Better cruise ship infrastructure will help maximise the economic benefits of cruise tourism for the whole region.
The cruise industry generated $271.2m in direct spend in New Zealand (2009/10) with Auckland receiving $163.3m of this. Cruise is on track to become New Zealand’s third largest inbound tourism market by the end of the 2011-2012 season.
Princes Wharf will be the primary cruise terminal for the 2011/12 season. Shed 10 and the Cloud on Queens Wharf will be used as a secondary facility for cruise. In the medium term (2012-2014) Shed 10 on Queens Wharf will be extended to make a larger space for cruise activity, coupled later with extension of the wharf facility to accommodate berthing of the predicted larger vessels.
The presumption is that this enables Queens Wharf to become the primary cruise facility (due to its scale and purpose built facilities) and to cater for industry growth with Princes Wharf becoming the secondary facility.
As growth continues, additional facilities will be required. The analysis of locations has indicated that Wynyard Wharf also provides an excellent opportunity in the longer term, in line with the development aspirations for this area. This option could complement the facilities provided at Queens Wharf but needs to be considered in context of the competing demands for the use of water space in the waterfront area.