Wellington cruise season: Tips for businesses and operators

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 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