Media Release
18 September 2008

More port tours added to Heritage programme

Ports of Auckland’s Heritage Boat Tours, offered as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival, have been met with unprecedented popularity!

A further two tours have been added to the programme after all tours, including one added just yesterday, were booked out in record time.

Additional sailings are now available on Saturday 4 October at 3pm and Sunday 5 October at 1pm.

The free tours provide Aucklanders with a unique view into the Port’s operations, weaving in and out of the commercial wharves and making a special visit to the Harbour Bridge. The tours also include a detailed commentary about the development of the Port and Auckland.

To reserve a place phone Fullers on 09 367 9111, specifying the Heritage Boat Tour on Saturday 4 October at 3pm or Sunday 5 October at 1pm.

For those who prefer to stay on land, free guided walks along the famous Ports of Auckland Red Fence are also on offer. The hour-long walks highlight the dramatic events that have taken place on and around Auckland’s waterfront. Participants can learn about Auckland’s transformation since the 1800s and view highlights such as the last remaining rock of Britomart Point, where Auckland was founded in 1841, and the Rainbow Warrior memorial.

To join a walk simply meet outside the NZ National Maritime Museum at 1 pm on Saturday 20 September, Thursday 25 September, Tuesday 30 September or Friday 3 October. Bookings are not required.

“The Heritage Festival programme offers great opportunities to find out more about the rich and shared history of Auckland and its Port, which have grown hand-in-hand since the 1840s,” says Ports of Auckland Managing Director Jens Madsen.

For those unable to take advantage of the special Heritage Festival sailings, similar free Boat Tours are also run for the public and school groups on a weekly basis throughout the year. More information can be found at www.poal.co.nz/community.

“We invite Port neighbours and the wider Auckland community to get up close to their port and take advantage of our free Boat Tours all year round,” Mr Madsen says.

While school holiday bookings are heavy, places are still available on Wednesday October 8 at 11am and 1pm. Bookings can be made through Fullers on 09 367 9111.

For further information on Ports of Auckland’s Heritage Festival programme, phone the free information line 0800 AK PORT or visit www.poal.co.nz.

ENDS

Ports of Auckland

The Ports of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest container port by volume, handling around 840,000 TEU (20ft-equivalent units), more than 1,600 ship calls and 3.6 million tonnes of break-bulk (non-containerised) cargo per annum. It is New Zealand’s major import port, a key partner to export industries and the only New Zealand port ranked among the top 120 container ports in the world (Container Management, July 2008). Ports of Auckland is 100%-owned by Auckland Regional Holdings.

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