ONLINE SALES HAVE NOW SOLD OUT. DOOR SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE EACH DAY. PLEASE PURCHASE TICKETS FROM THE WILLIAM C DALDY PRESERVATION SOCIETY BOOTH AT THE SEEPORT FESTIVAL. LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE, FIRST IN FIRST SERVED.

Ports of Auckland's SeePort Festival presents sailings aboard the William C Daldy steam tugboat.

Ports of Auckland’s SeePort Festival is a three-day celebration of Auckland City’s beautiful waterfront and rich maritime heritage. The family-friendly festival is one of New Zealand’s largest free events, returning in 2020 for its seventh year of seaside fun.

In 2020, we are excited to invite you aboard the iconic William C Daldy steam tugboat for tours of the port during SeePort Festival.

Celebrate 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.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the William C Daldy Preservation Society, a group of volunteers who maintain the Daldy for Aucklanders to enjoy.

FAQs

Tickets are sold out online, can I still go on a sailing?

We reserve a number of door sale tickets for walk-ups on the day. Please check with the SeePort crew at the William C Daldy if there's space on upcoming sailings. Eftpos will be available onsite.

Where do I check-in for my tour?

This year, you will need to make your way to the boat tour waiting area on the north-eastern end of Captain Cook wharf. We ask that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour’s scheduled departure time to allow ample time for boarding. You will be checked in by a member of the SeePort team before heading out.

How long is each cruise and where will we go?

Each cruise is approximately 45 minutes long from departure to arrival. The William C Daldy will venture out from Captain Cook Wharf into the Waitematā Harbour, travelling east past the working wharves of Ports of Auckland before turning to head west and return to Captain Cook 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 careful walking around the vessel and up and down ladders when wet. If we need to cancel your sailing due to bad weather, you will be issued a refund. Boarding is at operator's discretion.

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

Captain Cook and Marsden wharves are along Quay Street. There are nearby parking options, including paid parking at the Downtown Carpark, 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 festival.

Are there food and drink facilities available on-board?

Tea, coffee, biscuits and soft drinks will be available for purchase on board. 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. There are also plenty of affordable and varied food options from our food vendors at SeePort - perfect for a pre- or post-sailing bite to eat!

Is there wheelchair access to the tugboat?

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.

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.

What's the refund policy?

We will fully refund cruises for all requests made up to Thursday 23 January. Unfortunately we cannot accept requests for change-of-mind cancellations after this date. 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.