AUCKLAND - NEW ZEALAND
PORT INFORMATION
Everything You Need to Know about Auckland, New Zealand as a Port of Call
by Roger AllnuttWith a population of over 1.4 million Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and financial centre. The focus of the city is the harbour (Waitemata Harbour); the city spreads out in all directions from the CBD which is right on the harbour’s edge. Often referred to as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland received world-wide exposure when the America’s Cup was sailed on the harbour in 2000 and 2003.
Auckland skyline across the harbour from Devonport
Cruise Terminals Auckland, New Zealand
Cruise ships dock right at the city centre sharing that part of the harbour facilities with numerous ferries rather like in Sydney. Princes Wharf is the primary cruise berth with the adjacent Queens Wharf used as a secondary facility when there is more than one cruise ship in port. Auckland is a key ‘exchange port’ – where people start or finish a cruise
Cruise Lines using Auckland, New Zealand
Cruise lines that use Auckland include P&O Australia Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Carnival.
Must See Attractions in Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland Museum on the Domain
Auckland contains many excellent museums but pride of place goes to the Auckland Museum located in the Domain, 80 hectares of public park. A wide range of Maori artefacts are displayed including a wonderful 25m long war canoe and there are performances of traditional Maori dance and music. Look out for the varied collection of South Pacific and New Zealand items . The Hobson Wharf Maritime Museum near the ferry terminals is also worth a visit.
Mt Eden
Only 196m high but the view from Mt Eden, an extinct volcano, is a panoramic vista of the whole of the Auckland area. Look down into the grassy base of the volcano’s crater.
Devonport
Only a short 10 minute ferry ride from the Auckland CBD on the north shore peninsula, Devonport retains a 19th century atmosphere with many Victorian buildings,, arts and craft shops and cafes. From the top of the two volcanic cones Mt Victoria and North Head you get panoramic views of the harbour and across to the Auckland skyline. North Head contains tunnels built at end of 19th century due to fears of a Russian invasion.
Waiheke
If you have time then a visit and possibly stay at Waiheke, a large island only a half hour by ferry from the city in the gulf off Auckland is a place to relax, enjoy the beaches, wineries, and the wide variety of art and craft shops and galleries.
Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter
The unique aquarium housed in old stormwater tanks with fish swimming all around you gives you an idea of the joys of scuba diving around the New Zealand coast. The Antarctic Encounter recreates Scott’s 1911 Antarctic Hut, an environment for penguins at -7 degrees Celsius and many exhibits of Antarctic history.
Bridgeclimb
For the adventurous set the adrenalin racing by joining the Bridgeclimb of iconic Auckland Bridge or alternatively do the bungy jump off the bridge. Bungy jumping was introduced to the world by New Zealander AJ Hackett and is now regarded as a ‘to do’ in many places in New Zealand.
