Auckland Harbour can be entered by a vessel drawing up to 33 ft. In the inner harbour there is anchorage in depths of from 5 to 12 fathoms. There are four channels of approach to the port, but Rangitoto Channel is the only one suitable for deep-draught vessels. The total length of berthage available in the port is 27,301 ft, 12,512 ft being devoted to coastal shipping and 14,789 ft to overseas vessels. All berth-age for overseas vessels is served by railway sidings; 11 berths are suited to the loading of refrigerated cargo. With the exception of the Chelsea sugar wharf on the North Shore, all wharves are concentrated in the Quay Street area.

Calliope Dock is 605 ft long and 65 ft wide at the blocks. The harbour board also operates two slipways which can accommodate vessels of 600 tons and 200 tons. The 80-ton self-propelled crane Mahua has sufficient height and radius to enable it to serve the largest ships. Three powerful twin-screw tugs are available.

Total shed cargo space is approximately 950,000 sq. ft. Few ports in the world enjoy better cargo-handling facilities. Cranes average four per berth, and at seven of the berths there are five per berth. Twelve lighters are provided to assist unloading of vessels. Stevedoring strength is 1,700 men.