The first cruise ship to enter New Zealand waters since borders closed due to Covid-19 has docked in Auckland this morning, with a fanfare welcome.
P&O's Pacific Explorer entered Auckland harbour at around 7.30am, after sailing across the Tasman from Sydney. The ship was met by support vessel Peretu, and tug boat 'Sparky', which gave a water cannon salute greeting.
Pacific Explorer will be docked at Queen's Wharf for eight hours, before setting sail for Lautoka, Fiji.
![P&O's Pacific Explorer is the first cruise ship to visit New Zealand in two and a half years. Photo / Brett Phibbs](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/SYNREOU7DBIUJKRBK6WF3DEALU.jpg?auth=53d356a868a9a91207b0d312b274971f0f9b35e83456ffae65d2cbacbb83e402&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Festivities included a private pōwhiri, kapa haka performance, and speeches from officials including the president of P&O Cruises Marguerite Fitzgerald, Auckland mayor Phil Goff, and P&O Cruise Director Julie McEwen.