New Zealand Ports« Back to Port Information
Auckland
Sprawling across a narrow isthmus, Auckland and its far-flung suburbs are divided by two magnificent harbors. At the city’s downtown doorstep lies Waitemata Harbour, separated from the Hauraki Gulf and Pacific Ocean by Rangitoto Island. West of the city, the shallow, turquoise waters of Manukau Harbour funnel into the Tasman Sea. As a dramatic backdrop, numerous cones of extinct volcanoes protrude from Auckland’s landscape. With a population of one million, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city. The “City of Sails,” as Auckland is often called, boasts more boats per capita than any other city in the world.
Dunedin/Port Chalmers
Dunedin is a little sliver of Scotland, set on the tropical shores of New Zealand’s South Island. Founded by Scottish emigrants in 1848, Dunedin (the Gaelic name for Edinburgh) has fine Victorian and Edwardian architecture including the Olveston, stately home and majestic Larnach Castle. There is also New Zealand’s only scotch distillery and kilt shop.
Lyttleton (Christchurch)
Wooden houses cling to steep streets above the harbor bustling with cargo vessels, freighters, sailing yachts and sightseeing launches. Quaint Lyttelton serves as the gateway to Christchurch, South Island’s premier city, just 20 minutes by car north. Often described as “the most English city outside England,” the busy capital of the province of Canterbury is known for its spacious layout and distinctive English-style buildings in elegant grey stone. The River Avon winds through the city, along parks and gardens that cover one third of the municipality.
Tauranga (Rotorua)
The founders of Tauranga, 19th-century missionaries, left a legacy of well-planned parks and gardens for today’s residents and visitors to enjoy. The area is blessed with a good climate and fine beaches. Tauranga also plays an important role as gateway to one of New Zealand’s most famous tourist attractions: Rotorua. Inhabited by the Maori since the 14th century, the area’s bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers and geothermal waters are used daily for cooking, heating and washing.
Wellington
From the top of Mt. Victoria, New Zealand’s capital lies at your feet. It is a stunning vista of forested peninsulas, with a bustling waterfront, dramatic cliff-side homes and fine Victorian architecture. Wellington is also home to many museums, gardens, winding streets and even a cable car. There is a fine botanical garden. Many travelers compare this port to San Francisco. The harbor is one of the most beautiful anywhere. You can discover and enjoy the city’s maritime heritage by visiting the maritime museum.Some content provided courtesy of CLIA (Cruise Line International Association)