One of the biggest ever cruise seasons has ended on a high in Tairāwhiti, with a final visit from the towering Noordam.
Carrying up to 1,900 passengers and 800 crew, the Noordam anchored in the bay on a perfect Monday morning. After a busy day of onshore activities the visitors farewelled Tūranganui-a-Kiwa at 6pm, with many promising to return.
The 2023/2024 season started in mid-November with the arrival of boutique National Geographic Orion, which can carry 106 passengers and 75 crew.
In total this summer, 20 ships called in, with five having to sail past due to weather conditions. Following the completion of Eastland Port’s Wharf 7 rebuild, seven cruise ships berthed alongside the port, while the other 13 tendered into the port’s world-class tender berth.
Now there are plans to capitalise on the wide-ranging benefits of the cruise industry, and develop a comprehensive Tairāwhiti cruise strategy.
“It’s been our best season yet, with so many highlights as we welcomed over 10,000 passengers,” said Trust Tairāwhiti Regional Tourism Manager Holly Hatzilamprou.
“Collaborating with Eastland Port, Gisborne District Council, the isite, tourism operators, volunteers and many other stakeholders, our ground operations are a well-oiled machine.
“Farm, cycle, reef ecology and wine tours are popular, as well as trips to the Eastwoodhill Arboretum. The riverside market is another draw, enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. The Wa165 steam train is always a big hit with cruise passengers, as it’s something they can’t do anywhere else.
“Another unique experience was the pod of orcas that spent several hours swimming around the harbour on January 18, much to the delight of the passengers on the Star Breeze.”
Eastland Port Operations Manager Andy Kinsella said, “After a turbulent few years with COVID restrictions and weather events, it’s been great to have cruise back in this way.
“This year was extra special for our team as it was the first time in three years we had cruise ships berth now that the Wharf 7 rebuild is complete.
“As the gateway to our region, we hold the responsibility of shaping visitors' first impressions so we’ve brought some life and made some practical changes to the disembarking areas to provide a more unique and pleasant experience.
“Now that we’re at the end of the successful season, we’re looking forward to working on the wider cruise strategy which will help refine our offerings and look at the bigger picture in terms of growth for our region.”
The cruise season has generated millions of dollars for the regional economy, with the data currently being gathered and analysed. This will be reported on at the Cruise NZ conference in August, and shared locally.
“Cruise is firmly established in Tairāwhiti, and we have the infrastructure and systems in place. Now is the time to consider how we can sustainably grow cruise in ways that will genuinely benefit our region,” said Ms Hatzilamprou.
“There is so much potential to develop more shore excursions unique to Tairāwhiti, which in turn have the potential to create new jobs, and expand opportunities for local businesses. This will help develop a resilient and attractive tourism industry for visitors, whether they travel here by ship, plane or car.”
Trust Tairāwhiti and Eastland Port will work with key stakeholders and seek feedback from the community as they develop the Tairāwhiti cruise strategy.
Haere rā to the Noordam, as a successful cruise season comes to a close.
Photo credit: Angus Bodle.