Journey to New Zealand’s largest city—a truly majestic destination brimming with natural wonders and urban adventures.
Nestled between 2 sparkling harbors in the far southwest of the Pacific, Auckland boasts everything from quaint towns and island wineries to volcanic cones and black-sand beaches.
Local Culture and Flavor
This vibrant metropolis also has more sailboats per capita than any other place in the world, earning it the nickname “City of Sails.” Among the Māori people, however, Auckland has long been known as Tāmaki Makaurau. And in recent years the phrase “Godzone” (God’s own country) has emerged to describe this ruggedly beautiful landscape. Such superlatives pass without notice in this land of dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, hidden caves, rolling hills and lush parkland.
Auckland is also a multicultural hub of art, music and food. Crayfish and seafood are prominently featured on many menus, as are artisan cheeses and New Zealand’s famous roast lamb. Other specialties include chicken, pork and mutton, as well as pumpkin, potato and kumara (sweet potato) cooked in a hāngī, or traditional earth oven. In Auckland, nothing caps off a good meal better than a bowl of hokey-pokey, or creamy vanilla ice cream sprinkled with bits of crunchy honeycomb.
Today, Auckland remains heavily influenced by both its Māori roots and colonial past. Kiwis also like to take advantage of their spectacular landscape and participate in an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and bush and beach walks. Naturally, with so much stunning coastline, diving, snorkeling, kayaking and sailing are hugely popular as well. Little wonder this great city hosted the America’s Cup sailing contest in 1999, 2003 and 2021.
Discover exciting sites and attractions both in and around Auckland.
Rangitoto Island
Just a 25-minute ferry ride away exists the region's most iconic volcano, which can be seen from every corner of the city. Here, visitors can hike, kayak and birdwatch.
Wine Tasting on Waiheke Island
Best known as the “island of wine,” Waiheke is an inviting haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves, farmland and golden beaches—and it’s only a 40-minute ferry ride away from downtown Auckland.
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Discover the fascinating story of New Zealand, its place in the Pacific and its exceptional people. In addition to housing Māori and Pacific collections, this stately museum possesses significant artifacts focusing on natural history, military history, decorative arts and more.
Waitakere Ranges National Park
Pristine bush, thriving native wildlife, cascading waterfalls and rugged black-sand surf beaches await. This tranquil park is only a 40-minute drive away but, with its unique flora and fauna, feels worlds apart.
Auckland Sky Tower
Take the ultimate leap of faith by bungee jumping off New Zealand’s tallest building, the 1,076-foot (328 meters) Sky Tower. It’s 11 seconds of pure adrenaline as you plunge 53 floors. Alternatively, take the elevator to the revolving restaurant at the top and take in the incredible 360-degree views of the city.
Find out what you need to know before you go to Auckland.
Language
English is the official language of New Zealand.
Weather
Auckland experiences subtropical weather, enjoying warm and comfortable climes during the summer months from December through March. Average temperatures during this time range from 63° to 74° F (17° to 23° C). Winter (May through September) tends to be cold, wet and partly cloudy, with lows around 47° and highs about 57° F (8° to 14° C).
How to Pay
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). All major credit cards are widely accepted.
How to Get Around
Auckland is a very walkable city. Link buses and taxis are also available in the city center. Ferries are popular for excursions to nearby islands—simply head to the ferry terminal on Quay Street.
Safety in Auckland
Auckland is considered very safe. Violent crime is exceptionally rare, but theft and pickpocketing occasionally happen. Like any other large metropolitan area, travelers should remain aware when touring outside the tourist zones.
Learn about departure port details such as driving directions, parking and onboarding information.
Auckland Port Terminal – Queens Wharf Terminal
Address
89 Quay Street
Auckland Central
Auckland 1010
New Zealand
Upon arriving at the port, please follow the signs directing you to the Disney Cruise Line ship and terminal.
Queens Wharf Terminal Sail Dates
November 25, 2025
November 30, 2025
December 4, 2025
December 7, 2025
December 11, 2025
December 14, 2025
December 19, 2025
The December 19, 2025, sailing from the Queens Wharf Cruise Terminal will conclude at the White Bay Cruise Terminal in Sydney, where Guests will debark.
Queens Wharf is approximately 14 miles (22 kilometers) and 30 minutes from the Auckland Airport.
Auckland Port Terminal – Princes Wharf Terminal
Address
137-147 Quay Street
Auckland Central
Auckland 1010
New Zealand
Upon arriving at the port, please follow the signs directing you to the Disney Cruise Line ship and terminal.
Princes Wharf is approximately 14 miles (22 kilometers) and 30 minutes from the Auckland Airport.
Parking
There is no long-term parking available at Auckland Cruise Terminals; however, long-term car parking/storage is available near the cruise terminal.
Luggage Handling and Port Arrival Times
Disney Cruise Line representatives will be at the terminal to meet, greet and check in Guests starting at 11:15 AM. Guests are allowed to enter at their scheduled Port Arrival Time. Guests who do not have a Port Arrival Time or have not had an opportunity to complete their Online Check-In should arrive after 2:00 PM. Porters will be on hand to assist with luggage.
Note: All Guests must be on board the ship no later than the published All-Aboard time.
Youth Activities
Wristbands will be distributed to Guests on board during registration for Youth Activities.
Currency Exchange
There are no ATMs in the terminal. There is no currency exchange into Australian or New Zealand dollars on board.
Wheelchair Accessibility
The terminal building and parking areas are wheelchair accessible. Escalators and elevators are available.