Auckland cruise ships dock at Shed 10 on Queens Wharf or the neighbouring Princes Wharf, both right on the downtown waterfront. Either berth puts you a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, Britomart and the harbour, no shuttle required. Check your cruise documents to see which one your ship uses, since both berths are in regular use.
Auckland cruise terminal location and map
Ships dock at Queens Wharf Shed 10. From the wharf, Queens Wharf is about a 2-minute walk, Viaduct Harbour about 12 minutes and Sky Tower about 16 minutes. Tap a pin for directions.
- Queens Wharf Shed 10Where ships dock
- Princes WharfWhere ships dock
- Downtown Ferry TerminalAbout 2 min walk from the wharf
- Queens WharfAbout 2 min walk from the wharf
- Viaduct HarbourAbout 12 min walk from the wharf
- Sky TowerAbout 16 min walk from the wharf
- Auckland Fish MarketAbout 19 min walk from the wharf
- Takarunga Mount VictoriaAbout 4 km from the wharf
- DevonportAbout 4 km from the wharf
Auckland’s cruise terminal isn’t one building, it’s two wharves inside Waitemata Harbour. Shed 10 sits on Queens Wharf at the bottom of Queen Street, and Princes Wharf is a short walk west of it.
Shed 10 is the Heritage-listed building that got turned into a cruise terminal. The Downtown Ferry Terminal sits between the two, and Britomart Transport Centre is right across the road from Queens Wharf.
Which wharf you’ll actually land at depends on the cruise line and the sailing, so check your cruise documents rather than guess. Either way you end up on the same stretch of waterfront.
Port of Auckland has also opened a cruise terminal at its Bledisloe precinct, built into the ground floor of the existing vehicle handling building to cope with larger ships and day calls. It’s inside the working cargo area though, further from downtown than Queens Wharf or Princes Wharf, so build in extra time for the walk or just grab a taxi if that’s where your ship lands.
A further terminal, Te Waharoa Auckland International Cruise Terminal on Quay Street, is planned to open in the next few years.
Getting to Auckland Airport from the cruise port
Auckland Airport sits around 17.5 miles (28 kilometres) from Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf, so a taxi or rideshare will take about 40 minutes, traffic depending. If you’d rather save the money, the Skydrive Airport bus runs from the Intercity bus stop on Hobson Street, roughly 1.4 kilometres from Queens Wharf and 1 kilometre from Princes Wharf, so it’s a short walk or a quick taxi hop from either terminal to get there.
Parking at Auckland cruise port
Parking at Auckland cruise port doesn’t exist at either terminal, so most people use a public car park nearby or just get dropped off. Downtown, Viaduct and Britomart car parks are all within walking distance of Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf. Both wharves have pick-up and drop-off zones with traffic controllers on hand, which is the easiest option if someone’s seeing you off or picking you up.
Where to stay near Auckland cruise port
Staying near the waterfront the night before your cruise makes a lot of sense in Auckland. Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf both sit in the heart of the city, with restaurants, shops and harbour views all within walking distance. The same downtown patch works just as well if you’re staying on after the cruise ends.
- Hilton Auckland: sits directly on Princes Wharf, right beside the cruise port, so you can walk straight onto the ship.
- M Social Hotel Auckland: faces Princes Wharf across Quay Street with harbour-facing rooms, and it’s an easy five-minute walk to Queens Wharf too.
- SkyCity Hotel Auckland: sits centrally near Sky Tower, restaurants and public transport, a short ride or walk from the cruise terminal and a solid base if it’s your first time in the city.
Luggage storage at Auckland cruise port
Auckland cruise terminal doesn’t have its own luggage storage, for passengers arriving or finishing a cruise. The Luggage Hotel, on Princes Wharf just off Quay Street, a short walk from either berth, is what passengers use instead to drop off bags for a few hours.
You can also book luggage storage near the terminal in advance if you’d rather not leave it to chance on the day.
Where to eat near Auckland cruise port
The best place to eat near Auckland cruise port is the waterfront itself, where seafood and market food sit an easy walk from both wharves.
- Oysters and garlic shrimp: fresh and simply cooked, at the Auckland Fish Market in Wynyard Quarter, a short walk from the terminal.
- Grilled snapper and fish tacos: also at the Fish Market, cooked just steps from where the boats come in.
- Artisan bread, pastries and coffee: from the weekend City Farmers’ Market at Britomart, right across from Queens Wharf.
- Coffee and baked treats: at Koel Café inside the New Zealand Maritime Museum, right on the harbour.
What to wear in Auckland: outfit ideas for a port day
What to wear in Auckland for a port day comes down to how far you plan to walk from the waterfront. Comfortable, casual shoes work for both wharves and the walk into the city, and the same pair will see you through a climb up Sky Tower’s observation deck, where there’s no dress code to worry about.
If you’re heading up Auckland Domain’s Museum hill, go for comfortable walking shoes suited to hill paths, and pack a hat and sunscreen since there’s barely any shade on the climb.
Pack a light layer too, since viewpoints can turn breezy even when it feels warm down at sea level. A waterproof jacket you can stuff in a bag covers a quick shower without taking up any room.
For more ideas, see these casual cruise outfit ideas for women and cruise outfit ideas for men.
Best photo spots in Auckland
The best photo spots in Auckland mix city viewpoints with harbour scenery, and most of them are reachable within a few hours ashore.
- Sky Tower: panoramic views from 328 metres up, reached by glass lift. Mornings give you crisp, uncrowded shots, golden hour adds warm tones, and the tower lights up after dark.
- Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter: sleek waterfront architecture with views across Waitemata Harbour to the Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge.
- Bastion Point: grassy slopes above the harbour with panoramic views of the city skyline and Rangitoto Island.
- Takarunga/Mount Victoria, Devonport: a 10 to 15 minute uphill walk that pays off with 360-degree views over the city, harbour and sea.
How to spend a port day in Auckland
A port day in Auckland works best if you pick one: explore downtown on foot, or add a ferry ride to Devonport. If you just love to walk around here are some walks from the cruise terminal.
Before you sail
- Check your cruise documents to confirm which wharf you'll dock at.
- Book luggage storage near the terminal if you're flying out same day.
- Check Devonport ferry times if you plan the Mount Victoria side trip.
Short port day: under 6 hours
- On dockingWalk ashore at Queens WharfNo shuttle neededBoth wharves sit right in town, so you can walk straight off the ship into the city centre.
- +15 minBritomart Transport CentreA couple of minutes across the road from Queens Wharf, handy for trains, buses and cafes.
- +30 minViaduct Harbour and Wynyard QuarterA short walk along the waterfront past the Downtown Ferry Terminal to this marina district.
- +1 hrLunch at Auckland Fish MarketTry the oystersOrder oysters and garlic shrimp at this seafood market in Wynyard Quarter, a few minutes from the harbour.
- +2 hrs 30 minSky Tower observation deckA 15 minute walk south to the 328 metre tower, no dress code, just comfortable shoes.
- All-aboard minus 1 hrBack at the wharfWalk back along Quay Street to Queens Wharf or Princes Wharf, whichever your ship uses.
The time on the map is the whole walk, every stop added together.
Open this walking route in Google Maps
If plans change: If the Fish Market is too busy, the City Farmers' Market at Britomart or Koel Cafe make an easy lunch swap.
Long port day: 8 hours or more
- On dockingWalk ashore at Queens WharfNo shuttle neededBoth wharves are right downtown, so you can walk straight into the city without transport.
- +30 minFerry to DevonportCash for ferry fareCatch the ferry from the Downtown Ferry Terminal, between the two wharves, across the harbour to Devonport.
- +1 hrClimb Takarunga Mount VictoriaA 10 to 15 minute uphill walk from the ferry wharf rewards you with 360 degree harbour views.
- +2 hrs 15 minFerry back and walk to Viaduct HarbourReturn to the Downtown Ferry Terminal, then walk along the waterfront to the marina district.
- +3 hrs 15 minLunch at Auckland Fish MarketTry the oystersOysters and garlic shrimp at this seafood market in Wynyard Quarter, a short walk from the ferry terminal.
- +4 hrs 15 minBrowse Viaduct Harbour shopsWander the marina shops and cafes before heading on to the city centre.
- +5 hrs 30 minSky Tower observation deckA 15 minute walk to the 328 metre tower for panoramic views before heading back to the ship.
The times on the map are for the whole journey there by train and bus.
Get train and bus times in Google Maps
If plans change: If ferries to Devonport are delayed, swap it for Bastion Point or Mount Eden instead, both reachable by taxi.
Auckland cruise port FAQs
Where do cruise ships dock in Auckland?
Cruise ships in Auckland dock at Shed 10 on Queens Wharf or the neighbouring Princes Wharf, both on the downtown waterfront within walking distance of the city centre.
Is Queens Wharf or Princes Wharf the main Auckland cruise terminal?
Ships use both Queens Wharf’s Shed 10 and Princes Wharf for cruise calls. Check your cruise documents to see which one your ship is using.
How far is it from the cruise terminal to Auckland city centre?
Auckland city centre is a few minutes’ walk from either wharf, with Britomart Transport Centre directly across the road from Queens Wharf.
How do I get from the cruise port to Auckland Airport?
The cruise port sits about 17.5 miles (28 kilometres) from Auckland Airport, roughly a 40-minute taxi ride, or you can walk to the Skydrive Airport bus stop on Hobson Street instead.
Is there parking at Auckland cruise terminal?
Neither Queens Wharf nor Princes Wharf offers public parking, so passengers use nearby car parks such as Downtown, Viaduct or Britomart, or a drop-off zone at the wharf.
Can I store my luggage at Auckland cruise terminal?
Auckland cruise terminal has no luggage storage of its own, so the Luggage Hotel near Queens Wharf is where passengers leave their bags instead.
Which hotels are closest to Auckland cruise port?
Hilton Auckland sits directly on Princes Wharf, and M Social Hotel Auckland faces it across Quay Street, both within a few minutes’ walk of the ship.
Is there a new cruise terminal opening in Auckland?
Port of Auckland has opened a cruise terminal at its Bledisloe precinct for larger ships, and a further terminal, Te Waharoa, is planned on Quay Street in the next few years.
Last Updated: 2 November 2026