How to get to Owhiro Bay Beach and is it safe for swimming today - Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA)
Location: South coast, The Esplanade
Suitable for: Boat launching
Brief description: Owhiro Bay, ‘the gateway to the south coast’, is the closest south coast beach to the central city. Small houses and cottages are tucked at the bottom of steep escarpments. 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.
Parking: Large car park at boat launching ramp and near beach
Toilets and changing facilities: At the Owhiro Bay Interpretation Centre
Accessibility: Easy walk to beach
Dogs: Dogs must be kept on a leash
Features: A project to restore and protect Owhiro Bay Stream, the only unpiped city stream flowing to the south coast, has been set up by The Friends of Owhiro Stream. The community group has planted more than 8,000 native trees.
History: Owhiro Bay was the site of a well-developed Māori settlement when Europeans arrived - middens, implements and ovens are evidence of Māori cultivation and occupation.