Cruise Ships

Cruise vessels are subject to the same arrival process and standards and regulations as commercial vessels.

However, in relation to biofouling masters should take note of the following information for all vessels intending to visit Fiordland Link to PDF document (82 KB).

In relation to disembarking passengers and crew, the ship's Purser id required to broadcast an announcement over the ship's public address system, including into the crew accommodation area, before any passengers or crew go ashore, and regularly while they are disembarking.

The announcement reads:

"New Zealand Biosecurity Regulations prohibit the removal of ships stores from this vessel.

Items that can not be removed from the vessel include:

  • Fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Meat of any kind
  • Prepared meals including sandwiches
  • Dairy products
  • And any consumable food items
  • Flowers, seeds, or plants

Only commercially bottles drinking water is permitted to leave the vessel without permission of the MAF Biosecurity Inspector.

Passengers and crew going ashore are requested to present their hand luggage including backpacks for inspection to the MAF Biosecurity Inspector stationed at the gangway.

Thank you"

NOTE: If passengers and crew are from a non-English speaking background the Clearance message should be broadcast in the appropriate language as well as English.

Video for Cruise Passengers

Shipping lines and agencies bringing cruise vessels to New Zealand have been supplied with a short video for cruise passengers outlining the biosecurity requirements and process they will encounter on their journey into New Zealand.

MAFBNZ requests that inbound vessels play the video to passengers through the onboard television system prior to arrival in New Zealand. Your help with this is most appreciated.

Cruise ships wishing to arrive at Opua, Milford Sound or other non-designated ports of arrival must apply to MAF at a port of arrival well ahead of the start of the cruise season. Conditions may be attached to the approval. Current conditions for craft arriving at Milford Sound are below.

Current conditions for craft arriving at Milford Sounds

a) The approval is for the arrival of cruise vessels only.

b) Where passengers or crew are landing, a MAF QS inspector must be present - 48hrs notification prior landing passengers or crew is required, and arrangements for the inspector to board the vessel if not already onboard.

c) Any changes to the intended itinerary are to be reported to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry immediately they become known.

d) No refuse shall be landed or disposed of while in the Sounds. Any vessel refuse shall be held in such a manner as to preclude access to the refuse by animals, birds and insects.

e) No foodstuffs whatsoever shall be removed from the vessel while in the Sounds by the crew, passengers, or visitors.

f) Ballast or grey water is not to be discharged in Milford Sound and any boats launched from the craft to take passengers ashore are clean and free of any hull fouling.

g) A maximum of 100 passengers to be landed from one vessel.

h) All costs incurred by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry relating to quarantine clearance at Milford will be recovered from the ship's agent.

Note: These conditions also apply to vessels departing from the Sounds.

Page last updated: 12 February 2009