Auckland New Zealand
Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau
Welcome to Auckland, the “City of Sails.”
Whether Auckland is the embarkation point for a massive 18-night trans-Pacific voyage to Hawaii, or a day-stop on your New Zealand coastal cruise, you are in for a treat. Unlike many global cruise ports that drop you miles from civilization in an industrial shipyard, Auckland’s cruise terminals (Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf) deposit you right into the beating heart of the downtown waterfront.
Getting Around the Port
Because you dock right at the bottom of Queen Street (the main central business district road), navigating Auckland is incredibly easy. You can simply walk off the ship and immediately find yourself surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shopping in the Britomart precinct and the Viaduct Harbour.
If you want to explore further afield without booking a guided tour, the historic Downtown Ferry Terminal is right next to the cruise ships. From here, you can grab a cheap public ferry ticket across the harbor to the historic seaside village of Devonport (a 12-minute ride) or out to the famous wineries of Waiheke Island (a 40-minute ride).
What to Pack for the Day
Auckland’s weather is famously unpredictable -locals often joke you can experience four seasons in one day. If you are a light packer or subscribe to the one-bag travel philosophy, a lightweight, packable rain jacket is essential to throw in your daypack before leaving the ship, along with comfortable walking shoes for the city’s hilly streets.
Top Sights Near the Ship
If you only have a few hours, head straight to the iconic Sky Tower, which is a highly visible 15-minute walk from the pier. It offers 360-degree views of the harbors and volcanic cones that make up the city. Alternatively, take a 10-minute stroll around the waterfront to the New Zealand Maritime Museum to understand the country’s rich seafaring history, or walk up to the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.
Quick Facts
Local Currency:
New Zealand Dollar ($)
Credit cards and cashless payments (Apple Pay etc) are widely accepted. Smaller merchants may add a surcharge.
ATMs are located next to the Fullers360 Ticket Office, Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal and on Queen Street nearby.
Docking type
Pier (Queens Wharf or Princes Wharf)
Occasionally very large ships may need to tender or dock at Bledisloe Container Wharf.
Distance to City Center:
0 km (Located right downtown)
Primary Transport:
Walkable
Ferry, bus and train stops are all located nearby.
Starting or Ending Your Cruise in Auckland
If Auckland is your embarkation or disembarkation port, you are in luck. Because the cruise terminals are located right in the downtown core, the logistics of getting to and from Auckland Airport (AKL) are much simpler than in most global port cities.
Getting to or from the Airport and the Ship
The airport is located about 21 kilometers (13 miles) south of the cruise port. Depending on traffic, the drive usually takes 35 to 45 minutes. You have three main transport options:
The Private Transfer or Taxi (Easiest): Taxis and Ubers are readily available at the airport ranks. Expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $100 NZD for a ride directly to the Queens Wharf or Princes Wharf drop-off zones. This is the best option if you are traveling with a group or managing heavy, checked luggage.
Insider tip: If you’re disembarking your cruise at Princes Wharf there can be a lot of traffic making it slow going to get an uber or taxi. We sometimes walk to the end of the wharf and cross the road to the M Social hotel to request an uber or grab a taxi from the rank.
The SkyDrive Express Bus (Best Value): The SkyDrive Airport Express bus leaves the airport every 30 minutes and goes directly to the SkyCity bus terminal on Hobson Street in downtown Auckland for a fraction of the cost of a taxi. From SkyCity, it is a very short Uber ride (or a 15-minute downhill walk) to the cruise ships.
The Train Network (Best for Light Packers): If you are navigating your trip with just a single carry-on bag, you can use the public transit system to bypass Auckland traffic entirely. Just catch the orange AirportLink bus right outside the terminal to Puhinui Station, and transfer to a city-bound train. You will get off at the Britomart Transport Centre, which is located directly across the street from the cruise ships.
Handling Your Luggage on Port Days If your flight lands at 6:00 AM but you cannot board your ship until 1:00 PM, do not drag your bags around the city. Normally luggage drop off will be available on the wharf early in the day.
Alternatively private luggage storage lockers are scattered around the harbour area and Britomart precinct. You can securely stow your gear for a few dollars and spend your morning enjoying a flat white at a waterfront cafe unencumbered. Auckland Transport provide luggage lockers beside the downtown ferry terminal (adjacent to the cruise wharves). Bounce Luggage storage are located in the old ferry building and Radical Storage have options scattered around Auckland.
Where to Stay Pre- or Post-Cruise If you are spending a night or two in Auckland before setting sail, book a hotel in the Viaduct Harbour or Britomart neighborhoods. Not only are these areas packed with Auckland’s best dining and nightlife, but come embarkation morning, you can literally roll your suitcase out the front door of your hotel and walk straight to the cruise check-in desk.