Heavy fog has prevented a cruise ship from docking at Port Chalmers in Dunedin and it will now make its way to the next scheduled stop in Akaroa.
Dunedin woke up to a blanket of low-lying fog today which also disrupted flights to main centres, including cancellations.
The Queen Victoria had been scheduled to arrive at Port Chalmers at 8.30am but had to wait for hours off the coast for conditons to clear before entering Otago Harbour.
But with fog still dense at 3pm, it was decided the ship would continue its journey north.
Dunedin i-Site visitor centre manager Louise van de Vlierd said she was disappointed the cruise ship could not visit.
"After waiting off Taiaroa Head all morning, the Queen Victoria has now made the call to sail on to Akaroa, cancelling her Dunedin visit.
"Unfortunately the fog just never lifted, preventing her from entering the harbour. If only we could control the weather!"
Livestream footage from albatross website Royal Cam at Taiaroa Head showed thick fog over the entrance to the harbour at the time.
Meanwhile, affected flights from Dunedin Airport appeared to be getting back on track this afternoon.
Delayed flight NZ672 to Auckland departed at 1.05pm. It had been expected to depart at 10am.
Flight NZ682 to Wellington departed at 1pm. It had also been delayed since 10.25am.
The arrival of flight JQ283 from Wellington has been delayed from 12.25pm until 3.05pm.
As a result, departing flight JQ282 back to Wellington was now expected to leave at 3.35pm.
Two flights to Christchurch this morning were cancelled: NZ5052 and NZ5016.
A spokeswoman for the MetService said the fog had been caused by cool seawater off the coast mixing with warmer air, and a gentle north-easterly breeze blew it onto Dunedin.
The phenomenon was affecting coastal areas from Dunedin to Invercargill, she said.
Police said there had been no fog-related traffic issues reported.
