Cruise port
Cruises from Auckland
Auckland on Waitematā Harbour: Queens Wharf, Princes Wharf and routes between the cruise berths, waterfront and city centre.
Photo: Markus Lenk
Auckland is a cruise port on Waitematā Harbour. The quays are on the central waterfront; the berth assigned to the ship determines the meeting point and the route back on board.
Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf
The port identifies Shed 10 at Queens Wharf as its primary cruise berth; nearby Princes Wharf serves as a secondary berth. Both are close to the central business and entertainment district. The port’s information helps with orientation, but does not replace the berth details for an individual call.
The official cruise ship schedule distinguishes between pilot time and arrival at the quay. The listed expected arrival time is when the ship takes the pilot on board. It takes approximately an hour and a half to travel from the pilot station to the berth. For a ship already in port, the schedule describes the arrival as “first line ashore”—the moment the first line is put ashore. This port time should not be confused with the time passengers are able to disembark.
Waterfront and city centre
Well-known city destinations include Sky Tower, Auckland Museum and the city centre’s residential and shopping districts. If you have a short port call, first confirm the quay and time alongside, then choose no more than one destination farther away. Public transport can add to journey times if connections or traffic are poor. Even for a walk along the waterfront, allow time to return to the correct quay, as Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf are next to each other but are not the same berth.
Central location and airport
Alongside its central location, Port of Auckland also cites its proximity to the international airport as a guide for getting there.
Plan your stay
For a short stay on the central waterfront, a rental car can add extra hassle due to the need to find parking. It is a better option if your trip includes an independent stay outside the city centre before or after the port call and pickup and drop-off arrangements are clear. Any excursion to the surrounding area should fit the actual time alongside. If you need to get to the airport after your cruise, allow time not only for the journey but also for disembarkation, collecting your luggage and getting from the quay to the pickup point.
Auckland port map
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On shore
Excursions around Auckland (New Zealand)
Highlights of Auckland
The excursion begins with a coach trip through the city of Auckland to the Hauraki Gulf and Mount Eden, New Zealand's highest peak. The trip then continues to Auckland's park districts. A round trip of the harbour past the Auckland Museum to the historic village of Parnell. A drive down Tamaki Drive to the sandy beaches of Okahu Bay and Mission Bay. The tour ends with a stop at Auckland's West Harbour, home of the famous Harbour Bridge and the Thousand Boats which gave Auckland its nickname of the City of Sails.
Waitomo Caves
The excursion begins with a coach trip through the Waikato Valley to the city of Hamilton. From there it's onwards to Te Awamutu, New Zealand's city of roses, and Otorohanga, site of the Kiwi House. The trip then continues to Crosshills, where you can stroll through the English Garden and enjoy a choice of local dishes for lunch. Next stop is the Waitomo Glow-worm Caves, the highlight of the tour. Here the participants will go on a boat trip along a subterranean river, illuminated by thousands of tiny glow-worms. The return trip to Auckland passes Ngaruawahia and Huntly.
From coast to coast
The excursion begins with a drive to the wine-growing areas of Kumeu and Huapai. It's then onwards to the extensive Muriwai beach on the jagged west coast. From the cliff-tops you get a great view of the beaches and you can take a short walk to get to know the animals and plants of the region. The trip then continues through farming country to the 140 ha. Abbotsford farm, where there will be a demonstration of sheep-shearing. The farmer will then invite you to morning tea. The return trip to Auckland takes the participants past the Waitoki and Dairy Flat farms.
