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CentrePort is trialling a walk-off cruise berth in Wellington’s inner harbour this season, as the capital works to win back more cruise ships.
Heritage Adventurer will be the first to use the berth, beside the Bluebridge ferry terminal, when it arrives November 15. The trial comes in a quieter season, with 54 cruise calls booked between October and March.
“CentrePort chief executive Anthony Delaney says, “Last year we had just over 70 ship calls from cruise vessels to Wellington. The numbers are down this year across the country, including Wellington
But Anthony says the drop does not mean cruise lines have lost interest.
“There is still cruise interest to come to NZ, including Wellington, but the combination of well documented macro and micro issues creating uncertainty, such as costs, regulatory, and operational complexities, resulted in cruise lines making fewer bookings for this season. Cruise lines generally make bookings a minimum of two years out.” he says.
That long lead time is now working in Wellington’s favour, with 68 calls booked for 2027–28 and 72 for 2028–29.
“The issues noted have been, and continue to be, collectively addressed by a range of parties, including Central Government, NZ Cruise Association and ports across the country to improve future booking potential. This is resulting in an increase in the number of bookings for the next two seasons so far.” says Anthony.
As for the new berth, the idea came from the cruise lines.
“We are running the trial in the Inner Harbour based on engagement and feedback from some of our cruise line customer’s feedback. The trial also gives CentrePort the ability to see how it can optimise its Aotea Quay berths for our other trades.” says Anthony.
But, it’s important to note, not every ship will fit.
“For the purposes of the trial we will accommodate ships up to 180m long – essentially, ships the size of the Bluebridge ferries. All other ships will berth at Aotea Quay as normal which is a berth that can cater for all sized cruise vessels.”
Ferry travellers will not notice a difference, Anthony says.
“We’ve worked closely with StraitNZ and can confirm there is no impact to Bluebridge ferry operations. They’ll continue to run as usual.”
The inner harbour trial builds on one already tested at the port’s main cruise berth.
“This trial follows the successful trial last season giving passengers the ability to walk-off their ship and into the city from Aotea Quay. This is set to become a permanent option this season. The port is continuing to find solutions to meet our customers’ needs and ensure we retain and grow the cruise business.” he says.
While CentrePort deals with the cruise lines, WellingtonNZ focuses on what passengers find once they step off the ship.
“Firstly, it’s national policy settings which have term certainty have impacted Wellington, just like the rest of NZ ports. However, things like being able to walk off port (hence the inner harbour trial this season) will increase Wellington’s appeal.” Says WellingtonNZ Tourism and Visitor Economy Manager Jo Heaton.
Cruise lines keep a close eye on what their passengers think of each stop, and Jo says that is where the city can make a difference.
“Passenger port ratings are important to cruise lines, so that’s where Wellington being a cruise-friendly destination, enacting the outcomes outlined in the strategy, come into play.”
Local operators are also being asked to think about what they offer cruise visitors.
“We’ve recently run a product ideation session with regional tourism businesses to get them thinking about new products that meet the changing cruise brands, customer profiles and interests, i.e. new tours can be created and more regions visited if ships can in port longer.”
Like Anthony, Jo says the pressure has not just been felt in Wellington.
“Wellington, like other New Zealand ports, has been impacted by national compliance and cost increase issues. The Minister of Tourism has been very engaged with the NZ Cruise Association to make sure that national settings are right to create the right environment for cruise lines to come back to NZ, and CentrePort is working hard and successfully to attract more visits in future seasons, as evidenced by the numbers in this release.”
WellingtonNZ has also appointed a Cruise Strategy Delivery Lead to put the Wellington Regional Cruise Strategy, developed with CentrePort, into action. The new role supports Destination Pōneke, Wellington’s Destination Management Plan, and will work across the region to shape a coordinated approach to the future of cruise.
Passengers arriving by shuttle this season will also notice a change, with a permanent cruise shuttle hub now set up on Wakefield Street, opposite the Amora Hotel.
Weather can still inconvenience a schedule, though Anthony says it can work both ways.
“In terms of bad weather, this can affect all ships, both here and elsewhere around the country. But in terms of cruise it changes every year. Plus an impact elsewhere can mean we gain a cruise vessel to our season as much as have one less. We focus on what we can control and supporting cruise lines to offer a positive customer experience.”
