A cruise ship packed with humanitarian aid leaves Auckland today for Vanuatu.

The P&O ship Pacific Pearl is heading to New Caledonia and Vanuatu on a cruise, which is doubling as a humanitarian aid mission.

Its hold is packed with rice, tinned food, batteries, water purification tablets, clothing, bedding and hygiene products.

Hundreds of handcrafted quilts donated from all over the country are also being taken.

Matamata woman Caroline Mason, who was behind the quilt drive, is joining the cruise to deliver 400 quilts made for people affected by Cyclone Pam.