Auckland has welcomed the first cruise ship of New Zealand’s 2025–2026 season, the Crown Princess.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said almost 40 cruise ships are scheduled to visit New Zealand this season, bringing an estimated 177,000 passengers.
“With the first ship of the season Crown Princess having docked in Auckland today, it’s great to welcome her passengers and crew,” Upston said.
Upston said the government and industry had worked to address cruise operators’ questions about New Zealand’s operational environment, allowing forward planning to proceed.
“Ministers met with cruise and port sector representatives in July to discuss how we could all make the most of the opportunities and remove the barriers,” she said.
Actions taken in response to industry concerns include:
- Developing new methods to manage biofouling so any extra cleaning required under biosecurity rules can be carried out safely and efficiently.
- Clarifying regulatory costs affecting the sector.
- Setting up a Fast-Track Approvals process to speed up consent for infrastructure projects, such as Port of Auckland’s new wharf and passenger terminal.
- Confirming ongoing cruise access to Milford Sound.
Upston also highlighted Port of Auckland’s work on a new in-port biofouling solution. “I also want to acknowledge the work of Port of Auckland who announced earlier today that it is in the final stages of developing an innovative in-port biofouling solution to clean niche areas of ships,” she said.
Upston said she now chairs a biannual cross-government and industry forum aimed at supporting innovation and development in the cruise sector.
“This reaffirms that New Zealand is open for business and committed to supporting the cruise sector’s growth. It sends an important message to the international cruise sector,” she said.
She added that cruise lines attending the Seatrade Europe international expo earlier this month had reacted positively to recent developments in New Zealand. Looking ahead, Upston said the next major trade event will be Seatrade Miami in April 2026, and she plans to provide funding to boost New Zealand’s presence.
“With the 2025–2026 season now open and the first passengers arriving, this bodes well for a bright future for cruise tourism in New Zealand,” Upston said.
