Living in Northland

The schedule of cruise ships planning to visit Northland will be updated again at the beginning of the 2008/2009 summer season.

A total of 22 cruise ships called into the Bay of Islands during the recently completed (2007 / 2008)summer season.  Most ships arrived and departed on the same day, although the smallest visitor, “Oceanic Discoverer” stayed overnight during all the six she made. 

Approximately 18,000 passengers visited the Bay on board these ships this summer.

The “Oceanic Discoverer” was the most regular and smallest visitor, just 63 metres overall length and concentrating on ECO tourism.

NRC’s role is to coordinate the navigation and safety component of the ship’s visits and to provide pilots to assist with the safe navigation into and out of the Bay.  The Council’s workboat “Waikare” is used to transfer the pilot to and from the ship, sometimes using a rope ladder and sometimes through a door in the ship’s hull.

Deputy Harbourmaster Jim Lyle climbing down the side of “Oceanic Discoverer”.

The largest vessel (by tonnage) to visit was the “Sun Princess” at 77,441 gross tons, 262 metres long and 8.25 metres draught.

Four ships made their inaugural calls into the Bay of Islands during the season.  On each occasion we presented the ship’s personnel with a plaque, mounted on Northland Kauri, which will travel with the ships for the rest of their lives.

Below, first timer “Mercury” approaching the anchorage. Deputy Chairman Peter Jensen presented a plaque to the ship’s master before enjoying a tour and a spot of lunch.  This was the first time a “Celebrity Cruises” vessel had visited New Zealand and Bay of Islands was the first port.

First timer “Mercury” approaching the anchorage.