Although small, Wellington is cultured, occasionally avant-garde and buzzing with youthful energy. Here’s what to do in a day. Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, P&O Australia, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean and Silversea are among the varied cruise lines that visit.
Many are sailing New Zealand itineraries (some departing from Sydney or Melbourne, others from Auckland), but ships also pass through on trans-Pacific cruises. Ships slide between two headlands and into a sheltered bay ringed by high-rises that give way to weatherboard houses higher on the hills, then a backing of forested ridges. This would be a top arrival anywhere else but New Zealand, which has many more ports wedged in even more gorgeous locations that makes it one of the world’s great cruise destinations.
Ships dock at Aotea Quay 1.5 kilometres north of the city centre. This working port area is only accessible by accredited tour or shore-excursion buses, so you’ll have to get the free shuttle into town.
A plus is the cheerful volunteers providing tourist information – occasionally small ships tie up at the very convenient Queen’s Wharf. Admire Old St Paul’s Cathedral, which has a ceiling that resembles an upturned boat, and decide whether the Beehive parliament building is hideous or inspired. Eco-sanctuary Zealandia houses the island nation’s unusual and rare wildlife.
Then take the famous red train (described as a cable car) from downtown to adm.