Cruise ships deliver $100 million to Wellington

A new report on the economic impact of cruise ships coming to New Zealand shows the huge boost they give to the Wellington economy, says WellingtonNZ Tourism and Visitor Economy manager Jo Heaton.

The report was commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA) and reveals a $100.1 million benefit to Wellington over the 2023/24 cruise season. The benefit to New Zealand overall for the same period was $1.37 billion. 

“This is the first comprehensive research of its kind since 2019 and demonstrates that the cruise industry, despite being seasonal, delivers huge benefits across a range of sectors,” Jo says.

There were 99 ships that berthed in Wellington last cruise season, bringing 170,980 passengers and 35,096 crew. The research shows each passenger spent $147.25 for the day they were in the capital with crew members spending $76.15 each.

“The benefit of that economic impact is felt across the region by small retailers such as cafés and pharmacies, right through to our large tourism operators like Te Papa Tongarewa and Wētā Workshop.”

“Wellington businesses have always recognised the value of cruise and this data demonstrates the value of being a cruise-friendly destination,” Jo says.

Employment is also boosted by the cruise industry with the research showing it is responsible for 758 jobs in the region.

“Some of these jobs are seasonal as operators take on more staff to cope over the busy cruise season but it also enables operators to expand or test new products which in turn creates economic benefit.”

The 2024/25 cruise season started this month with 76 ships, carrying up to 150,000 passengers, scheduled to visit Wellington before the end of April.

The number of ships is down on last season — an issue highlighted by CLIA which has sounded a warning that failure to address issues such as increasing port fees and regulatory uncertainty may see further reductions.

Jo agrees, “It is expensive for cruise lines to operate in New Zealand and while smaller ships often bring higher spending passengers, the overall economic impact to Wellington and New Zealand is not likely to be as great as it was last year.

“While cruise is just one part of Wellington’s overall visitor economy, it is important to remember that $100 million of international spend coming into the region’s economy would be extremely difficult to replace.”

Key findings

• The cruise ship industry in 2023/24 is worth $1.37 billion to New Zealand.
• Cruise ships stopping in Wellington in 2023/24 delivered $100.1 million to the regional economy.
• 99 cruise ships brought 170,980 passengers and 35,096 crew to Wellington in the 2023/24 season.
• Passenger spend in Wellington was $25.2 million and crew $2.7 million.
• The industry supports 758 jobs in the Wellington region.

Date published: 1 November 2024