Port Marlborough has marked the close of the 2025/26 cruise season, welcoming 24 Cruise Ship calls with approximately 86,000 passengers and crew to the region. While visit numbers were lower than in recent record seasons, in line with wider global and national factors influencing cruise deployment and operating costs, the success of the season again highlighted the value of cruise tourism to Marlborough and the collective effort behind each visit. Across New Zealand, cruise continues to make a meaningful contribution to regional economies. Recent data from the New Zealand Cruise Association’s Value of Cruise Tourism 2024/25 report shows the sector generated $1.23 billion in total economic output and supported more than 8,000 jobs nationwide. Port Marlborough’s General Manager Port & Marine, Ryan Lock said Marlborough’s share of that value is driven by how the region works together. “Cruise is an important contributor to Marlborough’s economy, generating around $36.4 million in output and directly supporting around 246 jobs locally. What sits behind that is a real collective effort,” he said. That experience begins on the water and continues seamlessly through to the town and wider region. “Our port teams, both on the water and on the wharf, consistently deliver safe and efficient operations. That includes our pilots, tug crews, lines teams, coordinators and security staff, who work closely together to ensure each visit runs smoothly. This continues through to tourism operators, local businesses and the wider community all working together to deliver a consistent, high-quality experience for Cruise tourism. That collaboration is essential to enable us to deliver success for Marlborough.” Lock said. “The adaptability of our local operators and the genuine manaakitanga shown across the region makes a real difference to how Marlborough is experienced by our guests.” Visitors over the season were once again welcomed ashore by the Picton Flower Ladies, whose presence has become a well-known part of the Marlborough cruise experience. Across Marlborough, local businesses, tour operators and hospitality providers again demonstrated their ability to respond to changing schedules, including accommodating large vessels diverted to Picton at short notice due to weather conditions. The Picton Lions Club hosted the popular cruise markets along the Town Wharf waterfront, creating a vibrant welcome for visitors and an opportunity to connect with local producers and crafts. Bus operators, cellar door hosts and tourism providers across Marlborough supported a full programme of shore excursions, showcasing the region’s landscapes, food and wine offerings. Looking ahead, Port Marlborough continues to work closely with industry partners including the New Zealand Cruise Association, Destination Marlborough, other New Zealand ports and the local community to ensure Marlborough remains a compelling destination on South Pacific itineraries. Mr Lock emphasised that while local collaboration is important, that this work also includes ongoing engagement with cruise line partners both in New Zealand and offshore, with Port Marlborough attending Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami alongside other New Zealand ports and undertaking further meetings with cruise operators in Australia. “We are focused on maintaining Marlborough’s position as a reliable and welcoming port of call. That means working alongside our partners, providing certainty and pricing confidence, and continuing to deliver a high-quality experience for cruise lines and their guests,” he said “As we look ahead to next season, our priority is to ensure Marlborough continues to feature strongly on cruise itineraries, delivering benefits for our region while maintaining the experience that makes Marlborough a stand-out destination for Cruise passengers.” Port Marlborough thanks those involved in delivering the season and looks forward to welcoming cruise visitors back to the region from October, as the 2026/27 season gets underway. ENDS About Port Marlborough Port Marlborough is the key maritime gateway for Te Tau Ihu, supporting the State Highway 1 inter-island link and the movement of South Island trade. From operations in Picton, Havelock, Waikawa and throughout the Marlborough Sounds, the port provides critical port, marine, logistics and marina services that underpin regional and national connectivity. Port Marlborough supports a diverse range of industries, including Interislander ferries, export cargo, tourism, the cruise industry, aquaculture, forestry and the wider marine sector. The port handles more than 1.2 million tonnes of cargo each year and operates one of the largest marina businesses in the Southern Hemisphere through its subsidiary, Marlborough Sounds Marinas. It also delivers pilotage, towage and berthing services for vessels operating across the Marlborough Sounds. Alongside its operational role, Port Marlborough is an active contributor to the region through its Partnerships programme, supporting initiatives that deliver positive outcomes across Marlborough. In 2025, Port Marlborough invested more than $200,000 in community partnerships, sponsorships and programmes, with its approach aligned to the Business for Societal Impact (B4Si) framework and the company vision of being an environmentally restorative port, driving success for Marlborough. Guided by a strategy that balances People, Planet, Prosperity, Performance and Partnerships, Port Marlborough is committed to delivering long-term value for Marlborough while supporting sustainable growth and strong community connections. For more information see: https://www.portmarlborough.co.nz/ For Media Enquiries contact Connie Smith | GM Communications, Port Marlborough NZ Ltd, 027 404 6135 [email protected]
