Thousands witness QM2's arrival
9:00AM Saturday February 17, 2007
Boats greet cruise ship Queen Mary 2 as it arrives in Auckland today. Photo / Greg Bowker
The giant Queen Mary 2, one of the world's largest passenger ships and the largest ship to visit Auckland, glided up Rangitoto Channel this morning with a fleet of welcoming small craft.
QM2 is in Auckland for the day as part of its inaugural voyage -- and 80-day around the world trip.
Before sunrise a flotilla of small craft was out on Waitemata Harbour to welcome the 151,400-tonne ship.
As she went past Rangitoto Island, several planes and helicopters flew overhead.
Vantage points around the harbour were jammed with thousands of cars, full of people eager to catch a glimpse of the famous visitor.
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