The largest city in New Zealand, Auckland is a bustling, cosmopolitan hub at the northern end of the North Island, looking east over the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean. It’s known as the City of Sails because you can see the water – and thousands of boats at anchor – from almost anywhere in the city. It’s also New Zealand’s busiest cruise port and ships regularly set sail for cities around the North and South islands, into the South Pacific and across the Tasman Sea to Australia.
Before you depart, climb to the top of Auckland’s most famous landmark, the 328m Sky Tower. You’ll get sweeping views over the city and across the harbour, dotted with wooded islands. Thrillseekers can even jump from the top! Or try a bungy jump from the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Learn about the fascinating Maori culture and the history of New Zealand at the Auckland Museum. There are also lots of excellent restaurants, buzzy bars, stylish boutiques and leafy green spaces. If you have time, a visit to Waiheke Island – known as the Island of Wine – should be on your list.
Cruise lines sail right into Auckland Harbour (officially called Waitematā Harbour) in the heart of the city, docking at the adjacent Queens Wharf or Princes Wharf. The terminals are around 30-40 minutes from Auckland Airport.
- Which destinations can I visit on cruises from Auckland?
From Auckland, cruises fan out all over the world. You can make a loop around New Zealand’s two islands, visiting popular ports like the Bay of Islands, Tauranga (Rotorua), Wellington, Napier, Christchurch and Fiordland. Many cruises also visit Australia, sailing to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne or Tasmania. The islands of the South Pacific sit directly north of Auckland, so you can cruise to Noumea, Vanuatu, Fiji, the Cook Islands or French Polynesia. Auckland is also the starting point for Transpacific or world cruises, which will take you across the globe.
- How long typically are cruises departing from Auckland?
Cruises start from just three or four days, visiting a single port in New Zealand or simply spending time enjoying your ship at sea. Longer cruises lasting from one to two weeks will take you on a loop of New Zealand’s islands, to the South Pacific or to Australia. Committed cruisers can even set out from New Zealand on a world voyage, which will take at least three months.
- Can I find family-friendly cruises from Auckland?
Many big, family-friendly ships depart from Auckland with lots of fun facilities, kids’ clubs and engaging entertainment onboard. For example, P&O Cruises Pacific Explorer regularly sails from Auckland and has a swimming pool, waterslides, barefoot bowling green, video game arcade and the awesome P&O Edge Adventure Park, with rock climbing, a flying fox and the heart stopping Walk the Plank.
- What amenities are available on cruises departing from Auckland?
You’ll never get bored – or hungry – on a cruise departing from Auckland. These modern liners are packed with things to keep the whole family entertained, from swimming pools and waterparks to sports courts, games room and fitness centres. You can take some time out with a treatment in the spa or relax with a book in the library. At mealtimes, choose between the main dining room, the buffet and multiple other restaurants serving everything from cake and coffee to sushi or pasta. Entertainment will range from big budget Broadway-style musicals to live bands, trivia, comedy and interactive game nights.
- Are luxury cruises available from Auckland?
You can set sail in style from Auckland. Some of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines will depart from Waitematā Harbour, offering spacious suites with private verandahs or terraces, world-class dining, free flowing drinks, indulgent wellness spaces and attentive staff who are always on hand. Look for the gorgeous ships from Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Ponant, Crystal Cruises and Oceania.
- Do themed cruises depart from Auckland?
They sure do! From Auckland, you can celebrate the life of Elvis Presley around the Marlborough Sounds, dance to your favourite 80s hits or don your cowboy boots for a country music cruise. Other cruises can also be themed around interests like food and wine, wildlife, or history.
- What's the recommended arrival time at the Auckland cruise terminal?
Check in times for your cruise will be staggered to cut down on wait times for passengers. The process varies across different cruise lines, but you will be allocated a check in time based on your cabin or given the option to choose a check in slot when you book or through the cruise lines’ app. At a minimum you will need to be at the cruise terminal at least one hour before the ship is scheduled to depart – remember, they won’t wait for you!
- Is parking available at the Auckland cruise port?
No, there is no parking available at the cruise port itself. You can book a secure spot at the Britomart Carpark or the Viaduct Carpark. Both are around 10-15 minutes’ walk from the wharf.
- Do cruises from Auckland return to the same port?
Cruise ships use one of two wharves in Auckland, Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf, right next to each other in Auckland Harbour. If your cruise is round-trip from Auckland, you’ll return back to the same area in the harbour. One-way cruises will depart from Auckland and finish at another destination.
- When is the best season for cruises from Auckland?
Cruises sail from Auckland year-round, but the most popular season is during the warmer months from October to April. December, January and February are the busiest months, with the most ships in port and cruises departing almost daily. Only a handful of cruise ships will be in New Zealand during winter, though it’s a great time to take a sunny break from Auckland to the South Pacific.
- Does Flight Centre have a loyalty program, and can I use rewards points on cruises departing from Auckland?
Yes. You earn World360 Rewards points on qualifying cruises departing from Auckland and can redeem them for those cruises through Flight Centre.