Recently we received an inquiry from Hawaii about arriving in Auckland by Cruise Ship…

It reads: Aloha! We arrive in Auckland on Christmas day and are looking for walking tracks near where the cruise ship will dock, or even if we need to take a shuttle or bus to get to it. We do not know our way around. What are the options for nearby scenic walking tracks from off the ship? Thank you!

First of all, cruise ships dock in Auckland right next to downtown and within easy walking distance of Britomart Transport hub.

The Ferry Building is an Auckland landmark at the downtown waterfront

To plan your journey by bus or train visit Auckland Transport Journey Planner  (use Quay Street Auckland for your starting point). For ferries visit Fullers.

We have responded with some ideas and you can decide what you would like to do, depending on your interests and how much time you have available. If you are arriving on a public holiday, you may find many places/public transport are closed.

NOTE: If you’re tight for time and would like to whizz around much faster and pack in more then take this awesome half day ebike tour.  You’ll be booking directly with the operator for this tour.

14 Walks you can do when your cruise ship comes to Auckland

  1. Explore Auckland CBD.Time: approximately 60 minutes + time for loitering. All within easy distance from the port.
    Read more: CBD Discovery
  2. Take a bus to Parnell (or walk if you have the time). History and Rose gardens. Walk details: Parnell – Roses, trains and cranes
  3. Walk to Victoria Park and up to Ponsonby.
    Walk details: Victoria Park and markets
  4. Mission Bay is a seaside town that you can walk to along the waterfront (away from the harbour bridge) or catch a bus.
    Read more: Mission Bay to Okahu Bay
  5. St Heliers is further along from Mission Bay. It is a bus ride away. Here you can experience New Zealand bush and bird life in the Dingle Dell Reserve.
    Read more: Dingle Dell and St Heliers Circuit
  6. Karangahape Road is an interesting place to visit when the shops are open. It is easy to walk to from Queen Street.
    Read more: Karangahape Road and Parks
  7. Point Erin and harbourside is an easy walk from the port heading towards the harbour bridge.
    Read more: Point Erin and Harbourside
  8. Wynyard Quarter is an easy short walk from the port again heading towards the harbour bridge. It takes in the Viaduct Basin where Auckland held a previous Americas Cup from.
    Read more: Wynyard Quarter Waterfront loop
  9. Art Gallery Loop takes in not only the art gallery but other interesting places along the way.
    Read more: Auckland Art Gallery Loop
  10. Auckland Museum Loop starts at Britomart Transport hub and takes in interesting places along the route. If you have time, you can explore the Auckland Domain too.
    Read more: Britomart to Auckland Museum 
  11. Catch the ferry to Devonport for 2 walks.
    Read more: Devonport/North Head Loop and Devonport/Mt Victoria Loop
  12. Take the bus or catch the ferry to Northcote Point for 2 walks. Northcote Point Loop gives you views of Auckland City as well as the undercarriage of the Harbour Bridge. New Zealand bush can be enjoyed on the Le Roys Loop.
    Read more: Northcote Point and Auckland Harbour Bridge and Le Roys Bush.

Shore excursions from downtown Auckland

Comments on Arriving in Auckland by Cruise Ship

John Roscoe

Another great half day walk from downtown – catch the ferry to Rangitoto and walk to the summit. Time your walk to make sure you don’t miss the ferry back.

Thanks John for your suggestion, the Rangitoto Summit walk is excellent.

See more of my 150+ walks in Auckland