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National Shore Excursions Record Set in Bay of Islands During Discovery Princess Visit
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A new New Zealand shore excursions record was set in the Bay of Islands following the visit of Discovery Princess on 18 February 2026.
The record, achieved for shore excursions managed by IDNZ, surpassed the previous benchmark held by Royal Caribbean in 2017, making it the highest Shorex total recorded nationally.
The milestone reflects the strong resurgence of the cruise sector and reinforces the Bay of Islands’ reputation as one of New Zealand’s premier cruise destinations.
It was an exceptionally busy day on the water and ashore. Behind the scenes, multiple teams worked together to deliver a seamless experience for passengers. IDNZ, security personnel, Far North Holdings staff, ships agents, transport providers and local tourism operators coordinated closely to ensure safe operations, efficient transfers and a memorable day in the region.
Excellent shore excursions are a vital component of the cruise experience. They connect passengers with local culture, landscapes and businesses, while contributing significantly to both the Bay of Islands tourism industry and the wider Far North regional economy.
According to the Value of Cruise Tourism 2024/25 report, the average daily onshore spend in New Zealand for the 2024/25 season was NZ$313 per cruise passenger. With vessels carrying up to 5,000 passengers, the economic impact of a single port call is significant for local operators and service providers.
Far North Holdings acts as Port Authority for cruise ship visits to the Bay of Islands and holds ISPS certification for its cruise ship tender facility at Waitangi. The facility plays a critical role in safely and efficiently bringing passengers ashore.
Far North Holdings Chief Executive Officer Andy Nock says the milestone is a strong signal of confidence in the region.
“Setting a new national shore excursions record is a fantastic result for the Bay of Islands. It demonstrates the confidence cruise operators have in our region and the strength of our local tourism providers who consistently deliver exceptional visitor experiences.”
At Waitangi, the purpose-built tender pontoon can accommodate three standard 100-passenger cruise ship tenders at all tides. Designed specifically for cruise operations, the pontoon supports 27-metre tenders and has a float height of 0.9 metres, ensuring smooth and safe passenger transfers.
Far North Holdings remains committed to providing safe, efficient and high-quality port operations that support cruise growth and long-term regional prosperity.
