Get up close to the majestic Queen Mary 2

2013 once again brings the Queen Mary 2 to New Zealand and Ports of Auckland is offering a unique opportunity to see her close up.

At 345 metres long – about 50 metres longer than the berths at Princes or Queens Wharves – the Queen Mary 2 must berth within the commercial port.

However, as a special treat, Ports of Auckland has organised two free boat tours of the port so Aucklanders can get a close up view of the transatlantic liner.

“We know Aucklanders love to see the Queen Mary 2 and having her berthed at Jellicoe wharf makes that difficult. A boat tour provides the perfect opportunity to get up close to the vessel while enjoying some time out in our beautiful harbour,” Ports of Auckland Chief Executive, Tony Gibson says.

The one hour tours operated by 360 Discovery will depart from Pier 4 at the Ferry Terminal in Downtown Auckland at 11am and 12:30pm.

“The tours have proven more popular than anticipated. The 12:30pm tour was fully booked before we’d even had a chance to advertise it, so we decided to lay on an 11am tour as well,” Mr Gibson says.

“These are the only times 360 Discovery has a boat available, so get in quick”, he added.

Bookings are essential. Please call 360 Discovery on 09 307 8005 to book.

If you can’t go on one of the tours, don’t worry, there are some fantastic opportunities to view the vessel as she enters and departs the harbour. She will arrive at the pilot station, north of Rangitoto, at around 6:30am making her way to Jellicoe wharf at around 7:30am. She will depart at 10.00pm the same day.

Good vantage points:

From 6:30am

• Areas along the east cost of the North Shore as the ship rounds Rangitoto Island

Between 7:00am and 7:30am

• Ports of Auckland public walkway alongside the Fergusson container terminal (no parking available)

• Fred Ambler Lookout, Gladstone Road, Parnell

• Mt Victoria, North Head and Devonport Wharf on the North Shore

• East Coast Bays beaches

The ship will be carrying up to 2,700 passengers and crew.

The Queen Mary 2 will provide another stunning view for ship spotters as she leaves port at 10pm, lit for the night's journey.

ENDS

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