Princess Cruises has confirmed a member of its crew died when a gas cylinder exploded as staff were reinflating a raft on board the Emerald Princess.
The cruise ship has been held at port while further investigations are carried out.
The 3,082 passenger ship was docked in Port Chalmers during a 12-night tour from Sydney around New Zealand when the accident happened at around 5pm on Thursday afternoon.
It is thought to have occurred to the rear of deck nine. No-one other than the one crew member is believed to have been injured.
Passengers returning to the ship from day-long excursions were originally prevented from re-boarding, although it is understood they have since been allowed back onboard.
