is a cruise from Auckland, City of Sails.

Quick navigation

A Cruise package to include both New Zealand and Australia

Why not choose a cruise package to New Zealand and Australia and visit both countries on the same vacation? A cruise from Auckland offers an easy way to see many fantastic New Zealand stops, including the unrivaled fjord landscape of southwest South Island.

Choose a cruise that continues across Australia, finishing up in spectacular Sydney , Australia.

Cruise from Auckland

Start your vacation with four nights in Auckland’s sporting and cultural city before you start your cruise. A cruise from Auckland allows you to discover the best of New Zealand in affordable luxury before you sail across the Tasman Sea to Australia.

Many cruise lines offer a cruise from Auckland. By far, one of the best is those offered by Celebrity Cruises . Two of their most beautiful cruise ships, Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Solstice, depart from Princes Wharf and are easily accessible from central Auckland.

We can even recommend hotels within walking distance of the port and major attractions, putting you in an ideal position to explore the city easily.

Auckland – a place that will stay with you forever

What we love most about Auckland is the cultural mix evident everywhere in this stunning city by the ocean. European, Asian, Maori, and Polynesian cultures blend into a vivid array of neighborhoods, restaurants, and shopping. From street markets and local B&Bs to high-end hotels and 5+ star restaurants, there is something to suit everyone: taste and budget.

Even if you visit just once, this place will stay with you forever.

Where to stay before your cruise from Auckland

Here are the hotels we recommend. All of these choices are located in Auckland’s Central Business District. The location is ideal if you board your cruise from Auckland at Princes Wharf, which is about a 15-20 minute walk from CBD or a very short taxi ride.

It is the best place to stay during your visit.

The central business district is a busy hub of commerce during the day and a fantastic combination of street markets, nightlife, and open-air restaurants in the evenings.

You will find the Auckland Sky Tower and the city’s famous Auckland Art Gallery. Viaduct Harbour is close to restaurants along the waterfront.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum is a pleasant 30-minute walk from the CBD and is located in the city’s largest park, The Auckland Domain.

The Auckland Ferry Terminal is close by, at the north end of the main shopping street, Queens Street. It is opposite the Britomart Transport Center – a central hub for local buses and trains.

From the Auckland Ferry Terminal, you can visit the outlying islands such as Waiheke Island, known for its nature, hiking, and many vineyards.

If you have the time, other islands worth exploring are the beautiful nature reserve of Tiritiri Matangi with its rare bird species. Tiritiri Matangi is about a 75-minute ferry ride.

Rangitoto Island is a small volcanic island known for its unusual lava terrain. It’s a short ferry ride of about 25 minutes to get there. Hike to the summit or board the 4WD road train for a tour of the island. Alternatively, Viator can do an exciting kayaking tour if you feel fit!

Stay here in the Central Business District is a great option, especially for first-time visitors, and you can navigate your way around easily. Choose one of the following quality hotels:

• Skycity Hotel Auckland
• Hilton Auckland
• Heritage Auckland
• Hotel Grand Chancellor
• Ramada Suites by Wyndham (excellent for families with children)
• Stamford Plaza Auckland

How to get around the city

Auckland has an excellent transport system that is easy to use, fast and clean. Britomart is the name of the central transportation hub, and it is from this point in the city, most local trains and buses start and finish. 

And opposite Britomart is the ferry departure point to get you a little further afield. 

Fast, frequent, and inexpensive “Link” buses

City buses are called “Link buses” and are cheap and frequent – so frequent that they do not operate on a timetable.

All Link buses are red, green, amber, or blue. Just find the appropriate colored bus stop and wait for the next one. They will get you to all parts of the city quickly and are a great way to beat the heat on a warm day, with the bonus that you get a mini-sightseeing trip, too.

If you are a family or group staying more than a few days in the city, consider pre-purchasing an “At Hop” smart card. This transport card covers buses, trains, and ferries, and you save around 20% of the cost of your local transport.

Combine these options with walking, and you can see and explore a great deal of Auckland in your time. We recommend good walking shoes, an excellent guide, and a day of exploration walking across the city on foot. 

How to get from Auckland Airport to the City Centre

Trains and buses offer regular service between Auckland International Airport and the city using licensed and approved transport providers.

• Train: Auckland has an extensive train network. We recommend a bus or taxi for transport from/to the airport. If you are traveling further afield, the train is a good choice. But to get you from the airport to your city hotel the bus is a smoother option.
• Shuttle Bus: Shuttle bus stops are located right outside your arrival lounge (door 8), and there is no need to pre-book your journey. Just let the driver know which hotel you are staying at, and he will drop you there. It’s a door-to-door service. A one-way shuttle journey will cost you about NZ$40 per person and another NZ$8 per person within your group.
• Auckland City Express also operates a fast Sky Bus service, a direct route between the airport and the central business district for around $20 per person.
• Taxi: Taxis are parked outside of the terminal. Only accredited taxi companies are allowed to pick up at the airport. The journey to central Auckland will cost around NZ$70 per taxi and take around 30 minutes.

4 great ways to see the best of Auckland before boarding your cruise from Port of Auckland

If I were your Auckland guide, this is where we would go. We have divided your visit into four fantastic days.

It’s essential to do some planning before you cruise from Auckland to ensure you make the most of your time there! Choose what sounds most appealing, where you want to visit, and what suits your budget. Then, allow extra time for exploring without a schedule!

Day 1: Getting to know Auckland

Start your day by familiarizing yourself with Auckland’s central business district. Known as the City of Sails , Auckland is home to more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world!

Start at Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter. The streets are pedestrianized and packed with great cafes and eateries, a good place to return to in the evenings.

From here, walk to Britomart, the city’s central transport hub. Here, you will find the city’s Link buses that take you around Auckland easily and inexpensively. The Edwardian Ferry Terminal is opposite, where you can take a ferry over to Devonport, Waiheke Island, or Tiritiri Matangi Island.

Enjoy brunch or a coffee at Elliott Stables, an excellent international food court in an old industrial-style warehouse. Head down Queen Street and then High Street, Auckland’s main shopping street.

From here, walk through Albert Park to the University of Auckland. Hop on a bus to Domain, Auckland’s largest park, and visit the fantastic Auckland War Memorial Museum. Well worth a visit for the whole family.

A Link bus will take you over to Ponsonby. Packed with trendy shopping, this is a great place to spend a few hours exploring the local shops.

Climb back onto the bus and head to Sky Tower. If a fantastic view over Auckland is a must for you, we recommend you book in advance and visit the Sky Tower at sunset.

The tower stands over 300 meters above street level, and while the entrance fee is pricy, this is also a fantastic place to take the kids. Children 14 and under pay under half the price of an adult, and those under 5 are completely free.

Day 2: Discover Waitakere Ranges and Auckland’s western coastline at Piha Beach

Today we recommend you get out of the city and see the stunning, rugged coastline west of Auckland. To do this and ensure that you see as much as possible, pre-book a guided tour. You will not be sorry.

Today, you visit the Waitakere Ranges. Wear good walking shoes, bring a backpack with water, sunscreen, and your camera!

Start at the Arataki Visitors Center to pick up maps of walking trails. Step outside and walk the path around the visitor’s center for breathtaking panoramic views of the rainforest below you and New Zealand’s famous kauri trees.

Look further, and you’ll see the point where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Follow the Arataki Nature Trail, which takes you on a scenic loop through the Rain Forest.

Bordering the ranges are some fantastic black sand beaches. By bus, you travel from the visitors center to Piha Beach on the west coast. Piha Beach is a black iron-sand beach famous for surfing. Close to the beach, climb Lion Rock for great views, and visit Kitakita Falls, a beautiful 40-meter-high waterfall located about a 30-minute hike from Piha Beach.

Often on a booked excursion, you will be able to finish your day with a walk through Titirangi village before heading back to Auckland.

Day 3: Day trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island

Thirty kilometers northeast of Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf lies the island of Tiritiri Matangi. A protected nature haven for endangered species, you’ll discover hidden beaches and lush forests in this fantastic destination for adults and children of all ages.

Head to the city’s Ferry Terminal and catch the 75-minute ferry over to the island. Note that there is nowhere to buy food on the island, so you must bring a backpack with your supplies. Although a shop sells drinks, bring lots of water with you!

You will also need good walking shoes, sunblock, and a hat. And even a light rain jacket, as the weather is unpredictable, but don’t let that put you off. Often the birds and wildlife are more active after a good downpour.

When your ferry arrives at Tiritiri Matangi Island, you will be met by a ranger. They meet all the visitors arriving by ferry. A short briefing about the island will follow. You must wait until after the briefing before you start exploring. As a first-time visitor, we recommend you join the guided walk from the wharf to the visitors center beside the lighthouse. There is a gift shop and toilet facilities at the visitors center.

The guided walk is a great way to learn all the local knowledge about the history of the island and the plants and animals.

Book your guided walk when you purchase your ferry ticket and be prepared for a fantastic day. Tickets can be purchased online and cost about NZ$90 per adult and half price for children over 5 yrs. After the short guided walk by the ranger, explore the island yourself, following one of the walking tracks.

When hungry, head to Hobbs Beach, just a 15-minute walk from the pier and a perfect spot for a picnic. Remember to ask when the last ferry back to Auckland leaves the island so you make it back to the pier in good time!

Day 4: Devonport, wining, dining & shopping

Start your final day in Auckland with a 12-minute boat ride from The Ferry Terminal to Devonport Wharf on Auckland’s north shore. Initially settled by the Maori and later colonized by the Europeans, Devonport is our favorite Auckland suburb.

From Devonport Wharf, walk along the stunning high street, Victoria Road. This quaint historic town offers postcard-perfect views back over to the city from Mount Victoria, just a 20-minute walk from the pier.

Head towards the summit; alternatively, if you don’t want the walk, rent a bike or segway from the pier and take the easy way up. If you do a self-tour of Devonport, you can download the tour directly onto your smartphone.

In the afternoon, visit the Britomart precinct. There are often events and activities year-round in this lively area. Try the seasonal menu at Amano or the flavors of Ostro, located in the Seafarers Building and known for its locally sourced ingredients.

Live, breathe and enjoy this wonderful city for four days before heading to the Port of Auckland. Your hotel can pre-book a taxi for you for your transfer to the airport. Just let them know what time you must check in. Remember to check your cruise ticket to determine which port your cruise ship. Most of the time, Celebrity Cruises use Princes Wharf.

Start imagining your New Zealand journey. Visit their official website by clicking www.newzealand.com .

Meet the author: With more than 20 years experience from the travel industry, Mattias offers tips, expert advice and a unique perspective anchored in having worked with market leading cruise lines, tour operators, consolidators, airlines and hospitality suppliers. Read more..

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10 Amazing Things To Do In Auckland Cruise Port + Port Guide

Welcome to Auckland cruise port, New Zealand!

Also known as “The City of Sails” due to its location, Auckland is the largest metropolitan city on the North Island of New Zealand with a population of around 1.45 million. Based around 2 large harbours, with its iconic Sky Tower that dominates the city panorama, Auckland is an incredibly beautiful city offering lots of opportunities and growing potential. In this Auckland travel guide, read about:

• Auckland cruise port (Auckland cruise terminal, getting around the port)
• 10 amazing things to do in Auckland cruise port & best Auckland shore excursions

Also visit our cruise port guides to Milford Sound , Bay of Islands , Tauranga , Napier , Wellington , Dunedin , Picton , Akaroa

Auckland Cruise Port

Auckland port is the turnaround cruise port of New Zealand, which means that cruise ships start and end their cruise in Auckland.

Auckland cruise port is located at Waitemata Harbour. Cruise vessels dock at Shed 10, located on Queens Wharf (Auckland’s primary cruise berth), or sometimes at Princes Wharf , both extremely close to downtown (you just cross the street and within a 5-minute walk you’ll reach the heart of the city).

Auckland cruise terminal involves 5 minutes of walking on a flat surface with lots of stairs or an elevator available instead. Tourists with mobility issues or using a device can use elevators. The terminal building has two levels and features facilities including a tour information desk, the New Zealand Customs Service, check-in,  luggage storage, and an x-ray screening area. Toilets and local maps are provided on the first floor.

The port of Auckland is also a major containership and ferry port in New Zealand. The Downtown Ferry terminal is located on Auckland’s waterfront, right next to Auckland Cruise Ship Terminal.

Major cruise lines sailing from/to Auckland include Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Line, Silversea, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Azamara and Oceania Cruises.

Getting Around the Port of Auckland

• Upon exiting the cruise terminal, you will see Auckland Harbor surrounded by lots of restaurants where you can enjoy local sweets or a very tasty lunch.
• The harbor is full of incredible small ships, yachts, America’s Cup Race yachts, Regatta, and sailing ships. Close to the dock, you will find several city highlights such as The Winter Gardens (30 minutes walk), the Maritime Museum (10 minutes walk), the Sky Tower (20 minutes walk), the Art Gallery (15 minutes walk), and many others.
• The city offers an amazing dining and shopping experience with multiple shops, designer stores, restaurants, bars and choices for everyone. Auckland boasts a strong Maori and Polynesian heritage that provides the city with a unique cosmopolitan vibe and expect to meet a lot of different nationalities during your visit.
• You can also book an Auckland Hop on Hop off bus tour that includes stops at major attractions of Downtown Auckland.
• The downtown is partially flat, however, some streets have cobblestones. Please consider that the city is extremely crowded which might be challenging for guests with mobility difficulties.
• Auckland Airport is located 22 km/13.5 miles south of the city, or a 25-minute drive (depending on the traffic).
• The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). 1 US dollar equals 1.65 NZ dollars. See the currency converter
• Book a private transfer to/from Auckland cruise port
• Explore Auckland tours and activities
• Find hotels in Auckland

10 Amazing Things to Do in Auckland Cruise Port

1. auckland harbour bridge.

The iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge is probably the most famous highlight of the city and a must-see attraction for first-timers. This spectacular eight-lane bridge is the second-longest road bridge in New Zealand stretching over 1 km/0.6 mile, offering  extraordinary 360-degree views of the vibrant city.

The bridge rises 43 meters/141 feet above high water, offering a unique photo opportunity you can’t miss! The bridge also offers bungee jumping facilities and a bridge climb with views of the city and the harbour. 

Driving time from the Auckland port to the Harbour Bridge is approximately 15-20 minutes each way, depending on the traffic. This activity is considered moderate to strenuous.

In case you book a climbing experience, no cameras, phones or any item can be carried on the bridge. Wet weather gear will be provided and the climb suits. There will be a third party making photos of you for an extra fee (cash only).

Check out Auckland Harbour Bridge tours and activities

2. Fly over Auckland by Seaplane

Embark on a thrilling adventure and experience Auckland from a whole new perspective! Not only will you enjoy spectacular views of the heart of Auckland city but you will also have a unique opportunity to fly over Rangitoto Volcano, Auckland’s youngest volcano with breathtaking views of the crater!

You will fly over Motutapu Island to Waiheke Island, famous for its stunning beaches and wineries. Your flight is normally narrated so you’ll learn about the islands and Auckland’s history. On your return, you will pass by Motuihe Island (Te Motu-a-Ihenga) and Browns Island (Motukorea) before landing back at the harbor.

The flight base is located around a 15-minute drive away from the port but can also be reachable within walking distance – a very nice walk, however, keep in mind that the city is always crowded so you may reach the base faster on foot. Once you arrive at the flight base, a safety briefing will be provided before embarking on a seaplane. Try not to wear valuables or a backpack and travel as lightly as possible.

The seaplane experience lasts around 45 minutes and the flight itself is about 20 to 25 minutes, however, it may depend on the tour operator and tour description. You’ll get amazing photo opportunities during your flight so make sure you bring your camera !

Check out Auckland Seaplane tours and activities

3. 360-degree View from the Sky Tower

Are you looking to enjoy spectacular, 360-degree panoramic views of the city and the islands? Well, you should head to the iconic Sky Tower, a 328-meter (1,076 ft) tall telecommunications and observation tower and the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere! From its observation deck, you can admire the stunning views of the city and its popular attractions including the Hauraki Gulf (Tīkapa Moana) and the Great Barrier Island (on a sunny and clear day) which is about 60 miles away.

The Sky Tower is part of the SkyCity Auckland casino complex and consists of three main levels where you’ll find cafes, restaurants and “SkyJump”, a 192-meter (630 ft) jump from the observation deck.

Traveling time from the Auckland cruise port to the Sky Tower is approximately 30 minutes on foot, or a 10-minute drive depending on the traffic. The visit involves a minimum of walking, elevators can be used. Sky Tower is wheelchair accessible.

Check out Sky Tower tours and activities

4. Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium

If you love penguins and want to explore the fascinating marine world, this is the place you shouldn’t miss once you reach Auckland! Named after New Zealand’s marine archaeologist and diver Kelly Tarlton, this amazing sea life aquarium is home to the world’s largest colony of aquatic Antarctica penguins and many other spectacular sea creatures.

Some of the main features include the Antarctic Encounter and the Underwater World, with numerous acrylic tunnels, exhibitions, shows, and a moving walkway with tons of fish and sharks swimming around and above you. Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium is located approximately a 15-minute drive from the dock.

5. Rangitoto Island

If you are interested in the rocky landscape that New Zealand has to offer, head over to the largest dormant volcano reaching a height of 260 m (850 ft), located right across Rangitoto Channel!

The island was created 600 years ago by volcano eruptions and is the youngest of the approximately 50 volcanoes of the Auckland volcanic field. Rangitoto Island is home to the world’s largest pohutukawa forest and the most popular getaway from the hustle and bustle of Auckland’s city center.

If you prefer an active holiday, you can hike up to the summit (approximately 1 hour each way) or take a land train to the top. The views from the summit are absolutely stunning and the experience is well worth it!

You can reach the island on a guided tour (any guided tour will take you to the rugged lava crops) or via regular ferries from Auckland harbour. A ferry ride takes around 30 minutes each way. To reach the Auckland Ferry Terminal from the dock you need to walk for at least 20 minutes.

Check out Rangitoto Island tours and activities

6. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Very few places in the world boast glowworm caves and New Zealand is one of them! The world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves are located around 192 km/119 miles southeast of Auckland and allow visitors to admire the entire stunning cave complex featuring incredible underground formations thousands of years old.

The glow worms illuminate the ancient caves like a constellation of stars and what makes this place so fascinating is that they don’t move or attack, they simply glow and produce an incredible light!

Traveling time from the Auckland port to Waitomo Caves is at least 2h 45 minutes each way. On a guided walking tour, you can learn about the cave system from a very knowledgeable guide and see the spectacular rock formations.

No photography is permitted inside the glowworm caves which makes the whole experience even more interesting. It’s very hard to describe in words how incredible the caves are in reality, and this experience is highly recommended!

Tips : Travel as lightly as possible, as it’s very warm inside the cave. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory (be mindful of the slippery surfaces). The caves are not recommended for tourists who have claustrophobia or are afraid of the dark. Bring insect repellent and some local currency.

Check out Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours and activities

7. Waiheke Island 

Waiheke Island is the second-largest island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand and is famous for its world-class wine, beautiful beaches (OneroaBeach, Palm Beach, Onetangi Beach…) and stunning views. Known as the “island of wine”, Waiheke Island offers a wide range of activities including winery and wine tasting tours, kayaking, zipline experience, and so much more!

Waiheke Island has a lot of breathtaking views of cliffs, fascinating rock channels, and hidden caves that offer splendid views of the ocean. One of the most popular activities is kayaking through Waiheke Island, however, keep in mind that this activity is considered very strenuous with extended periods of standing and paddling. The ferry drop-off point is located within walking distance of the kayak base station.

The island’s climate is favorable for growing Bordeaux-type grapes, though some Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc varieties are considered extremely good! Waiheke winegrowers regularly win awards and their wines rank among the best ones in the world.

If you are a wine lover, it’s highly recommended to book one of the wine-tasting tours where you get to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the region.

You can reach Waiheke Island by a 45-minute ferry ride from Auckland harbour. If you decide to do the zipline , you should know that from the ferry drop-off point is another 30-minute drive to the location where a safety briefing will be provided.

Check out Waiheke Island tours and activities

8. Hobbiton – Lord of the Rings 

If you are a fan of the epic “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” trilogies, then the Hobbiton Movie Set is a must-see place! Get ready for a “precious” day in New Zealand’s charming countryside and visit the magical village of the Shire where some of the major scenes from these legendary movies were shot!

At the Hobbiton Movie Set, you can admire the same landscapes that you’ve seen in the movie, including lakes, rolling hills, and 44 permanently reconstructed Hobbit holes (exterior visit only, except for one hole that you can visit inside). You can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a 2-hour guided walking tour only, and all tours depart from the Shire’s Rest.

Hobbiton village is located 181 km/113 miles south of Auckland and it takes at least 2h30 minutes to reach it (each way). If your cruise ship docks at Tauranga , I suggest you book a tour from Tauranga as it takes around 1.5 hours each way.

Check out Hobbiton tours and activities from Auckland  

9. Snowplanet

Snowplanet is a recreation center located 37 km/23 miles northwest of Auckland (a 35-minute drive) known for its indoor skiing and snowboarding facilities on artificial snow. The slope is around 200 meters long and fully covered with snow, a perfect place for families and those in search of winter vibes!

Snowplanet is a very popular and requested attraction where you can purchase a snow pass for unlimited skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing. It’s suitable for all levels and ages. A restaurant and facilities are available on-site.

10. Maori Cultural Center – Te Hana

Te Hana Te Ao Marama Maori Cultural Centre is an ideal place if you are looking to learn about the fascinating history, culture and traditions of New Zealand. Located a 1h 15-minute drive north of Auckland, the Maori Cultural Center features various displays and exhibits on Maori arts and offers an immersive Maori cultural experience. Take a walk through the 17th-century Maori village, witness Maori ceremonies, tribal songs and dances, and delight in authentic Maori cuisine!

Traveling time from the Auckland pier to Te Hana Te Ao Marama Maori Cultural Centre is at least 1 hr 30 minutes each way, depending on the traffic.

Check out Auckland Maori tours and activities

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Cruises from Auckland

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Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $216 pp not included.

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Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $275 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $155 pp not included.

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Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $105 pp not included.

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Cruises from Auckland

Come aboard a P&O Cruise ship from Auckland and discover a range of travel destinations near and far. Take a Classic One-Way Short Break cruise from Auckland to Melbourne with a stopover at the Bay of Islands for kayaking in the Haruru Falls or a Catamaran Cruise to the magnificent Cape Brett Lighthouse. Become a Kiwi Explorer as you travel through Akaroa, or uncover treasures at Mystery Island on the Bounty Discovery cruise. Embark on a Main Event Cruise for The Big Laugh Comedy Festival at sea, or stray further away from New Zealand on our Fiji Encounter and Pacific Island Hopper cruises. Whichever destination you decide on, you’ll be in terrific company with P&O Cruises.

View Cruises from Auckland

New Zealand: The edge of the wilderness

From Wellington to Fiordland, a P&O Cruise covers all the best travel destinations across the beautiful island nation. Cruise from Auckland to discover the best-untouched beauty you'll ever find in New Zealand, Aotearoa.

A city on the edge of pristine wilderness sounds unreal, doesn’t it? Welcome to Auckland. Set on 53 dormant volcanic cones, Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city and the gateway to the rest of Aotearoa (the current Māori name for New Zealand). Don’t miss the brightly coloured sailing boats zipping around sparkling Waitemata Harbour and bush walks into the rainforest-covered hills. Hosting more than just natural beauty, Auckland is a thriving metropolis with some of the nation's best food, coffee, bars, all brimming with cultural appeal.

Princes Wharf

147 Quay Street, Auckland New Zealand

Distance to/from City: within CBD Distance to/from Auckland Airport: 21.5km/25mins Public Transport: at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry

Queens Wharf

150 Quay Street, Auckland New Zealand

Pacific Explorer will soon call New Zealand home

P&O Cruises are excited to announce that Pacific Explorer will be sailing from Auckland in 2023.

With so many activities onboard, Cruiselings will love the expanded choice in dining, entertainment, activities, and the contemporary, modern design throughout.

From Auckland

Check out the best cruises from or to auckland. plus our great value fly/cruise deals including flights from auckland. other cities available on request.

Cruises from Auckland usually operate from October to April on brands such as; Celebrity Cruises , Princess Cruises , P&O Australia , Cunard , Holland America, Oceania , Regent Seven Seas, Azamara, Seabourn,  Silversea , Ponant, Norwegian Cruise lines, Windstar and from summer 2023/24 Disney Cruise Lines & Virgin Voyages There are a great selection of New Zealand cruises, plus Round-trip P&O Mini Cruises which are the perfect taster of a cruise. Have fun with friends & family on our super popular Theme Cruises including 80’s party at sea, Country Music Festival, Tribute to the King, Comedy Cruises or Food & Wine getaways. South Pacific Cruises from Auckland to Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tonga, Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa are also available on Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Silversea, Ponant, Windstar and P&O Australia. Plus seasonal one way cruises direct from Auckland to Tahiti and Trans Pacific.  Over the Kiwi summer small ship expedition cruises, offer amazing journeys to the New Zealand Sub Antarctic islands, Fiordland and the Chatham Islands. Expedition cruises from Auckland, Dunedin or Christchurch on Silversea, Ponant, Coral Expeditions and Lindblad, check out our  New Zealand cruise section for details 

Popular Cruises from Auckland

Princess Cruises

Holland America

P&O Cruises

Disney Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Favourite Cruises from Auckland

Royal Princess Getaway

Royal Princess

From $ 1399 Price Per Person (NZD)

CRUISE, STAY & FLY PACKAGE INCLUDES: * 6 Night Cruise Auckland to Sydney * 1 Night Hotel stay in Sydney * Flights Sydney to Auckland * Gratuities additional, allow US$96pp CRUISE ITINERARY: Auckland | Picton & Marlborough Sounds | Sydney

Travel From

Celebrity Edge South Pacific

Celebrity Edge

From $ 2244 Price Per Person (NZD)

Enjoy a fabulous Celebrity Edge round trip cruise from Auckland to the South Pacific with No International flights required. Auckland | Bay Of Islands (Paihia) | Suva, Fiji Islands | Lautoka, Fiji | Apia, Samoa | Pago Pago, American Samoa | Auckland

April 25 School Hols Cruise

Pacific Explorer

From $ 1255 Price Per Person (NZD)

* Auckland roundtrip Pacific Islands Cruise * Visit 3 Pacific Islands * No International Flights Required * Interior Twin Room from $1255 pp * Oceanview Twin Room from $1465 pp * Balcony Twin Room from $1775 pp * Mini Suite Twin Room from $3135 pp * Gratuities Included

April School Hols Fiji Cruise

From $ 1229 price per person (nzd).

* 9 Night Auckland roundtrip Fiji Cruise * Visit 3 destinations in Fiji * No International Flights Required * Interior Twin Room from $1229 pp * Oceanview Twin Room from $1465 pp * Balcony Twin Room from $1795 pp * Mini Suite Twin Room from $3135 pp * Gratuities Included

July School Hols Fiji Cruise

From $ 1305 price per person (nzd).

* 9 Night Auckland roundtrip Fiji Cruise * Visit 3 destinations in Fiji * No International Flights Required * Interior Twin Room from $1305 pp * Oceanview Twin Room from $1619 pp * Balcony Twin Room from $2089 pp * Mini Suite Twin Room from $3135 pp * Gratuities Included

July 25 School Hols Cruise

From $ 1225 price per person (nzd).

* Auckland roundtrip Pacific Islands Cruise * Visit 3 Pacific Islands * No International Flights Required * Interior Twin Room from $1225 pp * Oceanview Twin Room from $1430 pp * Balcony Twin Room from $1745 pp * Mini Suite Twin Room from $2925 pp * Gratuities Included

Picton & Marlborough Sounds

From $ 837 price per person (nzd).

Last few Rooms. A fantastic Mini break with friends or family to see & taste the best of the Marlborough wine region. Includes Theme Parties, Comedy shows & more

Disney Magic at Sea Auckland return

Disney Wonder

From $ 987 Price Per Person (NZD)

Disney Magic at Sea is back for a second season in 2024 so you can enjoy a magical cruise direct from Auckland. Meet your favourite characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars & Pixar on a fantastic family getaway.

Disney Magic at Sea Auckland to Sydney

From $ 1459 price per person (nzd).

Experience the Disney Magic at Sea sailings from Auckland to Sydney. 4 Nights fully loaded with: accommodation, all main meals, an amazing range of themed dining venues and world class entertainment like only Disney knows how. Perfectly timed to arrive in Australia for the Christmas break

Waitangi Weekend Wine

Crown Princess

From $ 985 Price Per Person (NZD)

A fantastic opportunity to enjoy the wine regions of Marlborough & Hawkes Bay on one great trip. Roundtrip from Auckland it’s the perfect escape with friends & family

Bounty Cruise

From $ 1620 price per person (nzd).

Auckland to Auckland 10 Night Cruise Last Few Rooms Pricing from: Interior Quad Room from $1599 pp Oceanview Quad Room from $1911pp Balcony Quad Room from $2024pp Gratuities Included

Auckland Anniversary Stunner

From $ 2617 price per person (nzd).

AUCKLAND ROUND-TRIP See the best of New Zealand PLUS Australia's favourite city on this round trip voyage Auckland | Tauranga | Picton & Marlborough Sounds | Wellington | Christchurch | Port Chalmers (Dunedin), | Fjordland | Sydney | Bay of Islands (Paihia) | Auckland. BOOK BY 24 APRIL AND RECEIVE AUD$335 ONBOARD CREDIT!

Taste of NZ Cruise

From $ 1297 price per person (nzd).

Treat yourself to a Taste of New Zealand Cruise from Auckland | Tauranga | Napier | Wellington | Picton & Marlborough Sounds | Sydney * Interior Twin Room from $1297pp * Oceanview Twin Room from $1660pp * Balcony Twin Room from $2185pp * Mini Suites from $3278pp Book Now & receive Bonus Cruise Cash per room Onboard Gratuities are additional allow approx US$116pp

Fiji Encounter Cruise

From $ 1539 price per person (nzd).

* Auckland to Auckland Fiji Cruise * No International Flights Required * Interior Twin Room from $1539 pp * Oceanview Twin Room from $1819 pp * Balcony Twin Room from $2045 pp * Gratuities Included

Fiji Encounter

From $ 1361 price per person (nzd).

* Auckland to Auckland Fiji Cruise * No International Flights Required * Interior Twin Room from $1361 pp * Oceanview Twin Room from $1775 pp * Balcony Twin Room from $2015 pp * Gratuities Included

Pacific Islands July School Hols

From $ 1748 price per person (nzd).

* Auckland to Auckland South Pacific Cruise * No International Flights Required * Interior Twin Room from $1957 pp * Oceanview Twin Room from $2339 pp * Balcony Twin Room from $2705 pp * Gratuities Included

New Zealand No Fly Cruise

From $ 2589 price per person (nzd).

Cruise New Zealand round-trip from Auckland No International flights required. Auckland | Tauranga | Wellington | Christchurch | Port Chalmers (Dunedin) | Fjordland | Sydney | Bay Of Islands (Paihia) | Auckland

Journey to Asia

From $ 3552 price per person (nzd).

A fantastic Journey to Asia from Auckland | Sydney | Brisbane | Airlie Beach | Darwin | Lombok, Indonesia | Penang, Malaysia | Port Kelang (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia | Singapore

Country Music Cruise

From $ 741 price per person (nzd).

The Country Music at Sea Festival is back in New Zealand in 2024 with 3 nights of Boot Scootin fun and Good times y'all. 

Comedy Cruise

From $ 428 price per person (nzd).

Time to laugh again! Get in to the fun on this 3 night Mini Cruise to nowhere, the perfect funscape with Friends & Family roundtrip comedy cruise from Auckland

Best of New Zealand

From $ 2699 price per person (nzd).

FLY & CRUISE PACKAGE INCLUDES: * 14 Night Holland America Westerdam cruise Auckland to Sydney * Flights Sydney to Auckland CRUISE ITINERARY: Auckland, New Zealand | Tauranga, New Zealand | Napier, New Zealand | Wellington, New Zealand | Picton, New Zealand | Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand | Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand | Hobart, Australia | Melbourne, Australia | Sydney

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Cruise to Auckland

Auckland Cruises: Your guide to cruising to the New Zealand capital

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Frequently asked questions

There’s so much to see in Auckland! You’ll instantly spot the famous Sky Tower soaring above the city skyline – you can ride to the top for sweeping views and even jump off on a wired base jump (if you’re feeling brave). Other exciting Auckland experiences include bungy jumping and jet boat rides. Take a scenic cruise through the Hauraki Gulf to look for wildlife, catch a ferry to Rangitoto Island to hike through lava fields, or spend the day indulging on the gourmet paradise of Waiheke Island. Learn about history at the Auckland Museum and enjoy a traditional Maori cultural performance.

Cruises run to Auckland all year-round, but the peak season is during the summer months from November to April.

An Auckland cruise is perfect for families. On day cruises around Auckland Harbour, kids will love spotting dolphins or hiking dormant volcanoes. Longer cruises calling at Auckland will offer family-friendly fun on board, like kids’ clubs, waterparks and entertainment, as well as shore excursions that suit all ages.

Most cruises will include meals at all or some of the restaurants on board. They may feature New Zealand cuisine and fresh produce, like seafood or lamb, as well as world-class Kiwi wine. Short cruises around Auckland Harbour are often themed around lunch or dinner, giving you a taste of New Zealand paired with gorgeous scenery.

For day trips around Auckland or overnight adventures into the Hauraki Gulf, you can charter luxury yachts with all the services of a five-star hotel. Many of the world’s top luxury cruise lines also visit Auckland on their New Zealand itineraries – try Scenic, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Ponant and Seabourn.

As long as you like. You can take a day trip to one of the harbour islands, sail on short voyages of just a few days around other New Zealand ports, travel further into the South Pacific or Australia on cruises of around 14 days, or set off on grand Transpacific adventures lasting more than a month.

Yes, many cruises will immerse you in the vibrant Kiwi culture and authentic Maori traditions. This may include live music, dance, traditional performances and workshops held on board.

You can keep things casual when packing for an Auckland cruise. Be aware that temperatures are moderate, even in summer, and nights are always cool so bring something warm. You’ll also need your swimsuit, a hat and sturdy walking shoes. If you’re cruising in winter, be prepared for cold, wind and rain.

Absolutely! The Hauraki Gulf, which surrounds Auckland and its coastline, has more than one million hectares of pristine ocean that’s home to an abundance of marine life. Hop on a sightseeing cruise to spot dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, sting rays, sharks and large schools of fish. Auckland is also one of the few places in the world where you can see whales all year round and Hauraki Gulf is home to a resident population of the endangered Bryde’s whale. Seabirds abound as well, with penguins, petrels, shearwaters, gannets and more regularly spotted.

Auckland Airport is the largest and busiest in New Zealand. It is well-connected by air, with regular flights to international and domestic destinations, including multiple daily flight to Australian capital cities. The airport is just a short drive from the main cruise terminal.

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Auckland - Cruise Overview

Central Business District (CBD), Auckland

By Fraser Clements

Auckland is the main hub for cruise ships to New Zealand. It is New Zealand's largest city, with a population of more than 1.3 million people.

Known as the city of sails, Auckland is built on a narrow strip of land surrounded by two harbours, dotted with 50 picturesque islands. For a popular metropolis, it certainly has a lot of natural beauty on offer. Volcanic cones, forest parks and stunning beaches are all within easy reach. In downtown Auckland you can enjoy world-class dining, shopping, and sights. Favourite cultural attractions include the Auckland Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery. If you've a mind to explore, visit the island volcano of Rangitoto, or head to Waiheke, known as 'the island of wine' each are within a 40 minute ferry ride of your port.

Britomart, Auckland

By Camilla Rutherford

Sunset views from Rangitoto Summit, Auckland

By Todd Eyre

City skyline at Mount Eden, Auckland

By Auckland Tourism

Devonport, Auckland, Auckland

By Tourism New Zealand

Popular onshore activities in Auckland

• Visit the Sky Tower  and travel 328 metres up in glass fronted lifts to the spectacular viewing platforms. Family members who are 10 years or over might like to do a Sky walk or Sky jump!
• Experience New Zealand's rich history at the Auckland Museum . Daily Maori cultural performances include a welcome dance, poi dance, stick game, weaponry display and haka.
• Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World (opens in new window) gets you up close and personal with sharks and penguins. 
• Explore the Viaduct Harbour area that hosted the America’s Cup; the waterfront boasts a wide array of excellent restaurants and cafes. Go sailing on an America’s Cup yacht, or if you're feeling brave, try bridge climbing, bungy jumping or jet boating ! 
• Auckland offers outstanding shopping, with New Zealand labels like Karen Walker, Workshop, Zambesi and World. Head to High Street and Chancery Lane for the top shops. 
• Go sightseeing! Visit the summit of  Mount Eden , a dormant volcano that last erupted about 15,000 years ago or take a tour to the Waitakere Ranges or black sand beaches which lie to the west of the city.

Getting around

Cruise ships will berth at either Princes or Queens Wharf, which are both in downtown Auckland.

Auckland is the main hub for cruise ships to New Zealand. Upon arrival you will be greeted by friendly and helpful locals who can supply maps and important information such as where to find money changing facilities.

Both cruise ship berths in Auckland are handy to shopping, dining and all sorts of urban comforts. There are many transport options, and if you need local assistance, you can call into an i-SITE Visitor Information Centre. There’s one at the end of Princes Wharf.

Auckland's central city area is an easy walk from your cruise ship berth. Queen Street is the city's main street; but there's great dining all along the waterfront, and great shopping along city's side streets. Ask at the i-SITE Visitor Information Centre for tips on where to shop.

Public buses

It’s easy to get around the inner city and surrounding suburbs on Auckland’s modern public bus network. A bus to locations in the central city will cost approximately NZ$2, while bus trips to the suburbs will be approximately NZ$3-5.

Freephone 0800 10 30 80  or visit https://at.govt.nz/ (opens in new window) for timetables and fares.

Hop on Hop off Bus

You can visit Auckland's top attractions with Auckland Explorer Bus . Hop on at the waterfront stop, close to both cruise ship terminals, and hop off at attractions including Kelly Tarlton's, Auckland Museum, Mt Eden, the Auckland Zoo and the Sky Tower. Your pass also includes a free Devonport ferry ticket. Buses every 15-30 mins.

A one-day ticket costs $45 for adults and $20 for children (age 14 and under). For more, see www.explorerbus.co.nz (opens in new window)

Taxis are available to take you into the centre of Auckland from Princes or Queens Wharf. Corporate Cabs can be contacted on  (09) 377 0773 , or visit online at www.corporatecabs.co.nz (opens in new window)

Corporate Cabs accepts New Zealand dollars and major credit cards.

It’s a good idea to book rental cars in advance. Find a rental car  in Auckland.

Fullers offer ferry services between downtown Auckland, the historical suburb of Devonport on Auckland's north shore, and the nearby islands of Waiheke and Rangitoto. One way tickets cost from NZ$6. Visit www.fullers.co.nz (opens in new window) for timetables and fares. 

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Watch CBS News

Holland America crewmember missing after going overboard before vessel docks at Port Everglades

By Hunter Geisel

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 4:52 PM EDT / CBS Miami

FORT LAUDERDALE  — A search is underway for a cruise ship crewmember who went overboard while the vessel was still at sea before docking in South Florida this weekend.

Around 11:18 a.m. Saturday, deputies with the Broward County Sheriff's Office Port Everglades District responded to a report of a missing crewmember on a Holland America cruise ship.

According to Holland America, the crew member was reported missing when the Rotterdam vessel docked in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday. After reviewing the security camera video, the crew member went "purposefully overboard" around 9:45 p.m. Friday while the vessel was still en route between Cuba and Key West, the cruise line told CBS News Miami.

BSO's Homicide and Crime Scene units have responded to Port Everglades to investigate, while the U.S. Coast has been notified and is currently searching the sea for the crew member.

"All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the team member's family at this difficult time," the cruise line shared in a statement with CBS News Miami.

This is a developing story. Tune into CBS News Miami on-air and online for the latest updates.

• South Florida
• Fort Lauderdale
• Cruise Ship
• Broward County

Hunter Geisel is a digital producer at CBS News Miami. Hunter has previously produced digital content for local and national outlets, covering several topics from breaking news and current events to politics and pop culture.

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I only book a Disney cruise if it's going to the company's private island, Castaway Cay

• I've taken eight Disney cruises, and I always book a sailing that stops at  Castaway Cay .
• Castaway Cay is the company's private island and I love its adults-only beach area.
• You can buy exclusive merch on the island and see Disney characters in special themed costumes.

Cruise bookings are predicted to reach record highs this year, but not all itineraries are created equally — especially if you're looking to sail with Disney Cruise Line.

Over the past decade, I've taken eight Disney cruises with my family and friends. When I book, I always make sure Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is on the port of call.

Here's why you might want to do the same.

I love that the ship docks right at the island, so there are no tender ships involved

One of the biggest perks of Castaway Cay is that the ship docks right at the island.

Some other cruise line's private islands, like Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay, don't have a dock, so cruisers must take tender ships (small boats) from the cruise ship to the island.

I hate taking tender ships, which can feel like a bit of a time sink, so this is a big bonus to me.

Getting around the island is easy with the complimentary tram

Castaway Cay is about 1,000 acres — though not all of it's developed — so it can take a while to talk to and from the ship to different spots on the island.

Fortunately, the island has a complimentary tram that I always use to get around the island.

The tram takes cruisers from a station near the ship to two other tram stops for the family beaches, and one tram stop at the adults-only beach .

This makes getting around the island with all of my beach gear easy.

Related stories

Speaking of gear, at Castaway Cay, cruisegoers can borrow free towels as soon as they get off of the ship. There are plenty of towel-return stations around the island, so I also never have to carry wet, sandy towels back on the ship.

I always stop to see the Disney characters in their cute beachwear

I enjoy seeing the Disney characters on the ship, but love seeing Mickey and his pals even more at Castaway Cay.

Characters usually meet in the morning from around 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., but exact times can always be found on the Disney Cruise Line app.

The best part about seeing the characters is that the lines to take pictures with them are never long. On a recent sailing, I saw Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto all in 30 minutes. That would never happen in a Disney park.

And if you're a fellow character hunter like me, Mickey and the gang all have Castaway Cay exclusive outfits, which are adorable and make for great family photos.

I always take advantage of every chance to hang out at the adults-only beach

One thing I love about Disney Cruise Line and Castaway Cay is that there are plenty of adults-only spaces where kids are strictly not allowed. On the island, that spot is Serenity Bay Beach.

This peaceful chair-lined beach is a quiet spot away from the family beach, where I can sit back and enjoy the view or take a chair down to the water and let the waves crash over me.

Plus, just off Serenity Bay Beach is a fun beachside bar serving up drinks and snacks.

There's also the adults-only lunch spot where I always enjoy a beachside barbecue. My favorite things on the lunch menu are the ribs and macaroni salad .

Before returning to the ship, I send a postcard from the island and check out the special merchandise

I always make a point to stop in at the various shops near the family beach to see the Castaway Cay merchandise. On a recent trip, the shops had everything from spirit jerseys and T-shirts to Christmas ornaments and swimsuits.

And, before I head back to the ship, I stop at the Castaway Cay post office to send postcards back home.

The postcards I use can be found in the desk drawer of Disney Cruise Line staterooms, and are free to take. If you don't want to send the cute postcards off, you can also keep them as souvenirs.

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Cruise to Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in auckland.

Taonga of the Maori

View of Auckland, New Zealand from Mount Eden

Visit the Auckland Museum to learn about the history, culture and treasures ( taonga ) of the Maori. A Maori cultural performance takes place several times daily concluding with a very loud haka , the traditional version of the dance the local All Blacks rugby team uses to intimidate opponents.

Adrenaline Junkies

New Zealand is famous for adrenaline-boosting activities like bungee jumping and Zorbing. During your New Zealand cruise, get a rush by climbing the Auckland Harbour Bridge, then bungee-jump off it. Walk the outside of the 630-foot-tall Sky Tower. You can even base jump all the way down, flying for 11 seconds at more than 50 miles per hour.

Local Cuisine

With the world's highest coffee roasters per capita, New Zealand is all about cafe culture. Though it's debated whether it was invented by Australians or Kiwis, drink a flat white while the kids have a fluffy, foamed milk with chocolate and marshmallow treats. Cruise to Auckland and seek out a hip farm-to-table spot for pastured-raised lamb roast, or feast on whitebait fritters or green-lipped mussels at a waterfront seafood spot.

Souvenirs with New Zealand's unofficial emblem, the silver fern, are popular; rugby fans will want one in the form of All Blacks' paraphernalia. Pick up some raw Manuka honey; many believe it has medicinal benefits. Kids young and young at heart will love anything with a kiwi bird on it.

Best Deals to Auckland, New Zealand

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