You can’t beat Wellington on a good day. With 500km of coastline in the Greater Wellington region, there is a beach that suits every type of person.
Whether you are into water sports, swimming, sunbathing, or just sipping coffee near the sand, our guide to the best beaches in Wellington will help you find your next favourite spot in the capital.
Oriental Bay is one of the best city beaches, dare we say, in the world. It’s on the doorstep of the city, accessible by several buses (or a ten-minute stroll from the Courtney Place bus stops) and has cafes and restaurants on its doorstep. Technically the beach is called Freyburg, but most locals refer to the strip from Freyberg Pool to Grass Street as Oriental Bay.
Freyburg Beach in Oriental Bay is a golden sand beach. Every few years, sand is imported from the Golden Bay area in Nelson and groomed into shape for the beach. Located on Oriental Parade, it is an ideal place for a lunchtime swim, an after-work dip or walking the dog in the off-season. From the end of April to the start of October, the beach is dog-friendly. During summer, it’s reserved strictly for human use.
The shallow geography of the beach makes Oriental Bay a great place to swim. It gets very few waves, and the water is much warmer than on the south coast.
The Carter Memorial Fountain is located in the middle of Oriental Bay. Local restaurant Beach Babylon is right across the road, while Coene’s Bar & Eatery, Lola Stays and the Boat Cafe and Bar are all located on Oriental Parade.
You’ll also find cold outdoor showers close to any beach access points and public toilets located right across the road. Freyburg Beach also has a play area with plenty of shade and public changing rooms close by.
There are also several places to buy ice cream close by, including Gellissimo for your gelato fix or the dairy located across the road.
Given that this is the closest beach to the city, Freyburg can get very busy in the summer with teenagers, students and visitors to the city. Parking in the middle of the day can be a bit difficult. If you can take the bus or walk to this beach, you might save yourself a headache. Walking along Oriental Parade is a popular activity all year round, and there’s plenty of space for walkers, cyclists, and parents with prams or scooters to move around.
Scorching Bay is located on Wellington’s south coast. It’s only a twenty-minute drive from the city, but you’ll easily feel miles away. With a large grass verge, soft sand and a cafe right on its doorstep, it's a great option for families looking to spend a day by the sea.
Scorching Bay has it all. The beach has a large grass area that is perfect for picnics or just relaxing before you head closer to the sand. The Bay gets lots of sun in the morning and early afternoon before the sun disappears behind the hill. Scorching Bay is relatively sheltered from the wind. While the beach is great for swimming, as the sand thins out, there are also rocky outcrops to explore.
Located at the start of the Beach is local restaurant Scorch O Rama. It’s the perfect place for looking out over the water on a sunny day. The beach also has public toilets close by, limited parking and is on a bus route, although the best way to get there is to drive.
Scorching Bay is a great beach for families. It’s got everything you need to enjoy a day at the beach. It is relatively sheltered, and the water is calm, which is ideal for young kids.
Island Bay is a suburb located to the south of the city. It’s best known for its marine reserve and snorkel trail. It’s a pleasant albeit cold place to take a dip and see some wildlife.
Island Bay Beach is located on the south coast of Wellington. It is both sandy and has rocky outcrops for exploring the sea life in the rock pools. The Taputeranga Snorkel Trail is a great place to explore if you’ve never snorkelled before. Part of the beach is dog friendly, making it a great place for the whole family or dog owners to enjoy.
Island Bay Marine Education Centre is located to the south of the beach and is open on weekends. It’s a great place to learn about local marine life. It has live exhibits and touch pools for kids and curious people to enjoy. Across the road from the beach is Shorland Park, equipped with a kid's playground, basketball hoop and public barbeques.
Exploring Wellington’s marine life. Barbeques and days out for the whole family. With Shortland Park just across the road and the snorkel trail on its doorstep, Island Bay provides lots of opportunities for getting active.
Wedged between Little Karaka Bay and Weka Bay on the east coastline of Mount Victoria, Balaena Bay has a few local amenities that make it a better swimming option for anyone who lives in the nearby suburbs of Roseneath or Hataitai.
Balaena Bay is a pebbly beach located a twenty-minute walk from Oriental Bay. If you live nearby and are keen for a dip, Balaena Bay is a great option as it has clean and clear water and is always reasonably calm.
Balaena Bay is on a bus line, although it is easily accessible by foot, bike or scooter from Oriental Bay. There is also a car park nearby. It also has public toilets and changing rooms, which are kept clean. At night, you might also be lucky enough to see or hear little blue penguins making their way off the beach and into their nests close by.
Swimming if you live nearby or if you’re looking for a quiet alternative to Oriental Bay.
Lyall Bay is one of the biggest beaches in Wellington. It’s close to the airport, restaurants and breweries and is a popular place to surf in the city. This beach is certainly more exposed than other parts of the city — but there’s nothing like a bit of wind to get your blood pumping, you are in Wellington after all.
If you’re after beach activities, Lyall Bay is the place to be. There’s always some swell, and it's one of the only places that gets surf close to the city. Whether you’re a beginning or an experienced surfer, Lyall Bay is consistent for its medium-sized waves, and it seems there’s always someone in the water at any time of day.
The beach is separated into two sections with the section closest to the airport dog friendly. In fact, this is Wellington’s most popular off-leash area.
You’ll find Maranui Surf Club Cafe on the doorstep of Lyall Bay. It’s one of Wellington’s most popular (and quirky cafes) and well worth checking out. You’ll also find vegetarian restaurant The Botanist nearby, Spruce Goose overlooking the beach and Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli and Parrotdog Brewery a short walk away.
Surfing or any activities that require waves or walking the dog.
Escape the city with a short ferry across to Days Bay. Located across Wellington harbour, Days Bay sits between the suburbs of Eastbourne and Mahina Bay. If you’re driving, head northeast of the city to Petone and keep making your way around the harbour until you get to Days Bay.
Days Bay is a narrow stretch of beach between Marine Drive and Wellington Harbour. It’s very popular with locals on a sunny day as the beach is compact and great for swimming. If you’re looking for an active afternoon, you can hire kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and mountain bikes nearby.
Although Days Bay is quite small, the Pavilion across the road is a great place for those looking for a bit more space. Complete with a cafe, duck ponds, and plenty of grassy areas, it's a nice place to spend a sunny afternoon. Both the beach and pavilion have public toilets. Chocolate Dayz Cafe and Sea Salt Cafe and Eatery are two popular cafes a short walk away on Marine Drive.
A spontaneous family day out or a picnic in the pavilion followed by a swim in the sea.
Red Rocks or Pariwhero is south-west of the city. Although not known for swimming, it’s a great place to see New Zealand fur seals and get out into nature.
Red Rocks is famous less for its beach and more for its rugged coastline and local wildlife. Drive to the Te Kopahou Visitor Centre on Owhiro Bay Parade, and you’ll find the start of the track. The beach itself is rocky but stunning for the dramatic cliffs that rise so close to the sea.
The beach takes its name from the red hues of the local rocks. On any given day you can see New Zealand fur seals lying in the sun and enjoying the rocky foreshore. A long track takes you around the bay, and the walk is a couple of hours long. The track is one way.
There’s also a small art gallery - Pariwhero Gallery which is open on weekends and the Beach House and Kiosk, located in Owhiro Bay, is a popular place to grab lunch or coffee.
A walk to see fur seals close to the city.
Breaker Bay is the ideal location for those who like to explore. It’s just as good (if not better) on a windy, rugged day as it is when the sun is shining. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some little blue penguins near dusk or dawn.
Breaker Bay is known for its stunning coastline and dark azure waters. The beach is made up of sand and pebbles. The beach is well hidden by soaring cliffs that are home to WWII bunkers and many easy but enjoyable walking trails.
It’s worth noting that the very far side of the beach is also popular with nudists. Don’t worry, tThere’s plenty of sandy beachfront, rocky coastline and nature trails to explore before you reach this point.
It is close to the suburb of Seatoun. However, the best part of Breaker Bay is the coastline and walking trails.
Exploring the coastline and walking the trails. Penguin spotting as the sun goes down.
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