A 10-year project is finally coming to fruition for the Ports of Tauranga.

Port workers are preparing for the largest container ship to ever visit New Zealand.

The Aotea Maersk will arrive this morning to a revamped Port of Tauranga, which has dredged its shipping channel to accommodate the larger ship.

Port of Tauranga CEO Mark Cairns said it's the final reward for a very big project.

"It's the end of a $350 million investment we've put into the port making a big ship capable, so you can imagine we're pretty excited about a big ship coming around the corner this morning.

"We see the port playing its role in ensuring that our exporters and importers have the lowest cost supply chain given our distance from markets.

"I certainly hope it allows our exporters to be more competitive on the world stage," he said.

The Port of Tauranga is also having an early cruise ship season, the Sun Princess will arrive three days early, docking this Sunday at 9AM.