OP states the cruise terminates in Auckland. I read that, as does the customs officer standing next to me, as meaning the everyone disembarks in Auckland, which means they will all be en-route processed. Up to the OP to clarify what the actual case is.

and thats fine if thats the case then they will likely be processed en-route be it before they arrive in NZ or between one or more of their NZ ports. if it didnt/doesnt terminate then it might be alongside processing.

"Common sense would dictate it's everyone as everyone has the opportunity to disembark at each port. And as you'll note above, I was told all passengers. I'll further clarify later this evening."

that comment there is wrong which i was trying to get at.

Dratsab:

 

OP states the cruise terminates in Auckland. I read that, as does the customs officer standing next to me, as meaning the everyone disembarks in Auckland, which means they will all be en-route processed. Up to the OP to clarify what the actual case is.

 

(I'm the OP). Auckland is the last scheduled port for this cruise - so I guess everyone has to get off. When the ship leaves Auck, it's on the first leg of a new cruise. 

All I was trying to find out was whether there would be massive queues for Customs & Immigration on the morning that our friends (and about 2,000 others) are disembarking - and would that hold them up while we're waiting to greet them. It seems to be becoming fairly clear that this is not the case - based on posts above. Thanks guys.

I have been on a number of cruises before (multiple 7 day ones) from Australia and Hawaii in different years. As these left and returned back in the same countries when you get off might be a little different but both times .....

- You will be given some bag tags a couple of days before you leave.
- the night before you leave your bags outside your cabin with tags on them (different color tags) (You are left with essentials/small amount of carry off only)
- they take them that night and when you land they take them off the boat in bulk
- You will be told (depending what colour you are) around what time you will depart 
- There could be a large time before the first and last people can depart.
- When its ready to get off they will call different colours (Maybe 8 different colours) and people orderly depart.
- It may take a few hours from when the boats gets into port and when people get off especially they are unlucky are are the last group to depart. Usually top decks leave first (the most important/higher paying cabins).
- People take their carry off and after they get off the ship pick up their baggage .

If anyone is interested in a Cruise and have questions how it all works please let me know.