An Australian cruise ship passenger has been deported this morning after he was refused entry to Dunedin because he didn't meet character requirements.
The Radiance of the Seas cruise ship. Photo: AFP
The 59-year-old man was a passenger aboard the Radiance of the Seas cruise ship when he was refused entry to Dunedin on Sunday.
Immigration New Zealand confirmed the man was held in custody overnight before flying back to Australia on Monday morning.
National border manager Stephanie Great said the man did not meet character requirements.
Ms Great did not specify which requirements he did not meet.
More than 14 people have been refused entry when they arrived at the border by sea since July 2015.
The cruise ship was undertaking a 10-night cruise from Sydney to Auckland with 2138 guests.
It departed on 21 November and arrived on its first port of call - Dunedin - on the weekend.
Royal Caribbean released a statement, saying it was fully cooperating with police and immigration on this matter.