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Cruises to Wellington, New Zealand

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Wellington New Zealand Cruise Port Guide

Windy Wellington has made many best-of lists recently from places like Lonely Planet, who tout New Zealand’s capital as one of the world’s most livable cities. But Wellington is also a great destination for travelers passing through on a cruise for its abundant nature, informative and quirky museums, and a burgeoning film industry that makes for exciting tours of faraway, fictional lands.

Start your day in nature at the Wellington Botanical Garden or at protected wildlife sanctuary Zealandia, just two special attractions that highlight New Zealand’s commitment to the natural environment and animal conservation. Learn the history of the Maori at Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum. Hike the walking trails to the top of Mount Victoria in the afternoon, where the overlook offers a seaside and cityscape view that’s hard to beat but easy to photograph. Wellington is a delightful, walkable city, and the way that locals care about their city will certainly stand out while you’re traveling on your New Zealand cruise .

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Conservationists and animal lovers will rejoice when they go to Zealandia, a massive ecosanctuary dedicated to protecting endangered species that are native to New Zealand. It’s the only fenced-in urban eco-sanctuary in the world. Take a guided tour to spot rare birds like the spotted kiwi and the kaka, or the curious tuatara - an ancient reptile. If you have time, a night tour is a must to experience the nocturnal creatures there.

Wellington Museum

This former 19th century store is now a charming, small museum dedicated to the maritime history of Wellington and the history of the Maori who first lived in the area. It’s a good way to experience Wellington’s quirky personality in just one stop.

Wellington Botanical Gardens

Experience a full day in Wellington’s nature when you head to the Wellington Botanical Garden, a paradise in the middle of a compact metropolitan area. This is one of the most treasured green spaces in the city. Wander through the Lady Norwood Rose Garden or sip tea at the garden’s café.

Learn More About Wellington Shore Excursions

Top things to do in wellington, lookout from mt. victoria.

Mt. Victoria is one of Wellington’s most memorable sights, and it’s a tradition for travelers to climb the nearly 650-foot mountain paths on the way to a panoramic view of Wellington’s skyline and the sea. For accessibility, look for the No. 20 bus, which takes passengers up to the lookout point and back to the foot of the mountain. 

See a Show at the Embassy Theatre

Wellywood, as the locals call their version of Hollywood, is well within reach during your Wellington cruise, especially at the glamorous Embassy Theatre. This art deco style theater was built in the 1920s, and it’s still delighting movie goers today. Stay for a cocktail at the Black Sparrow bar in the back.

Tour Weta Cave

Weta Workshop is the birthplace of some pretty incredible movie magic, providing the special effects for many Hollywood blockbuster films. You can learn about their processes in a 45-minute tour of the props and costumes, check out the curiosities for sale in the Weta Cave, and take photos with the trolls at the front door. It’s a must-do experience for movie buffs and Hollywood fans. 

Top Food & Drink Spots Near the Wellington Cruise Port

Hippopotamus Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

Address: 90 Cable St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Right across the road from Te Papa Museum, QT Hotel is the trendy, high-end destination for cocktails, shared plates and fine dining. Ground level Hot Sauce is the place for cocktails and shared plates with an Asian influence, or for a top dining experience check out Hippopotamus Restaurant & Cocktail Bar. Upstairs in QT Wellington Hotel, Hippopotamus offers breakfast, lunch, high tea, and dinner with views of Wellington Harbor from the windows. French-inspired menu items, from seared salmon to le filet de bœuf, a 55-day aged beef dish, are must-tries.

Address: 181 Cuba St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Head to Loretta’s on Cuba Street for a casual lunch featuring local flavors and delicacies you wouldn’t expect, like rabbit risotto or a wild boar ragu. They also serve breakfast items and standard oven-fired pizzas. Top off your meal with ice cream or gelato for dessert.

Logan Brown

Address: 192 Cuba St, Te Aro, Wellington 6141, New Zealand

Logan Brown is the spot where you’ll want to go for a special occasion or when you’re all dressed up. The menu is creative and cleverly executed, and you can choose from the chef’s choice menu of five courses or go a la carte, where you can enjoy shucked-to-order oysters, onion tartlets, or gin-cured salmon with charred beets.

Address: 6 Swan Ln, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

This wine bar specializes in handpicked wines and the art of finding the perfect pairing. For wine lovers, this is a must in Wellington for its nearly 500 wines to choose from. The seasonally changing menu features charcuterie and cheese boards, oysters, or main dishes from wild venison to the comforting house lasagna.

Culture and History of Wellington, New Zealand

The Maori were the first residents in the Wellington area, dating back as far as the 11th century. Europeans colonized New Zealand in the early 19th century. Wellington became New Zealand’s capital in 1865 but the city was a bustling trade hub several decades before becoming the capital. Nearly half a million people live in Wellington today, and it’s grown in status and renown throughout the years. Beyond trade and international commerce, Wellington is also a center for the film industry in New Zealand. Today, Wellington consistently makes “top places to live” lists, and it continues to charm visitors despite its often windy weather.

Wellington Port Facilities & Location

Your Wellington cruise ship docks in Centre Port, sometimes at Queen’s Wharf cruise terminal or Aotea Quay. Bigger ships dock at Aotea Quay, and then travelers can take a free shuttle to Lambton Quay, or walk into downtown Wellington on foot, which is about a half hour’s walk away. The ports are typically equipped with standard amenities like Wi-Fi, an information desk, and an ATM.

Transportation in Wellington

There’s no shortage of ways to get around on your Wellington cruise. If you’re sticking to the city center, the major downtown destinations are walkable. Nothing is more than a 15 to 20-minute walk from one side of the city’s downtown to the other. The train system mostly caters to getting to the suburbs of Wellington, not for inner city navigation. Taxis are available and Uber operates in Wellington as well. There are also bike and car rentals for visitors. Bike tours are increasingly popular with tourists on a Wellington cruise.

Shopping Near the Wellington Cruise Port

Because the downtown area of Wellington only spans about a mile, shopping options in Wellington are easily walkable from one boutique to the next. From local wine stores to locally-made fashions, Wellington has a cosmopolitan shopping reputation. The best shopping in the area is called the “Golden Mile,” which includes the streets of Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Courtenay Place, and Manners Street. High-end fashions and international names rule the streets along the Golden Mile. For vintage digs, check out the independent shops and tiny cafes dotting Cuba Street.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

In New Zealand, the official currency is the New Zealand dollar. Credit cards are generally accepted in most places. Carrying extra cash isn’t necessary, but it can be helpful to have a little cash on hand for small purchases. The practice of tipping isn’t customary in New Zealand, but you can feel free to round up to the nearest New Zealand dollar (NZ$) if you had great service. There isn’t typically a service charge on any of the bills you’ll get when docked on your Wellington, New Zealand cruise.

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TRAVEL TO THE Wellington CRUISE TERMINAL

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CentrePort is proud to play its role in the cruise industry, which provides a valuable boost to local businesses, and other economic benefits to the Wellington region. Ministry of Health and Maritime New Zealand Covid-19 protocols are in place for Cruise ship visits. 

Cruise Schedule - 2023

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Welcome to Wellington, Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Welcome to our cool little capital. The Wellington Cruise berth is approximately 1.5 kms (or 1 mile) north of the city CBD.

If you are a cruise passenger, you can not walk into the city from the wharf and can not be picked up at the port by a private car or taxi . Please make sure you factor this into your plans. You can only get into the city by booking a shore excursion through your cruise provider, by booking an independent accredited tour, or by catching a cruise shuttle.

The Cruise shuttle stop for 2023/24 is located on Lambton Quay in front of the Old Government Buildings

Please note that since the 2016 Kaik ō ura earthquake, our port has changed dramatically and now has a wider operational area, so passengers only have pedestrian access to designated cruise zones on the wharf.  

You can only pick up friends or family in the city

If you're a local and want to pick up a cruise passenger, please arrange to collect them from a cruise shuttle stop, or at a safe collection point in the city. 

No taxi access on port

Taxis are not permitted to pick up or drop of passengers at the wharf. If you need to catch a taxi, please arrange to be picked up somewhere safe in the city or from a cruise shuttle stop.  

Getting back to the ship

If your tour company is not dropping you off directly back at the wharf, please ensure you catch a cruise shuttle in time to get back to the ship. The cruise shuttle bus stops at the Old Government Building on Lambton Quay. Shuttle stop maps will be available on the wharf when you arrive.  

Tour companies

We have limited capacity for tourism operators to pick passengers up from the cruise berth. If you are a tourism operator, you will need to go through an approval process to gain access.

Passenger collection is not available in the city so it is preferred that you are an approved operator and collect passengers directly from port.

All official tourism providers including cruise ambassadors, cruise volunteers, and cruise shuttles must complete the cruise-specific online induction.

To access this induction, in the first instance please contact your managing organisation (e.g Tranzit). If you are unsure please get in touch with our cruise team. 

Cruise Contact

Online inductions must be read and completed by the person intending to access the port. The induction must not be completed by another person on their behalf under any circumstances.

Identification on port

Once you’ve successfully completed the cruise induction, you’ll be issued a CentrePort identification card within 5 days. This can be picked up from the Inwards Goods office on port.

Visiting us 

You must carry your identification card with you at all times when on port.

Cruise ship servicing contractors

If you need to be on port to provide a maintenance, delivery or other service to a cruise ship, you’ll need to complete our general induction. Examples of this include truck drivers, divers, painters, and maintenance contractors. 

CentrePort induction

If you fulfil a role such as tour guide, ambassador, or bus driver, please read the section above on Tour Companies. 

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All ships dock at Aotea Quay , a free shuttle service is provided at Aotea Quay. which is the only way to get into the city.

The shuttles operate on a continuous loop and run frequently throughout the day.

Port Authority

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers Aotea Quay and Port Location on Google Maps

Sightseeing:

Wellington , known as New Zealand's arts and culture capital, offers an unmatched blend of culture, heritage, fine food, and lively arts and entertainment.

Surrounded by hills and a rugged coastline, the city boasts a stunning harbor. Wellington's charm is that it serves up a vibrant inner city experience with a slice of New Zealand scenery. And because of its compact nature, you can sample it all - boutique shopping, art galleries, trendy cafes and restaurants. Right on its doorstep is a network of walking and biking trails with beautiful wineries and vineyards just a few hours away.

Wellington is a city that brims with energy and vitality, it offers an almost overwhelming array of theatre, music, dance, fine arts and galleries and museums.

Wellington Museum , The museum features a large-scale model of the harbor including model ships and other maritime memorabilia.

National Museum and Art Gallery ( Te Papa ) Opened in February 1998, Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand, is a wonderful way to discover this country, its land, its people and its culture. Using an exciting combination of interactive displays and leading technology, Te Papa will entertain and inform its visitors.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

The price of a public bus day tripper has gone up. NZ $11 per person per day covers most bus rides that will stop nearby most inner city & suburban places of interest.

A $11 NZ day-tripper pass gets you on local public transport, not including the cable car.

Most buses are cash or stored value card only (Snapper), and do not allow for credit/debit card payment. Exception being the airport route.

For a spectacular overview of the city and harbor, ride the cable car from Lambton Quay (behind the downtown shops) up to the hilltop district of Kelburn. The cars move along a cable in the ground, not in the air. You can ride down ($6 NZ one way).

Hop on/off buses .

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

A wide range of shops, boutiques and department stores flank a mile-long thoroughfare, extending from Lambton Quay south to Courtenay Place. From crafts to clothing, hand knits to antiques, you will find plenty to shop for in this cosmopolitan city.

The New Zealand dollar is used in New Zealand. A few traders do accept foreign currency, particularly in tourist destinations. The conversion from US dollars to NZ dollars is approximately US$1=NZD1.45.

Automatic teller machines (ATMs), locally known as 'the hole in the wall', are available in just about every town.

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Communication:

Very limited WiFi available in Wellington.

The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

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Wellington, New Zealand

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Travel to a Victorian past as you stroll by the city's Victorian Gothic buildings. Take the cable car up the mountain for a fantastic view, or grab some sunscreen and head to the beach. Great views abound in Wellington: Journey around the spectacular harbor and enjoy its amazing views. See some of the sites where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Shopping opportunities are plentiful, with arts and crafts, jewellery, fine woolens and leather goods on offer.

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Featured Wellington CRUISE ITINERARIES

What to do in Wellington Cruise Port 2024

Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital, where culture, history, and nature meet to create a destination like no other. Nestled between rolling hills and a stunning harbour, Wellington’s charm extends far beyond its picturesque landscapes. For those arriving via the sea, the Wellington Cruise Port opens up a world of adventure, serving as your gateway to exploring everything this lively city has to offer.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

You can take a city tour to tick off key sights such as Wellington Cable Car, Mt. Victoria Lookout, and Wellington Botanic Gardens. Or travel to beauty spots such as the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, the Kāpiti Coast , and the Hutt Valley.

In this guide, I’ll share the top things to do in and around Wellington Cruise Port, from visiting world-class museums to sampling the culinary delights that have put Wellington on the map. Plus, I’ll offer practical tips to help you make the most of your visit, whether you’re here for just a few hours or a few days.

We stopped in Wellington as part of our  Australia New Zealand Cruise  on  Celebrity Solstice , and there are lots of things to do in New Zealand’s capital, depending on interests and budget.

Where do Cruise Ships dock in Wellington New Zealand?

Most cruise ships dock at Aotea Quay , which is approximately 2 km from the city centre .

Facilities at the Port

As soon as you step ashore, you’ll be warmly welcomed by locals ready to assist you. They’ll provide you with maps and essential details, including directions to currency exchange services. Inside the Wellington cruise terminal, you’ll have access to visitor information , along with phone, internet, and restroom facilities.

Cruise Ship Shuttle from Aotea Quay to Wellington City

The Port Authority provides complimentary shuttle buses from Wellington Cruise Terminal to Lambton Quay. The travel time is about 15 minutes.

Wellington Ambassadors & Maps

These volunteers are at the drop-off points and will provide maps and directions and answer any questions you may have. They are easy to spot in their yellow and black clothes.

Wellington Tours

There are plenty of options for tours in Wellington if you don’t want to do your own thing. We like Viator with its flexible cancellation and lowest price guarantee policies.

This half-day Wellington Sightseeing Tour takes in the city highlights, including Weta Cave, the historic Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Wellington cable car, and Mount Victoria. If you’re at a hotel or on a cruise ship, pick-ups and drop-offs are provided. Find out more here .

The half-day Cave to Coast Wellington Highlights Tour takes you to Mount Victoria for panoramic views of the city and Weta Cave. After lunch you’ll visit Te Kopahou Visitor Centre to learn about the local history, geography, flora and fauna then Wellington Wind Turbine, which has an amazing vantage point above the city. You have the option to take the Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to Kelburn. From the top of the Cable Car you have the option to take a 20 minute walk down through the Botanical Gardens to the Lady Norwood Rose Garden (weather permitting). The driver will pick up guests at the Lady Norwood Rose Garden and continue the tour to Old St Paul’s.

For the ultimate way to see Wellington, take a Scenic Helicopter Flight over the city. Have aerial views of the Museum of New Zealand, Parliament House, and the forests and trails surrounding the city. You can see Marlborough Sounds and the Southern Alps on the horizon on clear days, then fly across Wellington’s Queen Wharf as you head back to the helipad. See photos of the tour here .

John at Capital Personalised Tours has a Private Kapiti Coast Full Day Tour where you’ll travel in luxury to the Kapiti region, just north of Wellington. John can customize the tour to suit your needs.

Best Things To Do in Wellington for Free

Te papa tongarewa.

New Zealand’s National Museum showcases the country’s history, geography, culture, and people. The innovative exhibits make it very interesting and you can learn a lot from here. Our favourite part was the Te Hau ki Tūranga – an exceptional meeting house at the heart of the iwi (tribal) exhibition. It was fascinating to hear about the meaning behind the house and what it represents. 

For a deeper look at Maori cultural heritage and colonial history, take this 1-hour guided tour, which provides an overview of the museum’s interactive exhibits, artifacts, fine art and natural history displays. The expert guide will share insights and offers suggestions for galleries that might suit your interests.

Read about the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Small Group Guided Tour here .

Te Paps’s Opening Hour s

Te Papa is open from 10 am to 6 pm every day except Christmas Day and is free to enter – apart from some short-term exhibitions.

Walk along the Waterfront

It’s a beautiful walk along the water’s edge from Te Papa and past Whairepo Lagoon. Here you can cross the City To Sea Bridge into the main city area. There are also some beautiful art installations across the bridge.

The Old Bank Shopping Arcade

The Bank Of New Zealand opened its Head Office here in 1901. Unfortunately, this beautiful building fell into disrepair once the bank moved premises until the late 1990s. It was then restored by the company that renovated the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney.

It can be found at 233 – 237 LAMBTON QUAY .

The National Mutual Life Association Building

Thomas Turnbull designed this building, and construction started in 1883. It is one of Wellington’s oldest masonry buildings and a great example of Victorian Classical Commerical style.

The National Mutual Life remained here until 1963, when the premises became too small. It was then sold to the Bank of New Zealand and became the last of the Lambton Quay/ Customhouse Quay/Hunter Street block purchased by them.

The bank moved to its new Head Office in 1985, which subsequently led to a long battle to save this beautiful building from being knocked down. Thankfully, in 1997, work began to convert the buildings into a shopping arcade and offices. After that, they were listed under a Heritage Order.

Cuba Street

This is the place to eat, grab coffee, shop and listen to the buskers. Cuba Street is actually named after a settler ship and not the island. In 1995, it was registered as a Historic Area under the Historic Places Act.

Botanical Gardens

This inner-city garden was established in 1868 and is, therefore, one of the oldest Botanical Gardens in New Zealand. It consists of over 25ha of flora, including native forest, specialised plants, and stunning floral displays.

We took the Cable Car (see below) up to the lookout and then walked downhill through the gardens. It’s an easy walk that starts at the top where you get off the cable car and ends by Parliament House. You should allow about 45 minutes for this walk.

The gardens open daily from sunrise to sunset and are free to enter.

Parliament Buildings and The Beehive

The Beehive is an interesting building and instantly recognisable. Construction on it commenced in 1969 but did not finish until 1980. It is the Executive Wing of the Parliamentary Complex and where the Cabinet meets.

Parliament House features an Edwardian neo-classical design and dates back to 1922.

You can take a guided tour of Parliament which runs on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm. The tour size is limited, so it is advisable to book ahead.

Old St Paul’s

This quaint wooden church was built by the Anglican Church between 1865 and 1866. Old St. Paul’s is made of native timber, and the inside is simply stunning with elegant arches and beautiful lighting. It is free to enter, but a donation is requested.

Mount Victoria

I’ve put Mount Victoria in the free section as it doesn’t cost anything to walk up to the lookout. However, if you are short on time, grab a taxi or catch the number 20 bus. If walking, be prepared that it will take approximately 1.5 hours to climb to the top. Alternatively,  hire an electric bike  and cycle to other attractions such as the Weta Workshop, Te Papa Museum, or Pencarrow Lighthouse.

The view from the 198m high Mount Victoria is one of Wellington’s most photographed. It takes in the waters of the Cook Strait and the panorama of the city.

The Weta Cave

Entrance to just the Weta Cave Shop is free, and a behind-the-scenes documentary is played every half hour. There are artifacts from films displayed in a mini-museum, and this is where you can book tours for the workshop.

Wellington’s Beaches

We didn’t have time to visit any of the beaches in Wellington but my good friend at Coconutlands has written a fabulous post on the best 11 beaches in Wellington .

Things To Do in Wellington Cruise Port – Paid

Historic cable car.

Buy a ticket from the ticket booth at Lambton Quay; you can choose one way or return. The journey only takes 5 minutes and, before you know it, you are at the top of Kelburn Hill. It is 119m above the city, so it has some fabulous views. There’s an indoor and outdoor viewing platform as well as telescopes (coins required).

If you’re feeling peckish, the Cabletop provides food, drinks, and snacks and is also fully licensed if you want a wine or beer.

Work on this tramline began in 1899 but became operational in 1902. If you are interested in the cable car’s complete history, you can read more on the  Wellington Cable Car website .

Wellington Cruise Terminal to Cable Car

If you’re arriving in Wellington via cruise, it’s important to know that walking directly into the city from the wharf isn’t an option, nor can you be picked up at the port by a private car or taxi.

To ensure a smooth transition into exploring the heart of Wellington, including making your way to the iconic Lambton Quay cable car, planning ahead is key. Your options include booking a shore excursion through your cruise provider, arranging an independent accredited tour, or utilising the cruise shuttle services provided.

The cruise shuttle drops off at Lambton Quay.

Opening Hours and Prices

There are also family tickets available for return journeys only.

This completely fenced ecosanctuary is a 10-minute drive from the city. Alternatively, you can take the Wellington Cable Car to the top of the Botanic Gardens and hop on the free ZEALANDIA shuttle. General Admission can be booked direct through Zealandia .

The Small Group Daytime 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour at Zealandia guided walking tour will introduce you to native birds such as kakariki, tui, and bellbirds; rare species like takahē; and unique reptiles including green gecko and tuatara.

Free WiFi Location

Free Wifi can be found along the waterfront, in Te Papa, and some cafes and McDonald’s.

Wellington Weather

The city is windy year-round, hence its nickname, Windy Wellington. The best weather is from October through to April, with temperatures ranging between 17C and 21C. However, we were there in January, and it was cool and rainy. It didn’t stop us from enjoying this port of call, though.

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Wellington (New Zealand)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Australia - New Zealand - Pacific Ocean Islands

Local Time 2024-05-20 19:38

Port Wellington cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Wellington, New Zealand. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Wellington Harbour cruise port is located on the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island. The harbour is among the world's best harbor waterways and is the center of an extinct, flooded volcano. Wellington is also known as "Windy City" as winds and fog are common for the region. Wellington is NZ's 3rd largest containership port and also has a large-capacity tanker terminal. The city is served by Wellington International Airport (aka Rongotai Airport, approx 3,5 ml / 5,5 km southeast from city centre) and also by Interislander  ferries , with regularly scheduled daily crossings to  Picton .

The port's cruise ship schedule lists major companies ' vessels from the fleets of RCI (Royal Caribbean) , Carnival Australia , Cunard (visiting on world cruises ), P&O Australia , Celebrity , Holland America , Princess . The port benefits from the city's compact size, good infrastructure, popular among the day visitors activities and typical NZ vacation experiences on various shore excursions.

Port Wellington

CentrePort Wellington is jointly owned by Wellington Regional Council (77%) and Horizons Regional Council (23%). The port authority company also owns major inland freight hubs ( New Plymouth , Palmerston North, Whanganui, Blenheim) allowing it to handle over 1/4 ( 27%) of NZ's domestic product, with reported over 14,000 shipping movements annually. Port's cruising season runs April through October.

Season 2017-2018 started with the RCI ship Radiance of the Seas - among the largest liners ever visiting Wellington NZ. The cruise port handled 82 ship calls and around 320,000 tourists (passengers and crew). This was a 12% increase over season 2016-2017 (with estimated USD 65,7 million added to the local economy). The 2017-18's inaugural calls were from NCL 's Norwegian Jewel , Viking Ocean 's Viking Sun and NYK Line's Asuka II .

For season 2018-2019, the port had booked 110 ship calls (estimated 320,000 passengers+crew), with scheduled inaugural visits by Norwegian Jewel (NCL), Viking Sun (Viking Ocean) and Asuka 2 (NYK Line). Port's schedule had 24 "two-ship" days. On March 16th, the port celebrated its 100th handled cruise ship call (by Golden Princess ) made during 13-day NZ itinerary roundtrip from homeport Melbourne Australia .

For season 2019-2020 are already booked 120+ ship calls.

Wellington cruise terminal

Wellington cruise port has 3 main docking piers – Aotea Quay (largest), Queens Wharf and Overseas Terminal (smallest). For arriving cruise passengers, the port authority provides free shuttle bus service running between the terminal and downtown Wellington. Taxis are also available as an alternative transportation.

Aotea Quay Terminal

The port's most booked by cruise ships passenger terminal is Aotea Quay Terminal as it has capacity to handle larger vessels. The terminal is located between Inter-Island Ferry Terminal and the port's train station (approx 5 min walking distance). The station complex has cafes, small shops and bus terminal serving the line to the city.

The city center is less than 1,5 ml (2,5 km) from the terminal, or approx 25 min walking distance (8 min drive by car or bus). The nearest shopping complex (on Lambton Quay) is approx 1 ml (2 km) away. The airport is located approx 6 ml (10 km) from the cruise terminal. Aotea Quay is also close to Westpac Stadium (aka Cake Tin).

Queens Wharf Terminal

Queens Wharf is the closest to the city center cruise terminal (0,6 ml / 1 km away) but it can serve smaller vessels. The nearest shopping area (Lambton Quay) is at 10 min walking distance, and the airport is around 2,5 km (4 km) from the passenger terminal.

Overseas Terminal

This pier is very rarely used as it can handle only the smallest cruise ships.

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Wellington - user reviews and comments

Wellington Cruise

The port of Wellington, on North Island’s southernmost point, is New Zealand’s vibrant capital city. This MSC World Cruise destination boasts a cosmopolitan centre with a spirited atmosphere and a unique cultural history. Overlooking glorious Cook Strait, Wellington is known for its beautiful beaches, colourful wooden houses, and scenic waterfront promenade. It also acts as the perfect launch pad for an adventurous day out thanks to nearby attractions and landmarks. MSC Cruises excursions  offer plenty of exciting things to see including: • Zealandia Sanctuary • Wonderful Wellington Garden and Museum • In the Footsteps of the Lord of the Rings Zealandia Sanctuary is the world’s first fully-fenced urban eco-sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation and protection of New Zealand’s diverse flora and fauna. On an MSC Cruises excursion, you’ll discover this vast natural reserve where vulnerable native species are protected and reintroduced into the wild. Enjoy a guided tour to learn more about the region’s unique plants and wildlife, including frogs, ferns, birds, invertebrates, and reptiles. Fall in love with the beautiful 150-year-old Wellington Botanic Garden , which boasts 25 hectares of plant species from all over the world. A relaxing MSC Cruises excursion will see you strolling along the park’s attractive path network, surrounded by conifers, seasonal displays, and protected native forests. Next, sample New Zealand’s colourful culture at the fascinating Wellington Museum . Here, you’ll learn about the capital’s maritime past and its Māori and European history. So incredible are the landscapes of New Zealand that renowned film directors have chosen them as locations for their movies . On an MSC Cruises excursion, you’ll visit sets featured in the Oscar-winning Lord of the Rings film trilogy , helmed by cinematic master Peter Jackson. Next, stop by Wellington’s Weta Workshop, a special effects and props company that has worked on the Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers , and The Return of the King. Afterwards, enjoy a guide’s fascinating stories about filmmaking as you travel to ‘ Wellywood ’ located in Miramar, New Zealand.

Cruises from / to Wellington in 2024

Excursions & activities .

• Surface 22 sqm, balcony 5 sqm, deck 12 \n
• Sitting area with sofa \n
• Spacious wardrobe \n
• Bathroom with bathtub, vanity area with hairdryer \n
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request) \n
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

\n The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category). \n

• Surface 22 sqm, balcony 5 sqm , deck 12 \n

The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category). \n

• Surface 22 sqm
• Balcony 5 sqm
• Surface 22 sqm, balcony 5 sqm, deck 10
• Sitting area with sofa
• Spacious wardrobe
• Bathroom with bathtub, vanity area with hairdryer
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar \n \n

The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

• Surface 22 sqm 
• Surface 13 sqm, balcony 3 sqm, deck 9-10 \n
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer \n
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar \n
• Surface 13 sqm
• Balcony 3 sqm
• Surface approx.  13 sqm, balcony approx. 3-4 sqm, deck 9-10
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer

The image is representative only; the size, layout and funiture may vary (within the same cabin category).

• Surface 22 sqm, deck 9 \n
• Window with sea view \n
• Relaxing armchair \n
• Surface 13 sqm, deck 9-10 \n

\n The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

• Surface 13 sqm \n   \n
• Surface 13 sqm, deck 7-8 \n
• Surface 13 sqm, deck 7
• Window with sea view
• Relaxing armchair
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar  
• Surface approx. 13-22 sqm .
• Surface 13 sqm, deck 9-10
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request)*

* Cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility have only single beds.

• Surface 13 sqm, deck 7-8
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request*)
• Surface 13 sqm
• Surface approx. 13 sqm, deck 7-10
• Surface approx. 22 sqm, balcony approx. 5 sqm, deck 10-12

\n \n The image is representative only.

Size, layout and furniture may vary from that shown (within the same cabin category). \n \n

Make your cruise memorable enjoying an elegant suite with more living space, a large private balcony, and exclusive benefits.

• Surface approx. 13 sqm, balcony approx. 3-4 sqm, deck 9-10

The image is representative only

The size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category)

Choose the cabin type that best suits you:

• Premium Ocean view (surface approx. 22 sqm, deck 9 )
• Junior Ocean view (surface approx. 13 sqm, deck 10-8 )
• Junior Ocean View with obstructed view (surface approx. 12-13 sqm, deck 7 )

The image is representative only.

* Cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility have only single beds. \nThe image is representative only

B:  Cabin with bathtub

• All cabins have one double bed convertible to two single beds, except in cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility (H).
• 3rd bed available in all categories except for Junior Ocean View with obstructed view
• 4th bed available in all categories except for Junior Interior, Junior Ocean View and Premium Ocean View.
• Our ships offer the possibility of combining 2 or 3 connecting cabins based on the ship class. Call our Contact Center to choose the best accommodation for you.

Ship configuration, data and descriptions may be subject to change depending on the season and on the destination and must be verified at the time of booking.

Harbour City Charters  

Mission hills luxury boat cruises & charters on wellington harbour.

Enjoy an unforgettable boat cruise with stunning views of Wellington Harbour on the capital’s most luxurious motor yacht – Mission Hills.

As a leading charter boat, Mission Hills is perfect for any occasion, large or small – From corporate functions to wedding parties, and island day trips to fine dining cruises, let’s create a journey worth remembering.

Whether you’re looking for a 2 hour boat cruise, or a fully customised day trip, every Mission Hills luxury charter hire includes:

A qualified skipper with chef and deckhands as required

Comfortable spacing for up to 36 guests, delicious catering options and a full cash bar, a full club sound system with mood lighting, optional use of tender (dinghy) and water toys, flexible services.

Let our hospitable crew create an unforgettable boat cruise on Wellington Harbour, just for you. Call Aron today.

• Charter Packages

Mission Hills Catering

Charter options, 2 hour cruise, $800 + gst per hour, 3 hour cruise, $750 + gst per hour, additional hours, $600 + gst per hour, day cruise / 8 hours, $5,100 + gst, berth at queens wharf, $399 + gst per hour.

* All prices are in NZD and exclude GST

Charter Times

Morning cruise, 9am - 12 noon, afternoon cruise, evening cruise, customised cruise times.

*Customised cruise times available by request.

What are you waiting for?

Book a cruise, private charter.

Available Options

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© 2022 Harbour City Charters Wellington. Website by Sky Media .

Wellington, New Zealand

Wooded hillsides curve like a verdant amphitheater around Wellington's harbor, welcoming travelers to the capital of New Zealand. Located at the southwestern tip of North Island, the city's attractions include the country's national museum, Te Papa, with exhibits that showcase the region's social, cultural, biological and geological history, and Old St. Paul's cathedral, a heritage site constructed in 1866 in the Gothic Revival style of architecture. Movie buffs can opt for excursions into the Hutt Valley to see filming locales from the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy or tour Weta Workshop in nearby Miramar, the special effects and props studio that helped create blockbusters such as "King Kong" and "Avatar." No visit to Wellington is complete without a ride on the town's iconic cable car, which you can take to the top of a scenic overlook before walking down through a botanic garden to the Parliament buildings. For more memorable views, head to the Mount Victoria Lookout to watch the sunset.

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Wellington - Cruise Overview

View of Wellington from Mount Victoria, New Zealand

By Rob Suisted

Wellington is a sophisticated yet friendly city - and for cruise travellers has both urban excitement within and untouched nature spots.

Nestled between a picturesque harbour and forest clad hills, Wellington boasts museums, galleries, boutique shopping, trendy cafés and fine restaurants. The national museum of Te Papa is a favourite among visitors and locals alike. Wellington's compact size makes it easy to walk around and its proximity to the ocean and native forests makes it an ideal place to enjoy nature. It's no surprise Lonely Planet labelled Wellington “the coolest little capital in the world” in its Best in Travel 2011 guidebook.

Wellington City, Wellington

By Julian Apse

Popular onshore activities in Wellington

• Visit Te Papa , the new generation national museum. Interactive exhibits and technology tell New Zealand's stories and history.
• Experience chic café culture at one of Wellington’s many eateries. Coffee in Wellington is world-class!
• Ride Wellington’s iconic red cable car , see stunning views from Mt Victoria, and stroll through the Wellington Botanic Garden .
• Lord of the Rings location tours are available for those who want to visit sites around Wellington used during filming. Make sure you pop into the Wētā workshop .
• Take a step back in time at Zealandia , just 10 minutes from the cruise terminal– a 500-year conservation plan in action and a wonderful place to wander. If you have time, go and see endangered fur seals on Wellington’s South Coast.

Cable car, Wellington City , New Zealand

By Graeme Murray

Getting around

Ferries such as East by West (opens in new window) , travelling to Mātiu/Somes Island and crossing the harbour to Days Bay dock at Queen’s Wharf, right in the centre of the city.

Cruise ships arriving into Wellington berth at Aotea Quay. All passengers are shuttled on and off-port; there is no walk or taxi option available and rental cars should be booked for central city pickup.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by friendly volunteer Wellington City Ambassadors who can supply you with maps and important information such as what to do and where to find money changing facilities. Passengers are dropped off in downtown Wellington outside Parliament Buildings. If you’re looking for local assistance you can call into the Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre (opens in new window) .

Wellington is a compact city, ideal for exploring on foot. Great shopping can be found on Lambton Quay, while some of New Zealand’s best restaurants, cafés and bars are in Courtney Place, about 35 minutes’ walk from Aotea Quay, or 15 minutes’ walk from Queen’s Wharf.

Public buses

It’s easy to get around the inner city and surrounding suburbs on Wellington’s modern public bus network. A bus to locations in the central city will cost approximately NZ$2, while bus trips to the suburbs will be approximately NZ$3 - 5.

Freephone 0800 801 700 or visit www.metlink.org.nz (opens in new window) for timetables and fares.

Taxis are available to take you into the centre of Wellington from Aotea Quay or Queen’s Wharf. Corporate Cabs can be contacted on  (04) 387 4600 , or visit online at www.corporatecabs.co.nz (opens in new window)

Corporate Cabs accepts New Zealand dollars and major credit cards.

It’s a good idea to book rental cars in advance. Find a rental car  in Wellington.

The East By West Wellington harbour ferry provides a link between the city (Queens Wharf) and the seaside village of Days Bay on the north-east side of Wellington harbour, with an optional stop at Matiu/Somes Island, a predator free, scientific reserve in the middle of Wellington harbour. One way tickets cost from NZ$10.

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Trip to Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand. It's scenic natural harbour and green hillsides adorned with tiered suburbs of colonial villas are popular with tourists. The city offers a blend of culture, heritage, fine food and coffee, together with lively arts and entertainment.

Surrounded by hills and a rugged coastline, it serves up a vibrant inner city experience with a slice of New Zealand scenery. And because of its compact nature, you can sample it all: boutiques, art galleries, trendy cafés and restaurants. Right on its doorstep is a network of walking and biking trails with beautiful wineries and vineyards just a few hours away.

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Wellington, New Zealand

Wooded hillsides curve like a verdant amphitheater around Wellington's harbor, welcoming travelers to the capital of New Zealand. Located at the southwestern tip of North Island, the city's attractions include the country's national museum, Te Papa, with exhibits that showcase the region's social, cultural, biological and geological history, and Old St. Paul's cathedral, a heritage site constructed in 1866 in the Gothic Revival style of architecture. Movie buffs can opt for excursions into the Hutt Valley to see filming locales from the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy or tour Weta Workshop in nearby Miramar, the special effects and props studio that helped create blockbusters such as "King Kong" and "Avatar." No visit to Wellington is complete without a ride on the town's iconic cable car, which you can take to the top of a scenic overlook before walking down through a botanic garden to the Parliament buildings. For more memorable views, head to the Mount Victoria Lookout to watch the sunset.