Cruise industry looks to rebuild growth

New Zealand’s cruise industry met in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland last week to discuss the highly competitive international market and ship arrivals declining in recent years due to rising costs and regulatory pressures. Ben Chapman, our Head of Destination, was there, alongside strong Te Tai Tokerau representation from tourism operators, ports, and suppliers.

Addressing sector recovery, rebuilding confidence and growth were hot topics at the conference. On its Facebook page this week, the New Zealand Cruise Association said there is growing alignment with the government and industry about what needs to happen next.  

“The focus now is on turning that momentum into results — influencing deployment decisions for 2028/29 and beyond, securing long-term biosecurity certainty, improving cost competitiveness and regulatory predictability, strengthening New Zealand’s international cruise reputation, and increasing the value cruise delivers to our regions.” 

Left to right: Jane Warwick (Meeting Newz Media), Tania Burton (NZ Māori Wellness Tourism), Mel Collier (New Zealand Cruise Association), and Ben Chapman (Northland NZ).

For Ben, discussions at the conference with those who bring cruise visitors into our regions focused on delivering great visitor experiences and supporting sustainable growth. 

Both the Bay of Islands and Whangārei welcome cruise ships each year, making a strong and sustainable cruise sector important for Te Tai Tokerau Northland.