Best vantage points for Queen Mary 2

Best vantage points for Queen Mary 2

Ports of Auckland will welcome the Queen Mary 2, the largest ship to have ever visited New Zealand, for the second time on Monday (23 February).

The luxury cruise liner, reminiscent of the ships of old, will steam up the Waitemata Harbour in the early morning, presenting Aucklanders with prime viewing opportunities.

The best vantage points are:

From 7:00am
• Areas along the east cost of the North Shore as the ship rounds Rangitoto Island

Between 7:30am and 8:00am
• Ports of Auckland public walkway alongside the Fergusson container terminal (no parking available)
• Fred Ambler Lookout, Gladstone Road, Parnell
• Mt Victoria, North Head and Devonport Wharf on the North Shore
• East Coast Bays beaches

At 345 metres long – about 50 metres longer than the available length at Princes or Queens Wharves – the Queen Mary 2 must berth within the commercial port for safety reasons.

Ports of Auckland General Manager Port Services Wayne Mills said that because of the sheer size of the ship, extensive road works by Vector along Quay Street, and the need to berth her within the commercial port, the best views are to be had from a distance.

The ship will be carrying up to 2,700 passengers and crew.

The Queen Mary 2 will provide another stunning view for ship spotters as she leaves port, lit for the night's journey. The ship will depart at 10.00pm the same day.

ENDS

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