Wellington

Wellington

New Zealand

Explore Middle-earth film locations and vibrant waterfront galleries in New Zealand's creative capital.

Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Language English, Te Reo Māori
Time Zone NZDT (UTC+13) or NZST (UTC+12)
Best Time to Visit Dec–Feb
Typical Duration 14-35 nights
Price Range $722–$67,990 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Wellington is New Zealand's cultural capital and gateway to the North Island, offering vibrant arts, museums, and stunning harbor views on cruises exploring the South Pacific.

Cruises that visit Wellington

Build Your Day in Wellington

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa National museum & mixed art gallery Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 26k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Wellington Botanic Garden Lush council-run gardens & native forest Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 10k
Wellington Cable Car Historic funicular with views & a museum Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 8k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Wellington Zoo Interactive animal encounters since 1906 Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 6k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Mount Victoria Lookout Hilltop spot for harbor & city views Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 6k
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne Rare native birds, plants & trees Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 6k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Wētā Workshop Experiences Special effect studio's museum & store Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 5k Closed · Opens 8:45 AM
Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant Laid-back pub with an outdoor area New Zealand · ★ 4.2 · 4k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Wellington Museum Unique exhibits for regional history Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Sweet Mother's Kitchen New Orleans-style grub in funky digs Southern · ★ 4.2 · 3k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Charley Noble Buzzy, warehouselike NZ dining Steak · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Pho Viet Street Food Very authentic Vietnamese food I've ever had in Wellington. Vietnamese · ★ 4.8 · 2k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Fidel's Cafe Landmark coffee & comfort food joint Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Wellington Waterfront Walk Harbor views, dining & shopping Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Maranui Cafe Funky spot for New Zealand fare & beer Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 2k Opens soon · 7 AM
The Library Awesome drinks menu which are mix-perfect and presented with care and style. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 5 PM
The Rogue & Vagabond Excellent beer selection, and a nice, relaxed atmosphere. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Ombra Delicious- would move to Wellington just to be able to eat here ! Italian · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Outlet City In-store shopping Outlet mall · ★ 3.9 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Mr Go's Colourful cantina with Asian fusion fare Pan Asian · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Floriditas This place has the best service of anywhere in Wellington. New Zealand · ★ 4.4 · 2k Opens soon · 7 AM
Little Penang Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Malaysian · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Space Place at Carter Observatory Space museum with planetarium shows Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Flight Coffee Hangar Cafe Trendy spot for house brews & light eats Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 2k Opens soon · 7 AM
Otari-Wilton's Bush Botanical garden with native trees Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Neo Cafe & Eatery Mellow haunt with seasonal brunch menu Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Ortega Fish Shack Lively destination for seafood & steak Seafood · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Te Papa Store Museum of New Zealand gift shop Gift shop · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Old Quarter Absolutely loved the food after a long hike in rainy and windy Wellington. Vietnamese · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Dirty Little Secret Fabulous place for a drink with great views over Wellington. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Shed 5 Fine seafood dining on the water Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Arborist Rooftop Bar Great cocktails, great service, great kai <3 Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Boulcott Street Bistro Updated NZ fare in an 1870s cottage Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Dragonfly Intimate Asian restaurant & lounge Pan Asian · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Harbourside Market Onsite services Produce market · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Sun
Rock Yard Restaurant Some of the best food in Wellington especially for the price. Vietnamese · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Lambton Square Mall with a few shops & many eateries Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k Opens soon · 7 AM
Wellington Wind Turbine Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Old Bank Arcade Historic bank now home to shops & cafes Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Golding's Free Dive Wellington institution with great beer and decent cocktails. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Logan Brown Restaurant and Bar Destination for modern fine dining Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Kisa Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Lady Norwood Rose Garden Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Le Bouillon Bel Air The Beef Wellington was exceptional and the meat was cooked to perfection. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Damascus 5 stars, will be back again, Michelin well deserved. Middle Eastern · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Old St Paul's Wooden cathedral dating to 1860s Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Soul Shack The best fried chicken in Wellington, and I've tried them all. Fried Chicken · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Hawthorn Lounge Fabulous cocktails, fantastic music, relaxing vibe. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Customs Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
TASTE OF HOME Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Koji Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
HIDEOUT Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery Asian Fusion · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Gemini Cafe & Eatery Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 1k Opens soon · 7 AM
Hanging Ditch Best staff, cocktails and atmosphere for a bar in Wellington. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Hippo Bar & Restaurant French cuisine in posh surrounds Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Oriental Bay Beach A nice place for you to swim or even sit on the beach and chilling. Scenic spot · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Salty Pidgin Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Hillside Kitchen Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
Rita Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Liberty Restaurant Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Graze Wine Bar Probably the best food focused wine bar in Wellington. Wine bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Wrights Hill Fortress Underground tunnels dating back to WWII Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Top of Tory Mega Centre Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Pomelo Kitchen & Bar Excellent food and service with one of the best views of Wellington. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Rosella Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Cuba Mall Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k
The Ram Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Gastropub · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 3:30 PM
Evil Twins Coffee Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Jano Bistro The Chefs served us a wonderful 9 course dinner and each dish was delicious! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Island Bay Beach nice spacious spot with cool water. Public beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Princess Beach Sheltered beach for swimming & walks Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Coffee & Toast Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k Opens soon · 7 AM
Dee's Place Dees is downright dee-licious, fab drinks, fab staff, fab vibe x Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Capital on the Quay In-store shopping Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 0k Opens soon · 7 AM
Solace in the Wind (The Naked Man) Statue Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Scorching Bay Beach beautiful beach close to the city to relax ,swim & hang out. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Whisky & Wood An incredible and inclusive venue with a uniquely good set up in wellington! Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Margot Honestly best wine list and food menu in Wellington. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Oak & Vine Restaurant Wellington Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
A High Dining Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Fine Dining · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Coco Wellington In-store pickup·Delivery Clothing store · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Breaker Bay Beautiful and quiet beach. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Taranaki Street Wharf Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Freyberg Beach Great swimming beach in the heat of Wellington. Beach · ★ 4.6 · 0k
The Vault In-store shopping·In-store pickup Gift shop · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Houghton Bay Beach Never crowded and pleasant to swim when the swell isn't too big. Public beach · ★ 4.6 · 0k
The Wharf, Wellington Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Days Bay Beach Wraf available there to take boats to Wellington city. Park · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Wellington

About Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital, has established itself as a premier cruise destination in the Australia and New Zealand region, welcoming ships from 11 major cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. While primarily serving as a port of call, Wellington attracts over 116 upcoming cruises, with most voyages spanning 14 nights and connecting to popular destinations like Sydney, Auckland, Tauranga, and Hobart. The peak season runs from November through March, making summer months ideal for experiencing this dynamic port.

As you step ashore in Wellington, you'll discover a compact, walkable city brimming with creative energy and natural beauty. Cruise passengers typically enjoy exploring the waterfront precinct, diving into the city's renowned cultural institutions, or venturing into the surrounding Wairarapa wine region. The port's convenient location means you can maximize your time exploring everything from local craft breweries to dramatic coastal landscapes, all within easy reach of the cruise terminal.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Te Papa Tongarewa's World-Class Collections

Explore New Zealand's premier national museum, located just steps from the cruise terminal. This innovative institution showcases Māori artifacts, natural history, and contemporary art across six levels. You'll discover the country's cultural heritage and geological wonders, from ancient taonga to interactive exhibits that bring Aotearoa's story to life.

2

Craft Beer and Local Food Scene

Wellington punches above its weight with exceptional craft breweries and innovative eateries concentrated in the compact city center. Sample world-class beers at Garage Project or Tuatara Brewery, then indulge in fresh seafood, artisan coffee, and fusion cuisine reflecting Pacific Rim influences. The vibrant food culture makes this a culinary destination.

3

Botanic Gardens' Lush Native Landscape

Ride the historic cable car up to Wellington Botanic Gardens, offering stunning harbor views and native New Zealand flora. Wander through themed gardens featuring native plants, ancient trees, and peaceful walking trails. The gardens provide a serene escape with panoramic vistas of the city and Cook Strait.

4

Cuba Street's Eclectic Shopping and Culture

Stroll Wellington's bohemian heart on Cuba Street, lined with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and quirky galleries showcasing local designers and artists. This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood captures the city's creative spirit with street art, independent cafes, and unique souvenirs you won't find elsewhere. It's authentically Wellington.

5

Zealandia's Urban Sanctuary Experience

Visit this groundbreaking urban wildlife sanctuary, a short drive from the port, where native birds thrive within a predator-proof fence. Walk through regenerating forest and wetlands while spotting tui, fantails, and rare kiwi birds in their natural habitat. It's a remarkable conservation success story and uniquely New Zealand.

Cruise Lines at Wellington

Cruises Departing From Wellington

Cruises Visiting Wellington

Ship Schedule at Wellington

Wellington Location

Other Cruise Ports in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-see attractions in Wellington?

Top sights include Te Papa Tongarewa museum, Wellington Cable Car, Zealandia, and the waterfront.

When is the best time to visit Wellington?

Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.

How can I get around Wellington?

Use buses, ferries, and the Cable Car; walking is pleasant in the compact city.

What is Wellington known for?

The windy capital famed for arts, film, and harbor views.