Another terminal is vital, says cruise chief

Cruise New Zealand chief executive Craig Harris says Auckland needs another cruise ship terminal soon to cope with demand. Photo / Dean Purcell

Cruise New Zealand chief executive Craig Harris is not too bothered where a cruise ship terminal is located on the Auckland waterfront, so long as one gets built. Soon.

The cruise industry lobbyist says after a slump this year, caused by the economic recession, next season will be another record breaker with cruise visitors expected to top 130,000. Over the following two years the squeeze will come on Auckland with projections of 150,000 visitors.

Mr Harris said the city needed a second cruise ship terminal to the facilities at Princes Wharf.

"We are at that level where we have to create certainty for cruise ship companies so they know they have got docking space when they arrive in Auckland. We just can't have them arriving at a tin shed."

Mr Harris said Auckland and Sydney had become the two hub ports in the South Pacific for cruise ships. Travellers arrived and left via Auckland, staying in hotels, eating at restaurants and shopping. It was also a turnaround point for tens of thousands of crew members.

"If we don't get (a second terminal) we will just cap the business where it is."