Bay of Islands cruise ship visit sets record

A new New Zealand shore excursions (Shorex) record was set in the Bay of Islands last month following the visit of the cruise liner Discovery Princess.

The 18 February record, achieved for shore excursions managed by tour company IDNZ, surpassed the previous Lyttleton benchmark held by Royal Caribbean in 2017, making it the highest Shorex total recorded nationally.

Shorex is the industry term for the number of ship passengers who book shore-based tours with local tourism providers. Excellent shore excursions are a vital component of the cruise experience, connecting passengers with local culture, landscapes and businesses, while contributing significantly to both the local tourism industry and regional economy.

The milestone reinforces the Bay of Islands’ reputation as one of New Zealand’s premier cruise destinations.

On the day, multiple teams worked together to deliver a seamless experience for passengers. IDNZ, security personnel, Far North Holdings staff, ships agents, transport providers and local tourism operators coordinated closely to ensure safe operations, efficient transfers and a memorable day in the region.

According to the Value of Cruise Tourism 2024/25 report, the average daily onshore spend in New Zealand for the 2024/25 season was NZ$313 per cruise passenger. With vessels carrying up to 5000 passengers, the economic impact of a single port call is significant for local operators and service providers.

Far North Holdings acts as Port Authority for cruise ship visits to the Bay of Islands and holds ISPS certification (International Ship and Port Security Code) for its cruise ship tender facility at Waitangi. The facility plays a critical role in safely and efficiently bringing passengers ashore.

Far North Holdings Chief Executive Officer Andy Nock says the Shorex milestone is a strong signal of confidence in the region.

“Setting a new national shore excursions record is a fantastic result for the Bay of Islands. It demonstrates the confidence cruise operators have in our region and the strength of our local tourism providers, who consistently deliver exceptional visitor experiences.”

At Waitangi, the purpose-built tender pontoon can accommodate three standard 100-passenger cruise ship tenders during all tides. Designed specifically for cruise operations, the pontoon supports 27-metre-long tenders and has a float height of 0.9 metres, ensuring smooth and safe passenger transfers.

Far North Holdings Limited (FNHL) remains committed to providing safe, efficient and high-quality port operations that support cruise growth and long-term regional prosperity.

FNHL is the commercial and asset management arm of Far North District Council. It manages property, maritime and transport assets on behalf of Far North ratepayers and is focused on boosting investment and employment for the benefit of Northland communities.

Pictured above: IDNZ, security personnel, Far North Holdings staff, ships agents, transport providers, and local tourism operators.