Wellington

Cruise ships tend to berth at Aotea Quay, which is 1.3km (0.8 miles) away from the city centre. Smaller ships are sometimes able to dock at Queens Wharf, which is right in the middle of central Wellington.

Check with your cruise ship for shuttle services from the pier into the city centre with drop off at Kirkcaldie and Stains Department Store on the corner of Lambton Quay and Brandon Street or at the Wellington i-SITE in the Civic Square.

On foot

From Aotea Quay, it is around a 20 minute walk into town. Wellington is a compact and walkable city.

Public Buses
It is easy to get around the inner city via a public bus and costs NZD 1 per sector.

To explore the different Wellington suburbs, you can also catch a public bus.

Freephone 0800 801 700 or visit www.metlink.org.nz for time-tables and fares.

Taxis
Taxis are available in the maritime precinct.

In Wellington, freephone 0800 101 103, www.corporatecabs.co.nz

Not all taxis accept credit cards - please ask your driver before boarding.

From Aotea Quay, getting a taxi to the city centre will cost around NZD 13.

Car Rental
We recommend booking rental cars in advance. Visit Transport section for further details of rental car companies in the Wellington region.

Ferry
The East By West or Dominion Post Wellington harbour ferry provides a link between the city (Queens Wharf) and the seaside village of Days Bay (Eastbourne) on the north-east side of Wellington harbour, and Matiu/Somes Island, a predator free, scientific reserve in the middle of Wellington harbour. One way tickets cost from NZD 10.

Cable Car
The Wellington Cable Car is an icon of Wellington, built early on in Wellington’s history to get residents up and down its hilly landscape. It is still an important transport system taking people between downtown Wellington and to the Wellington Botanic Garden, Cable Car Museum and Carter Observatory. You will be rewarded with panoramic views of the city at the very top. Tickets cost NZD 3 one way.

Recommended Shopping
Visit Lambton Quay for all your high street shopping needs. For more boutique shopping options, visit the Cuba quarter. There are also a handful of good boutiques in the Courtenay quarter.

You can find a list of shopping options in Wellington on WellingtonNZ.com. Click on 'Shopping' to see detailed listings.

Recommended Restaurants, Cafes and Bars
You can find a list of restaurants, cafes and bars in Wellington on WellingtonNZ.com. Click on 'Bars and Restaurants' to see detailed listings.

Nearest Post Shop
Lambton Quay Post Shop: 94-98 Lambton Quay, +64 4 472 3301

Panama Street Post Shop: 22 Panama Street (off Lambton Quay), +64 4 499 9864

Visit the New Zealand Post website for more details.

Nearest Internet Café
Internet terminals at Aotea Quay cruise terminal, internet cafés throughout the city and i-SITE Visitor Centre.

Nearest Supermarket
New World: Wellington Railway Station, Bunny Street, +64 4 499 1299

Activities within 5km of the port

Visit the Wellington i-SITE Visitor Centre to get some ideas on the outstanding range of scenic highlights, activities and attractions in the Wellington region.

Wellington i-SITE: Civic Square, on the corner of Wakefield and Victoria Streets, +64 4 802 4860

Upcoming events in Wellington

Wellington prides itself on its full events calendar, so visit WellingtonNZ.com and click on 'Events' to see if your visit coincides with an event you may be interested in.

Wellington is one of few New Zealand ports that has a cruise-dedicated terminal. Within the terminal, you can find Internet and restroom facilities as well as visitor information. You will be greeted by friendly and helpful locals who will supply you with maps and information as well as important information such as where to find money changing facilities.

As cruise ships berth close to the city, you will also be a few minutes away from shopping, dining and all sorts of urban comforts. There are many transport options, and if you need some local assistance, call into the Wellington i-SITE Visitor Centre, located in the centre of town, in the Civic Square.