If you need to know anything about the ports of call on your cruise, where the ship berths, how you find your guide and tour vehicle, what transport options there are, then this page is where you need to look.

If you have any information that you think would be useful for fellow passengers please let us know and we will try and incorporate it.  If you notice any errors or omissions please advise us.

General Information

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand [though not its capital city] with 1.3 million inhabitants.  It is a bustling and cosmopolitan city with a large number of ethnic groups each adding their own distinctive style and flavour.  The ship berth is situated right in the heart of the city, alongside the Hilton Hotel and close to the Viaduct Basin, an area full of bars and restaurants, and forms part of the Marina. 

Many cruises begin or end in Auckland, so it is often a very busy location with passengers and luggage being moved to and from the airport and hotels.  If your ship is just making a transit visit, then you will be looking to locate your tour drivers and vehicles, or perhaps do some exploring on your own.

There are a number of sights you can reach on foot or by bus, or perhaps you may want to take the ferry across the harbour to visit historic Devonport on the north shore.  The ferry terminal is just a short walk from the ships berth.

Your ship will either berth at Princes Wharf, by the Hilton Hotel, or Queens Wharf, a few hundred meters east along the water front. This only occurs if there are two ships in port. 

Find your guide/tour

When you disembark from the ship look out for the Mount Classics name board with either your group name or the tour designator, eg AKL-5.  If you don't immediately see the tour guide, don't panic because we will be there.  If you are unable to find your guide please call 027 2977 685 and the Mount Classics team will assist.

Bus transport

You will find buses on Queen St, just a few hundred meters from the ship. There are a wide number of options so its best to check the routes at the main bus depot at Britomart, the city station.  The last part of Queen St is a bus area only so its easy to find.  There is also a City Explorer Bus service, this visits many of the main attractions in the central city area, tickets cost $35.00 per adult.

Ship Shuttle Service

Note that as this is an embarkation port, the cruise line offer transfers to and from the airport and hotels as part of the cruise package.  These sometimes include a short sightseeing tour of the city.  Another option is to take one of the low cost Auckland Explorer buses that circle the main tourism destinations every 30 minutes.

Taxis

Taxis in New Zealand are strictly regulated, like all passenger transport, and can usually be found close to the ship in their designated ranks. Taxis can not refuse a fare if asked and can not charge more than the fee shown on the taxi meter which must be switched on once the journey begins. Some taxis also accept payment by credit card, but not all, so its best to check before staring the journey.  If you need a special mobility taxi [suitable for wheel chair users] then many Taxi Companies have these available.  There are many Taxi Companies in Auckland, make sure the driver knows how to find your destination before taking the ride.  If you want a more comfortable vehicle then there are more exclusive "Town Car' style of cabs operated by Corporate Cabs and Regency Cabs, these charge a higher fee.

Information office

There is a Visitor Information office [ I-Site] at Princes Wharf next to Starmart.  This office has all the information you need on activities, transport and accommodation etc.

Telephone Info

The emergency number in New Zealand is 111 [though 911 also works].  The dialing code for international calls is 00, followed by the country code.  The local calling code for Auckland is 09.  If you are calling a local number in Auckland via mobile you will always need to start with this code [09].  If using a payphone, just dial the actual number.  However certain areas of Auckland are far enough from the central city for the area code to be required as well.  For example Gulf Harbour comes under the 09 area code but is 30 miles north of the city so you may need the code if using a payphone.  An automated message should advise you if you don't include the area code when it is required.

Shopping

Cash machines and banks are everywhere, especially on Queen and there is a StarMart convenience store at Princes Wharf.  Shopping hours are generally 9am to 5pm.  If you need money changed, visit Galleria on Customs St (very close) and their desk will do this FOC.  Or there are a number of money changers on Queen St, which is also good for general shopping, cafes and movies.  The last mile before the waterfront is the best, or start at Sky Metro (movies) and work down.  Parnell Rd is a specialty shopping area although its a short taxi ride away.  For shopping malls, try Sylvia Park, Mt Wellington (15 minutes south) or Albany Mega Centre (20 minutes north).  Both these malls are very modern and large by New Zealand standards.  The travelling times quoted may double at peak time.  Fancy a flutter, then the Sky City Casino is a 15 minute walk into town.

Walks

Either east along the waterfront [perhaps catch a bus or taxi for the first part which runs through the port area] for maybe 1 mile to the east and enjoy Tamaki Drive (eastern waterfront) or go west and take in the Viaduct Basin, the super yacht area, just a few hundred feet from the ship, these are the local options.  The Auckland Domain, close to the city centre, also has nice walks.  Other options are best covered as part of your tour.