Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan said the largest regular visitor would be the 347m-long Anthem of the Seas, carrying up to 4905 passengers and 1500 crew.
It is due to visit four times this season.
Nathan said 79 cruise ships were scheduled to stop in Tauranga with a total passenger capacity of 140,057 and 63,384 crew. There would be 11 double cruise ship days.
He said once on shore, passengers would receive a warm welcome from nine volunteer ambassadors and the portside operators.
The Anthem of the Seas is due to visit Tauranga four times this season. Photo / Royal Caribbean
Last season, Tauranga hosted 77 cruise ships with a total passenger capacity of 143,647 and 63,614 crew.
“We’re very pleased our region has managed to maintain a steady stream of cruise ship bookings,” Nathan said.
“It proves our city’s enduring popularity as a great destination for cruise lines and their passengers to visit, despite some of the global issues impacting the travel sector.”
During the 2024-2025 season, 94 cruise ship visits generated $101.6 million in economic output for Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty and Whakatāne, and the sector supported 669 jobs.
Nathan said economic data for the 2025-2026 cruise season was due in five to six weeks.
He said it was difficult to forecast the impact of Mauao track closures on cruise visitors’ spending for the coming season.
Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan. Photo / Supplied
“However, our regional visitor spend data has largely been tracking similarly to other key New Zealand destinations, which suggests a range of other factors impact travellers’ choices.
“Tourism Bay of Plenty was working closely with local businesses, Mount Mainstreet, tourism operators and the sector, to ensure cruise passengers had a great experience during visits.
“We’re very active in our long-term approach to help grow cruise visitations to our region.”
Nathan is also deputy chairman of the NZ Cruise Association.
“I’ve been working closely with the Government, Tourism NZ and the Port of Tauranga to ensure the world’s cruise lines know New Zealand is keen to grow our share of the global market.”
Mount Business Association business improvement manager Jay Banner said the return of cruise ships would provide a much-needed boost for members after an “incredibly tough” year following the Mauao landslide.
“The landslide was first and foremost a tragedy, and our thoughts remain with the families of the six people who lost their lives.”
He said it also hit businesses at the peak of the summer season, and having 79 cruise ships visiting this summer would play “a big part in helping them get back on their feet”.
Mount Business Association manager Jay Banner. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford
He said one exciting initiative this season aimed at cruise visitors is the association’s Footprints of the Mount, a new self-guided heritage trail around Pilot Bay, Main Beach and Marine Parade.
There are 10 footprints along the way, each with a sign and QR code, and people can download the Oasis NZ app, scan in to learn about the Mount’s history and collect points for rewards.
Banner said other promotional activities were also lined up, including a scavenger hunt, summer events, games in the park, and sporting events.
“I encourage everyone to come down on ship days, say ‘kia ora’ to our visitors and make them feel welcome, grab a coffee, have lunch, do some shopping and walk the heritage trail.
“Every dollar spent locally this summer will make a real difference to our members.”
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said returning cruise passengers would provide a “welcome boost” for Mount businesses impacted by the closure of Mauao and surrounding facilities.
Public access to Mauao would be restored as soon as it was safe to do so, he said.
The council was working with Mount Business Association and Tourism Bay of Plenty to help attract more visitors and encourage people to spend more time in the area.
The Mayoral Relief Fund had supported initiatives that “increased vibrancy in the area and encouraged people to visit and support local businesses”.
Drysdale said Mount Maunganui had plenty to offer beyond the maunga.
“Whether it’s visiting local retailers and hospitality venues, attending an event, or spending time at the beach, people’s support contributes to the recovery and vibrancy of Mount Maunganui.”
RotoruaNZ chief executive officer Andrew Wilson. Photo / Andrew Warner
RotoruaNZ chief executive Andrew Wilson said the organisation looked forward to welcoming cruise visitors back to Rotorua.
“Their visits support a wide range of local businesses, from attractions and tour operators to cafes, restaurants and retailers … and provide a welcome boost to the wider Rotorua economy.”
Wilson said RotoruaNZ would continue to help visitors discover and book local experiences through its visitor information services, and promote Rotorua to the travel trade.
Sandra Conchie is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post and has been a journalist for more than 26 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media Awards regional/community reporter of the year.