Wellington cruise season: Tips for businesses and operators

Wellington is a popular cruise destination, and we look forward to welcoming passengers from around the world during the summer months. Te Whanganui a Tara is a compact and walkable city that allows passengers to see and do a lot in one day.

Over 130,000 passengers and crew will arrive in the city during the six-month season between October and May.

As Wellingtonians, let’s continue the tradition of being exceptional hosts. If you see a tourist or two say kia ora, offer directions or advise where to buy the best flat white, souvenir, or jumper.

Or, if you're keen to meet our visitors, join our vibrant welcome team as a Wellington City Ambassador. Find out more about becoming an ambassador below.

The cruise opportunity

With only a few hours in Wellington, cruise passengers have a small window (usually 8am to 6pm) to explore and experience attractions, shopping, and culture. As Wellingtonians, we need 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 double days (when two ships are in port). The schedule can also change throughout the season at the last minute due to weather.

  • The New Zealand Cruise Association provides detailed information on ship size and style. It also has passenger and crew numbers.
  • CentrePort Wellington provides cruise timetables and information specific to Wellington.
  • The Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre, on Cable Street, is the key information hub for all visitors to the city including cruise passengers. It is in the Tākina Wellington Exhibition and Convention Centre. Independent tour operators pick up and drop off from 111 Wakefield Street, outside Michael Fowler Centre.
  • If you want information about last-minute cruise changes, contact the Tourism Trade team.
The view of Wellington Central and Wellington Harbour from the lookout on Mount Victoria on a sunny day.

Get your business cruise fit

Businesses can help build Wellington’s reputation as a cruise-friendly destination. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind to make the most of the cruise season.

  1. For the 2024/25 season, cruise shuttles will drop off and pick up passengers from Lower Lambton Quay, outside the Old Government Buildings. Tour operators and private vehicles should not pick up from this spot due to congestion and safety management. Cruise shuttle stops may change each cruise season due to the busy city works programme.
  2. Get exposure for your business: Invest in brochure pay and display at the Wellington isite as a key location to target passengers.
  3. Attract cruise passengers: Welcome each ship with window signage and potentially a special offer.
  4. Understand the cruise demographic: Different ships will carry different nationalities and age groups. About 60% of Wellington’s cruise passengers are Australian. During the Christmas period, expect to see more multi-generational families on board.
  5. Smile and say kia ora! Wellington’s reputation depends on our friendly locals. The NZ Cruise Association has more tips.

Note: Hawking for business is not permitted.  It can be intimidating for passengers and create congestion and litter.  Find out about Wellington City Council’s Trading in Public Places policy.

Trading and Events in Public Places Policy | Wellington City Council

Access to port

Cruise passengers must take either one of the cruise shuttle buses or a pre-booked shore excursion pick-up to get off the port.

Taxis aren’t allowed on port. Passengers must return to their ship via the cruise shuttles or their pre-booked shore excursion. The last shuttle to port will leave the stop at Lower Lambton Quay, outside Old Government Buildings an hour before departure.

Accredited tour companies may pick up independent passengers from the port. Every driver will need:

  • pre-approval from CentrePort
  • to have completed CentrePort’s induction
  • to carry appropriate identification
  • to wear safety footwear.

Find out more about CentrePort pre-approval

Two City Ambassadors are helping two tourists outside the isite Visitor Information Centre located near the waterfront in Te Aro Wellington.

Wellington City Ambassadors

Each season, a team of passionate volunteers welcome thousands of cruise passengers to the city. Positioned at key locations, they provide information, directions, and a friendly welcome to Wellington.

If you’re passionate about the Wellington region and want to become a Wellington City Ambassador, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact the Tourism Trade team

 

Looking for more?

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People sit at the information desk of the Wellington isite in Tākina.

Advertise at the Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre

To display brochures or digital advertising content at the Wellington isite, fill in the form below to express your interest.

A team member from the isite helps a customer look at a map of Wellington, and they share a laugh.

How we can help

Our Tourism Trade team works with a range of local tourism businesses. We can help you understand visitor markets and connect with travel sellers.

The Tourism Team at WellingtonNZ has four people standing shoulder to shoulder.

Let’s talk

Our Tourism Team is on hand to help you promote and sell Wellington to your clients, start or develop a tourism business or bring a new tourism experience to Wellington.

A family walks up steps away from the Castlepoint lighthouse with plants surrounding and sun shining behind them.

New Zealand tourism industry information and resources

There are several key players that make up the New Zealand tourism industry. Here’s everything you need to know.

A helicopter flying over the Wellington Harbour with the city centre visible in the background.

Transport and accommodation product updates

Find out what transport and accommodation has changed for the 2024/2025 tourism trade season.

Inside Puffin wine bar on Ghuznee Street in Te Aro, Wellington. Round velvet booths line the walls of exposed concrete. There are patrons enjoying drinks in the dimly lit space.

Iconic Wellington dining experiences

A foodie paradise, Wellington has plenty of high-quality places to eat. If you’re looking for some of the most iconic, quintessential ‘Wellington’ hospitality experiences, then add these must-do spots to your list.

Waiter setting a table inside Ortega Fish Shack. A large Marlin is mounted on one wall and a very large painting of a lake is on the other.

Restaurant suggestions for groups

Looking for a restaurant suitable for a group? Wellington has a number of dining options that can cater to your client’s needs.

Two children and two adults are in a Māori exhibition in Te Papa Museum in Wellington admiring the woodwork that's displayed.

City break itinerary: Two to three nights in Wellington

With plenty to see and do, Wellington is an excellent place for a city break. The city is compact, so your clients can fly in and explore without needing a car, and with a wide range of accommodation options, you will be able to find the perfect spot to meet their needs.

View of Wellington Cable Car and Wellington city from the Kelburn Lookout.

Self-drive itinerary: Two to three nights in Wellington

Let your self-drive clients see the best of Wellington with two nights in the central city and one night in Kāpiti Coast or the Wairarapa region. With a wide range of accommodation options, you will be able to find the perfect spot to meet your client’s needs.

The view of Wellington city from Mount Victoria at sunset.

Introducing Wellington

Wellington is a compact city with a compelling mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine, making it the perfect addition to your client’s New Zealand itinerary.