Welcome to our cruise visitors
Nau mai, Haere mai ki Whangārei Terenga Parāoa.
Hello and welcome to Whangārei.
We hope you enjoy your arrival into our beautiful harbour, Whangārei Terenga Parāoa. The dramatic skyline on the right as you enter the harbour is Te Whara, featuring the visually and culturally powerful rocky pinnacles of Manaia. Learn more about the importance of Manaia to Māori, who are tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa, here. To the south west are the sweeping white sands of Paepae-o-Tū / Bream Bay.
You are arriving on one of the first ever cruise ships to visit our beautiful place and we welcome you with open arms. We extend our manaakitanga (hospitality) to you and hope your experience will be one of joy, and your memories will stay with you for a lifetime.
Arrival, disembarking from the ship, leaving and returning to Port
Your ship will dock at Northport, a modern, multi-purpose port approximately 35kms (22 miles) from Whangārei city.
If you have pre-booked a shore excursion through your cruise provider, you will disembark the ship and immediately board your tour transport.
Please note that you cannot walk off the port, and there is no public transport, taxi or private vehicle access. To ensure you have the best experience, we recommend that you pre-book an excursion through your cruise company.
If you haven’t pre-booked an excursion, shuttles have been arranged to transport you into the city where you will be dropped off at the Town Basin.
Getting back to the ship
The cruise shuttle bus stops are located at the Town Basin. If your tour company is not returning you directly back to the port, please ensure you catch your cruise shuttle in time to get back to the ship. Areas will be clearly marked and ambassadors will be on location to assist you.
What should you take with you
Take comfortable footwear, sunscreen and a hat, and also an extra layer, just in case.
What not to take with you
The NZ Government require that you do not bring food, plant, or animal products ashore.
Bookings and information on the day
On cruise days, our friendly staff from our isite Visitor Information Centre will be located at the Town Basin, right where you will get off the shuttle.
They will be able to help you with tour bookings on the day, give other suggestions if you would just like to wander, and help you with any other local information you may need.
Immediate location
Enjoy the Town Basin marina precinct with international yachts, cafes and restaurants, museums and galleries, markets and boutique shopping.
The Hātea Loop – Huarahi o te Whai walk is a flat concrete accessible waterside path following the river. Along the way, enjoy the ebb and flow of water, people, boats and birds, the rolling ball clock, the sculpture and heritage trails. To reach Te Matau a Pohe, a bascule bridge that lifts, opens and closes is a 2km walk one way. Timatatanga Hou / Camera Obscura is just across that bridge.
Free wifi
Free wifi is available at the isite or at many of the businesses at the Town Basin. They will appreciate your support if you are able to make a purchase during your visit.
Shopping
Do you need personal supplies? There is a supermarket located just across the road from the Town Basin and a chemist/pharmacy a short walk away. Please ask our isite team or a cruise ambassador for more information.
Banking and ATM
Banking and ATM services are available in the city centre. Locations are marked on our Cruise Map, or please ask at our isite.
Places to Eat
There are a choice of casual café and restaurant dining within easy walking distance of your shuttle and drop off point.
Safety
Serious or minor crime should not be a concern for you, but please take all your usual precautions.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in New Zealand.