Christchurch will host Cunard’s magnificent Queen Mary 2 when the largest ship ever to visit the region arrives into Akaroa at 8am tomorrow morning on her maiden visit.
The elegant liner will spend the day in Akaroa as part of her annual world voyage which includes her maiden Royal Circumnavigation of New Zealand.
Stretching 345 metres – 45 metres longer than the New Brighton Pier – and rising 62 metres above the water, Queen Mary 2 is carrying around 2500 guests and 1200 crew.
This maiden visit to Christchurch comes after she was diverted to Wellington in 2011 after the February earthquake.
This visit is expected to inject more than $500,000 into the local economy, with guests enjoying a day of sightseeing including options to enjoy a jet boat trip up the Waimakariri River, take the Tranz Alpine Express to Arthur’s Pass, or explore city highlights including Hagley Park and the banks of the Avon River.
Queen Mary 2 is also carrying some remarkable items from the State Library of NSW’s world-renowned Captain James Cook collection, as part of a special exhibition celebrating her inaugural Royal Circumnavigation of New Zealand.
Queen Mary 2 will leave Akaroa at 6pm tomorrow night.
Launched in 2004, the 151,400-tonne Queen Mary 2 is one of the most spacious ships at sea. She offers 14 decks of sports facilities, shops, lounges, bars, five pools, no fewer than 10 dining options and the only planetarium afloat as well as the largest ballroom and library at sea. Almost 75 per cent of Queen Mary 2’s 1310 staterooms feature private balconies.
For more information visit www.cunard.com or phone 0800 543 431.
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