Auckland ferry services have been disrupted for an hour today after a mooring line problem on the cruise ship Noordam. The ship operated by Holland America Line arrived in Auckland this morning and berthed at Princes Wharf.

Ports of Auckland has confirmed the problem occurred around 11:15 am prompting the moored cruise ship to use its engines to help keep it place alongside the wharf. The wash created by the ship's engines in the confined "ferry basin" meant incoming ferries could not dock, or leave for around an hour.

Ports of Auckland said one of the mooring ropes snapped in windy conditions in the ferry basin.

“It’s a wild weather day in Tāmaki Makaurau. For safety reasons, the Noordam cruise ship had to start propulsion at 11 am today. We alerted AT and the ferrying companies immediately but it did impact ferry services. This is now resolved. Thanks for your patience. Stay safe,” Ports of Auckland said on Twitter.

The spokesperson said there were significant gusts of wind in the area as the Noordam was reattached.

On Friday afternoon, New Zealand national weather services issued a severe thunderstorm warning in several regions including Auckland City. From the photos posted by "Cruise ships in New Zealand" you can see the weather conditions in Auckland on Friday.

Photo credit: Fiona Thorpe