Following the completion of Eastland Port’s Wharf 7 rebuild, seven cruise ships berthed alongside the port. The other 13 tendered into port.
To capitalise on the wide-ranging benefits of the cruise industry, a Tairāwhiti cruise strategy is to be developed.
“It’s been our best season yet, with so many highlights as we welcomed over 10,000 passengers,” Trust Tairāwhiti regional tourism manager Holly Hatzilamprou said.
“Collaborating with Eastland Port, Gisborne District Council, the i-Site, tourism operators, volunteers and many other stakeholders, our ground operations are a well-oiled machine.
“Farm, cycle, reef ecology and wine tours are popular, as well as trips to the Eastwoodhill Arboretum. The riverside market is another draw, enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. The Wa165 steam train is always a big hit with cruise passengers, as it’s something they can’t do anywhere else.
“Another unique experience was the pod of orcas that spent several hours swimming around the harbour on January 18, much to the delight of the passengers on the Star Breeze.”
Eastland Port operations manager Andy Kinsella said after a turbulent few years of Covid restrictions and weather events, it was “great to have cruise back in this way”.
“This year was extra special for our team as it was the first time in three years we had cruise ships berth now that the Wharf 7 rebuild is complete.
“As the gateway to our region, we hold the responsibility of shaping visitors’ first impressions, so we’ve brought some life and made some practical changes to the disembarking areas to provide a more unique and pleasant experience.
“Now that we’re at the end of the successful season, we’re looking forward to working on the wider cruise strategy which will help refine our offerings and look at the bigger picture in terms of growth for our region.”
The cruise season generated millions of dollars for the regional economy, with data being gathered and analysed, Ms Hatzilamprou said.
This will be reported on at the Cruise NZ conference in August and shared locally.
“Cruise is firmly established in Tairāwhiti, and we have the infrastructure and systems in place. Now is the time to consider how we can sustainably grow cruise in ways that will genuinely benefit our region.
“There is so much potential to develop more shore excursions unique to Tairāwhiti, which in turn have the potential to create new jobs and expand opportunities for local businesses.
“This will help develop a resilient and attractive tourism industry for visitors, whether they travel here by ship, plane or car.”
Trust Tairāwhiti and Eastland Port will work with key stakeholders and seek feedback from the community as they develop the Tairāwhiti cruise strategy.
