Fantastic beaches to visit in Wellington

We've put together a list of awesome beaches to spend time at across Pōneke.

1. Scorching Bay Beach
2. Worser Bay Beach
3. Mākara Beach 
4. Owhiro Bay and Red Rocks Pariwhero 
5. Princess Bay
6. Oriental Bay Beach and Freyberg Beach
7. Lyall Bay Beach
8. Island Bay Beach

Get the details and their unique special features below.

Scorching Bay Beach

Located in the Miramar Peninsula, this beautiful beach is perfect for a relaxing afternoon with its large, grassed area and pōhutukawa trees. It's a great place to soak up the sun and watch ships entering and leaving the harbour.  

Features: Toilet and changing facilities, paved outdoor shower area, playground rope-climbing structure nearby, parking and mobility parks, and access ramp to the beach.

Worser Bay Beach

A half hour stroll away from Scorching Bay is Worser Bay, which boasts large sand dunes planted with marram and pingao, and a grassed area with picnic tables.  

Features: Changing rooms, toilets, cold showers, and parking options.

Mākara Beach 

Take your dog for a run around on this secluded beach tucked away on the west coast. It's also a great spot for walking, fishing and diving.

Features: Toilets beside car park, off-lead dog exercise area, nearby Mākara walkway where you can see a pā, the remnants of some WWII gun emplacements and some majestic wind turbines. 

Owhiro Bay and Red Rocks Pariwhero 

Owhiro Bay, ‘the gateway to the south coast’, is the closest south coast beach to the central city. The sheltered Owhiro Bay boat ramp and car park is on the eastern side of the bay, and there are grassed areas along the foreshore toward the quarry. Then, travel along the city’s southern-most street, Owhiro Bay Road to reach Red Rocks Pariwhero. 

While you are there, visit the coastal kāinga, pā, ngakinga, and overland tracks connecting these historic settlements around this coast.

On your way home visit the Tip Shop and Recycle Centre. Here you will find all sorts of weird and wonderful preloved goods for you to rehome – or donate your reusable unwanted clutter for someone else to enjoy. 

Features: Car park, walking tracks, toilets and changing facilities at Te Kopahou Visitor Centre. 

Princess Bay

Another south coast stunner is Princess Bay. This sheltered sandy beach is a great spot to have a swim or see some sea life. This beach lies near the end of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, providing a safe space for fish to mature. Walk around the rockpools on the Te Raekaihau Point side of the beach and you are sure to spot some interesting sea creatures. 

Features: Large changing rooms and toilets, car park, and coastal walks.

Oriental Bay Beach and Freyberg Beach

This central city spot is a must for every city-dwelling Wellingtonian. With Oriental Bay Beach and Freyberg Beach, the parade hosts a bunch of attractions including the Carter Fountain, two wave platforms, a beautiful pōhutukawa tree, and a playground. You’ll often find people having evening swims or picnics, and the vibes are unmatched! 

Features: Playground, changing facilities and toilets, wheelchair access to both beaches and wave platforms.

Lyall Bay Beach

Just 6-kilometres from the city, Lyall Bay Beach boasts Wellington’s most popular surf beach. It's a great spot for dogs and their owners, and a cool place to hang out all year round. There’s also lots of plane action, kite-surfers get airborne in the right conditions, and you can see dogs of every shape and size. Bring yours down to enjoy beach time off-lead at the airport end. 

If you fancy a dip, there’s beach patrols over summer months, so you can swim between the flags. 

Features: Beachfront parking along Lyall Bay Parade, playgrounds, dog-friendly exercise area at the eastern end (by the airport), toilets, and changing room facilities at the Lyall Bay Surf Club. 

Island Bay Beach

Known for its sandy beach, this spot is a popular destination for those wanting a dip in the ocean.

People can either swim up to Taputeranga Island, or divers and snorkellers can follow offshore reefs on a marked dive trail around the marine reserve to see a variety of wildlife. 

Features: Car park near Marine Education Centre and on the Esplanade, Shoreland Park nearby with toilet facilities, and nearby shops on the Parade.