Ports of Auckland hosts free Anniversary Weekend boat tours

Ports of Auckland hosts free Auckland Anniversary Weekend boat tours

Ports of Auckland is hosting free guided boat tours of the Port and inner harbour during Auckland Anniversary Weekend 2012.

The free tours are being offered by Ports of Auckland as part of Auckland Anniversary Weekend celebrations run by Auckland Tourism Events & Economic Development (ATEED).

Ten 40 minute-long tours will run over the long weekend on Saturday 28, Sunday 29 and Monday 30 January.

“Ports of Auckland has underpinned Auckland’s growth and propserity for more than 100 years and we are pleased to be a part of the celebrations for Auckland’s birthday,”says Ports of Auckland spokesperson Catherine Etheredge.

“It is a great family activity for over the long weekend, and combines the chance to be on Auckland’s stunning harbour,” Ms Etheredge said.

The free educational tours showcase Auckland’s waterfront, working wharves and large ships.

The 40 minute- long, family-friendly tours will cruise around the commercial wharves, providing a close-up view of port operations.

The trip will also include a special stop at the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina and Viaduct Harbour.

Ports of Auckland will also be sponsoring the historic Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta on Monday 30 January.

The 2012 Regatta will be the 172nd that has been held in the city.

Regatta highlights include a tugboat parade, starting at the Viaduct Harbour at 9 am, followed by a popular favourite, the annual tugboat race.

The best vantage places to see the race are Queens Wharf, North Head, East Coast Bays beaches, Devonport and Devonport Wharf.

Tour and Booking Information:

Saturday 28 January
10.00 am
12.00 pm
2.00 pm
4.00 pm

Sunday 29 January
10.00 am
12.00 pm
2.00 pm
4.00 pm

Monday 30 January
2.00 pm
4.00 pm

Bookings are essential. To enquire about available dates and reserve your place, head to www.360discovery.co.nz or telephone 360 Discovery on 0800 360 3472 (0800 360 Discovery).

For group bookings (15 + people) please email 360 Discovery at groups@360discovery.co.nz.

Boarding takes place at Pier 4, Ferry Building, Quay Street, Auckland.

See www.poal.co.nz for more information

Ports of Auckland Ltd is New Zealand’s most important port, handling around 870,000 TEU (20ft-equivalent units), more than 1,400 ship calls and 2.8 m tonnes of break-bulk (non-containerised) cargo per annum. It is New Zealand’s leading import port and a key partner to export and import industries, as well as New Zealand’s premier cruise port and vehicle import gateway. Ports of Auckland is 100%-owned by Auckland Council Investments Ltd.

Celebrate Auckland Anniversary Weekend from 28 to 30 January. The weekend festival kicks off on the evening of Friday 27 January, comprising of events including the Auckland International Buskers Festival, Auckland Seafood Festival, Laneway Festival, Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta and much more.

For more information and a full event programme visit http://www.aucklandnz.com/birthday/

ENDS