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WellingtonNZ, the region’s economic development agency, and CentrePort are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to the Capital City this summer, as cruise shows signs of recovery for stronger seasons ahead.
The 2026-27 cruise season will see 54 cruise calls visit Te Whanganui-a-Tara between October 2026 and March 2027. When ships are full, this will bring more than 76,500 passengers to Wellington providing a valuable boost for local businesses, attractions, hospitality operators and retailers.
Like other New Zealand ports, ship numbers are lower than last season, however the outlook for cruise tourism in Wellington is positive, with forward bookings showing strong growth. Current bookings indicate 68 cruise calls carrying a maximum of 122,000 passengers in 2027-28, rising to 72 cruise calls and a maximum of 154,000 passengers in 2028-29.
WellingtonNZ chief executive, Mark Oldershaw, says the promising numbers show a cruise industry that continues to rebuild following global and domestic challenges over recent years.
“Cruise remains an important contributor to Wellington’s visitor economy, and while we’ll welcome fewer ships this season, we’re encouraged by the strong growth already booked for the next two years.
“The recovery journey for cruise has been challenging, but we’re seeing increasing numbers reflecting a growing confidence from cruise lines in Wellington as a destination.
CentrePort chief executive, Anthony Delaney, says the future schedule is a reflection of the work put in collaboratively by a wide range of parties and stakeholders.
“We’ve worked hard together to promote New Zealand, Wellington in particular, as a destination. The bookings that continue to come in demonstrate that the Capital City remains a compelling port of call, offering visitors world-class attractions and experiences, culture, fantastic food, nature, and a compact, walkable city experience.”
This season, CentrePort will be trialling a new inner harbour berth adjacent to the Bluebridge ferries’ berth. This trial is for selected expedition-sized vessels during the season, starting with Heritage Adventurer, which is scheduled to arrive November 15 2026.
Anthony says the trial will help inform future cruise development opportunities and support Wellington’s long-term cruise strategy.
“The trial is an opportunity to test additional operational flexibility for suitable vessels while maintaining a positive experience for passengers, cruise lines and the city. It offers a walk-off/walk-on opportunity bringing passengers and crew directly into the city and along the waterfront.
Anthony says the trial will help create a more vibrant inner harbour experience for visitors and locals. CentrePort has worked closely with StraitNZ Bluebridge to ensure ferry operations continue as normal throughout the trial.
As part of efforts to strengthen Wellington’s cruise offering and deliver on Destination Pōneke, the city’s Destination Management Plan, this season will also see an improvement to the visitor arrival experience, establishing a permanent cruise shuttle hub on Wakefield Street opposite the Amora Hotel. Also, Wellington’s 50 volunteer City Ambassadors and tourism operators are eager to welcome passengers and help them make the most of their time in the capital and region.
Mark says cruise visitors continue to deliver meaningful benefits to Wellington’s local, and regional, economy.
“Every cruise brings customers into our cafés, restaurants, attractions, shops and transport network. Cruise gives many international visitors their first experience of Wellington – which is proven to unlock future spend through repeat visitation.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the capital and building momentum as Wellington enters what is shaping up to be a very promising future of cruise growth.”
By the numbers:
2026-27 Cruise Season
54 cruise calls
Approximately 76,500 passengers based on full vessels
33 ships carrying fewer than 1,000 passengers
10 ships carrying more than 2,500 passengers
Forward outlook
2027-28: 69 cruise calls, 122,000 passengers, based on full vessels
2028-29: 72 cruise calls, 154,000 passengers, based on full vessels
To view the cruise schedule, visit www.centreport.co.nz and to find out more about what to see and do in Wellington, visit www.wellingtonnz.com
