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Welcoming Cruise ship
tourism & trade
Cruise ship passengers are an important component of our tourism industry both in The Bay of Islands and across the wider regional economy.
Far North Holdings acts as the Port Authority for cruise ship visits to the Bay of Islands as well as holding ISPS certification for its cruise ship tender facility at Waitangi.
The cruise ship industry has bounced back considerably since the challenges over recent years and the 2023-24 cruise ship season was the region’s biggest yet, with a total of 93 ships docking at the Bay of Islands between October 2023 and April 2024.
It is anticipated that the coming season will see more than 150,000 passengers being welcomed to our region.
A positive ripple effect across the region
Waitangi, Paihia and surrounding towns such as Kawakawa are all bustling when a cruise ship is in dock! With passengers taking in the sights and spending throughout our regions shops, restaurants and attractions.
According to Stats NZ 2019 data, $170 was the average spend by cruise ship passenger, with this season estimated to now be $180 per passenger.
A cruise ship schedule is created for every season, detailing the different vessels and their arrival dates at port.
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.
