Carnival Cruise Line to Home-Port in Auckland for 2027 — A Boost for New Zealand Tourism and Local Transport
Auckland is set to make maritime history in 2027, with Carnival Cruise Line announcing it will home-port one of its ships in the City of Sails for the winter season. The move marks the first time Carnival has based a vessel in New Zealand — a strong signal of confidence in the country’s tourism infrastructure and appeal as a world-class cruise destination.
Between May 25 and July 29 2027, the Carnival Adventure will operate a series of round-trip sailings from Auckland, including shorter getaways to Norfolk Island and longer tropical voyages to Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. The season will conclude with a one-way voyage to Sydney, highlighting the city’s growing role as a regional cruise hub.
The iconic Australia-based brand P&O Cruises Australia—which has operated since the 1930s— retired in March 2025, with its operations merged into the Carnival Cruise Line brand.
For many years, P&O Cruises Australia maintained a strong winter cruising presence from Auckland, with ships home-ported here and a regular flow of passengers, crew transfers, and shore excursions supported by local operators like Kiwi Coaches. That era came to an end when P&O cancelled its planned 2022 Auckland season, citing ongoing operational and border challenges.
Following that pause, P&O Cruises Australia has since been absorbed into Carnival Cruise Line, effectively retiring the brand and leaving Auckland without a dedicated winter home-porting operation — until now. Carnival’s 2027 announcement marks a welcome return to winter cruising for the city and a renewed opportunity for trusted local providers to support the next chapter of New Zealand’s cruise industry.
Kiwi Coaches Welcomes Auckland’s Cruise Expansion
As Auckland prepares to welcome thousands of additional cruise visitors in 2027, Kiwi Coaches stands ready to support the growth of New Zealand’s cruise sector with safe, reliable, and professional ground transport.
“Carnival’s decision to home-port in Auckland is a fantastic win for the city and for New Zealand tourism,” says Ben Dale, Director of Kiwi Coaches. “We’re proud to be part of the local infrastructure that keeps the cruise experience running smoothly — from crew transfers and airport shuttles to sightseeing charters and group transport.”
With over 30 years of trusted service and one of Auckland’s largest, most modern fleets, Kiwi Coaches already provides transport support for international airlines, tour operators, and visiting cruise lines. The company’s deep local knowledge and flexible operations make it a natural partner as the city scales up to handle more cruise turnarounds and passenger movements.
A Growing Cruise Hub — and a Local Opportunity
The 2027 season will bring new life to Auckland’s winter tourism economy, traditionally a quieter period for inbound travel. According to industry data, cruise tourism contributed over NZ $1.3 billion to the New Zealand economy last year — and with more home-porting ships, that number is only expected to grow.
Kiwi Coaches sees this expansion not just as an opportunity for business, but as a chance to showcase New Zealand hospitality from the ground up.
“When passengers disembark, their first interaction on land is often with a local driver,” says Dale. “That’s our chance to represent New Zealand — to offer a friendly smile, a safe journey, and a seamless connection between the ship and the shore.”
About Kiwi Coaches
Locally owned and operated, Kiwi Coaches has been serving Auckland and wider New Zealand for more than three decades. The company provides charter buses, tour coaches, airport transfers, and event transport for schools, corporates, and international visitors.
With an emphasis on safety, reliability, and professionalism, Kiwi Coaches is proud to support the cruise industry’s continued growth and New Zealand’s reputation as a world-leading destination.
📍 23A Mahunga Drive, Auckland
📞 +64 9 636 5232 🌐 www.kiwicoaches.co.nz