29 January 2010

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

Ports of Auckland centre stage for Auckland Anniversary Weekend

Auckland Anniversary Weekend will see Ports of Auckland centre stage with the Volendam and Sun Princess cruise ships in port, the annual tug boat race and more than 2,000 people booked to take a free boat tour of the port and inner harbour.

Tuesday 2 February will also be a real hive of activity, with three cruise ships calling Auckland, including the Europa, Clipper Odyssey and the recently-refurbished Dawn Princess.

The cluster of ships means that Ports of Auckland will process 5,850 passengers over the four days.

But the cruise season is just beginning, with the port expecting to welcome 18 cruise ships in total during February.

Ports of Auckland’s Wayne Mills says Auckland will host a total of 60 cruise ships over the 2009/10 season.

“With every call adding over $1 million on average to the regional economy, this is great news for Auckland, especially for our hospitality and tourism providers.”

“We are also expecting a visit from the famous Queen Mary 2, the world’s largest ocean liner, in March,” said Mr Mills.

Auckland is New Zealand’s main exchange port, where cruise passengers begin and end their holidays.

Ports of Auckland is also a sponsor of Monday’s Auckland Anniversary Regatta, with port tugs participating in the annual tug parade and race.

A series of 10 free weekend public boat tours of the port and inner harbour have booked out.

ENDS

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