Cruise information for your business
Wellington is a popular cruise destination, and we look forward to having more than 100 ships visiting this summer
Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s the perfect cruise destination - as a compact and walkable city it allows passengers to see and do a lot in one day.
During the six-month season, up to 185,000 passengers will arrive at the sparkling harbour, bringing an international flavour to our streets.
As Wellingtonians, let's continue the tradition of being exceptional hosts - if you see a tourist or two say kia ora, offer directions or give advice on where to buy the best flat white, souvenir or jumper.
Or, if you're so inclined, join our vibrant welcome team as a Wellington City Ambassador. Find out more about becoming an ambassador below.
The cruise opportunity
With just a few hours to spend in Wellington, cruise passengers have a small window (usually 8am-6pm) to explore and experience attractions, shopping and culture. As Wellingtonians, it's important for us to be prepared to help cruise passengers get the most out of their visit.
Stay up-to-date with the cruise schedule to keep track of arrival and departure times, as well as bumper days (when two or more ships are in port).
- The New Zealand Cruise Association provides detailed information on ship size and style, as well as passenger and crew numbers.
- CentrePort Wellington provides cruise timetables and information specific to Wellington.
- The Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre, located on Wakefield St, is the key hub for passengers coming off and returning to the ship, so make sure you pop in and say hello.
Get your business cruise fit
For businesses keen to make the most of the cruise opportunity and help build Wellington's reputation as a cruise-friendly destination, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Passenger shuttle stops - Brandon St and Wakefield St (near the Wellington isite) are the two shuttle stops for cruise passengers this season.
- Exposure for your business - Invest in brochure pay and display at the Wellington isite as a key location to target passengers.
- Attract cruise passengers - Welcome each ship with window signage and perhaps a special offer.
- Understanding the cruise demographic - Different ships may carry different nationalities. About 60 percent of Wellington's cruise passengers are Australian. During the Christmas period, expect to see more multi-generational families on board.
- Smile and say kia ora! - Wellington's reputation depends on our friendly locals.
Wellington City Ambassadors
Cruise season is nearly here, and with each season, a team of passionate Wellington City Ambassadors welcome thousands of cruise passengers to the capital. This team of volunteers are positioned at key locations throughout the city to provide information, directions and a friendly welcome to Wellington.
Become a Wellington City Ambassador
Do you love Wellington? Do you love telling stories about Te Whanganui-a-Tara? Do you have some free time on your hands and want to serve the community or get some tourism experience? - If you are answering yes, then WellingtonNZ has the opportunity for you.
We are looking for about 80 volunteers for the October to April cruise season to help welcome people into the city.
Get in touch
Please get in touch if you have any Wellington cruise ship-related questions or inquiries.
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