Leave the passport at home

The Pacific Pearl eases its way into Auckland on a misty morning.

Kiwis can now go for an ocean cruise without having to find their passport.

P&O's newest cruise liner, the Pacific Pearl, is the biggest to be permanently based in New Zealand.

After a refit in Singapore, the 63,500 tonne liner cruised into Auckland yesterday morning to berth at Queens Wharf.

On the shore, early-risers watched as the ship - the length of 2 football fields - emerged from the mist.

As well as Pacific and Australian cruises, passengers can board the ship for three-night trips in local waters, showing only their driver's licence to buy a $579 ticket.

"It's the first time we've done it in New Zealand," said P&O New Zealand manager Shannon Currie.

"It gives the opportunity for people who don't own a passport to go on holiday with their family," she said.

The first three-night voyage will leave on January 27.