29 September 2009 MEDIA RELEASE For immediate release

Double the fun at SeePort

Take a bus tour behind the red fence

Ports of Auckland is offering Aucklanders a top-notch view of their port aboard double-decker bus tours behind the red fence.

The third annual SeePort event will run over ten days from Friday 9 October until Sunday 18 October 2009.

“This is a great chance to get behind the red fence and see a close-up view of port operations, including the biggest ‘boys toys’ in the country – our cranes, straddles and visiting international ships,” says Managing Director Jens Madsen. “The bus tours will all be led by Ports of Auckland staff with many years of experience working at New Zealand’s largest container and cruise port.”

The free, hour-long bus tours will travel around the commercial wharves, giving visitors a rare view of some of the largest and most technologically advanced machines in the country.

“What seems on the surface to be a relatively simple job – moving freight between the ships and the shore – is actually hugely complex,” says Mr Madsen. “There is enormous planning and logistics expertise involved in loading and unloading a ship, and linking the operations with our rail and truck hubs.”

“Our aim is to get each ship turned around as quickly as possible – helping to save New Zealand’s exporters, importers and international shipping lines time and money. New Zealand is a long way from global markets and it’s important that our national supply chain is as lean as possible.” Mr Madsen said previous SeePort events had booked out with more than 3,000 people attending in 2008.

As well as the bus tours, the historic Captain Cook’s Gate on Quay Street, opposite the Northern Steamship Co, will feature exhibits, activities and entertainment for all ages.

“Small children will enjoy the free face painting and storytelling,” said Mr Madsen. “Our powerful tug boats will also be out and about, putting on displays at the end of Princes Wharf each weekend.”

The free bus tours will be hosted every day during SeePort at 10.00am, 12.00pm and 2.00pm.

Bookings are essential for bus tours - to book, phone 0800 AK PORT (0800 25 7678). Photo ID is required upon boarding and children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult with photo ID.

The exhibits can be viewed daily between 9.00am and 3.00pm. Dancing tug displays will be held on every Saturday and Sunday during SeePort at 1pm off the end of Princes Wharf.

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