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Welcoming Cruise ship
tourism & trade
Cruise ship passengers are a valuable contributor to both the Bay of Islands tourism sector and the wider regional economy.
Far North Holdings serves as the Port Authority for cruise ship visits to the Bay of Islands and holds ISPS certification for the cruise ship tender facilities at Waitangi and Paihia.
Following a period of industry downturn in recent years, cruise tourism has stabilised, with forecasts indicating a gradual return to growth and an increase in vessel numbers from the 2028/29 season onward.
With 44 cruise ships currently scheduled for the 2026/27 season, the Bay of Islands is expected to welcome more than 100,000 passengers to the region.
A positive ripple effect across the region
Waitangi, Paihia and surrounding towns such as Kawakawa are all bustling when a cruise ship is visits the Bay! With passengers taking in the sights and spending throughout our regions shops, restaurants and attractions.
According to the Value of Cruise Tourism 2024/25 Report from the NZ Cruise Association, the average daily expenditure on shore in New Zealand was NZ$313 per person per day.
A cruise ship schedule is created for every season, detailing the different vessels and their arrival dates at port.
Schedule updated 05/10/2026
Waitangi tender pontoon
At Waitangi, the tender pontoon is capable of taking three standard 100 pax cruise ship tenders, at all tides.
The facility is capable of handling the large cruise ships with up to 5,000 passengers.
The pontoon was designed specifically for use by cruise ship tenders which are 27m long, and has a float height of .9 m.
On days when two ships are present, alternative tender facilities at Paihia Wharf or Russell Wharf will be used by one of the ships.
