Ports of Auckland is proud to support 90-minute cruises aboard the William C Daldy steam tugboat during this year's Auckland Heritage Festival.

Experience an all access journey, discover the inner workings of the steam tugboat by visiting the engine room, the heat of the boiler room and the wheelhouse up top. Each cruise will be accompanied by a detailed commentary on Auckland's maritime history.

Celebrating the rich maritime heritage of Auckland City by exploring the Waitematā Harbour from the 84-year-old Daldy; one of the port's first tugs built in 1935. These family-friendly tours will cruise through the port's wharves at work and under the Auckland Harbour Bridge where the Daldy once famously saved a piece from floating away during its construction.

Check out this video from the 2015 Auckland Heritage Festival.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the William C Daldy Preservation Society, a group of volunteers who keep the Daldy afloat for Aucklanders to enjoy. A portion will also go to the Ports of Auckland Education Programme.

FAQs

Where do I check-in for my tour?

This year, the check-in point for all tours will be on the breastworks between Captain Cook and Queens Wharf, accessed via Queens Wharf off Quay Street. Please make your way to Queens Wharf and follow the signs to the Ports of Auckland Heritage Sailings check-in point. There you will be checked in by a Ports of Auckland representative before heading out to the William C Daldy to depart.

When do I need to check in for my tour?

Check-in for each sailing will open one hour before the departure time. We strongly recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow adequate time to board the vessel. The time listed is when the boat sails.

Why does the Ports of Auckland provide these cruises?

We have an active sponsorship and events programme focused on supporting and celebrating our vibrant waterfront and its surrounding communities. We're pleased to sponsor tours of the port and Waitematā Harbour aboard the historic William C Daldy steam tugboat during the Auckland Heritage Festival each year where we both fund and organise the tours for Aucklanders and visitors to the city to enjoy.

How long is each cruise and where will we go?

Each cruise is approximately 90 minutes long from departure to arrival. The William C Daldy will venture out from the basin between Captain Cook and Queens Wharf into the Waitematā Harbour, travelling east past the working wharves of Ports of Auckland before turning to head west and under the Auckland Harbour Bridge and then will return to Hobson Wharf. You'll get a close-up look at port operations along the way, including the cranes and straddle carriers and any ships in port.

Will cruises operate if it is raining/the weather is bad? Is there cover on-board for bad weather?

The William C Daldy was built for bad weather! The tug will depart rain, hail or shine unless the weather poses a health and safety risk. There is shelter on most areas of the boat, but not all. If wet weather is forecast, we suggest packing a raincoat or wearing wet-weather gear. Please take extra care walking around the vessel and up and down ladders when wet.

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

There are nearby parking options, including paid parking in the Downtown Carpark, Britomart Carpark and Princes Wharf, all a short walk from Captain Cook Wharf. If you are traveling by public transport, the Britomart Transport Centre and Ferry Building are both a short walk away from the check-in point.

Are there food and drink facilities available on-board?

Tea, coffee, biscuits and soft drinks will be available for purchase. For cruises after midday, the tug will operate a bar. Eftpos facilities will be available. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on-board - please make use of the rubbish bins on deck to dispose of any waste.

Is there wheelchair access to the tugboat?

Wheelchairs can easily access the check-in point. To gain access to the tugboat, crew are available and happy to assist you but please bear in mind that the gangway can get quite steep depending on the tides. Those that are wheelchair bound will need to access the boat with assistance, outside of their chair. The chair will need to be carried on board separately. Once on board, wheelchairs may only remain on the main deck as access to all other decks is by stairs. Electric chairs can unfortunately not be accommodated due to the narrow gangway.

Can I change my cruise to another time/date?

You can transfer your tickets to another time and/or date subject to availability, up to one week before your originally booked cruise. There is a $5 fee to transfer to a different cruise.

Can I update my registration information?

You can update the information on your order by clicking your order on the Tickets page of your Eventbrite account. If you can't see an "Edit" link please contact Ports of Auckland by emailing info@poal.co.nz.

Why do you need details for each passenger?

We need to request details for all passengers, including kids, so that you have the option to transfer tickets at a later date if required. To ensure there are enough life jackets on board, so we need to know how many people (regardless of age) are on board. This includes infants.

What's the refund policy?

We will fully refund cruises for all requests made up to one week before your booked cruise. Unfortunately, we cannot accept requests for change-of-mind cancellations within a week of your cruise. Refunds will not be issued for no-shows, including no-shows due to wet weather. We will refund your ticket if we need to cancel tours for any reason.