Wellington’s Best Beaches: A sun-soaked guide to Wellington beach bliss
Discover Wellington's diverse beach scene with our comprehensive guide, from city-side havens to secluded sandy shores.
Wellington has over a hundred kilometres of coastline to explore and both locals and travellers alike are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a good beach spot. The water is cold in winter so we recommend planning your trip to Wellington in late spring or summer, between October and March. Here's our guide to the best Wellington beaches for surfing, swimming and picnicking.
Oriental Bay
This popular central city beach attracts city dwellers, tourists and out-of-towners. Set within the inner harbour, Oriental Bay is a lively beach during the day packed with families and sunbathers. You’ll often see people enjoying an evening swim or a picnic at sunset on the beach or on the adjacent grassy area. The beach is easily accessible from the promenade which is fringed by sidewalk cafes including retro Beach Babylon which serves amazing breakfast, lunch and dinner; try the breakfast hotcakes, halloumi butty or vegan burrito bowl. And The Boat Cafe is the perfect waterfront spot for beers, cocktails and delicious fish and chips.
The promenade offers a great place to walk or run along the bay either at sunrise, sunset or anytime in between. Attractions include the Carter Fountain, and a kids playground and there are also changing facilities available.
Hataitai Beach
Picturesque Hataitai Beach is a quiet, inner-harbour beach on the western side of Evans Bay situated between rustic boatsheds and Cog Park. You can easily walk from Oriental Bay to Evans Bay Parade and then follow the promenade to Hataitai Beach. You will often see yachts moored not far from the shore and it’s a great swimming and walking beach. Dogs are allowed on leash although during peak summer time, from December to beginning March, they can only be on the beach before 10 am and after 7 pm. The beach is easily accessible via a concrete ramp and there is wheelchair access.
Not far from the beach, Cog Park offers a green oasis for relaxation and outdoor recreation. The park features safe play areas and plenty of open lawns for kids to run around. It’s also a great spot for families or groups of friends to enjoy a picnic.
Titahi Bay
Located about twenty minutes’ drive from Wellington in Porirua, Titahi Bay is a popular city beach, ideal for swimmers, sunbathers and surfers. It’s a safe spot with lifeguards on duty during summer. This sheltered cove boasts excellent amenities for families including a kids playground, ample parking and changing facilities. It’s ideal for beginner surfers, family picnics, sunset barbecues or scenic walks to nearby Stuart Park.
Titahi Bay is fringed by excellent eateries on Whitehouse road including T Bay Café – a great spot for coffee and breakfast (open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 2:30 pm), The Beer Engine taproom and Kams Fish & Chip Shop. And in the city centre Cobb & Co dishes up the best house made smoked Kahawai fish pie.
Plimmerton Beach
Plimmerton Beach, located just outside of Wellington, has gentle waves making it a safe swimming beach for all ages. Known for its golden sands, rock pools and calm waters it is a favourite spot for families with young children. The northern stretch of beach is great for swimming, beginner surfers, paddleboarders or those looking to chill out and relax. The southern side is a windsurfing hotspot, attracting enthusiasts with its steady breeze. Plimmerton offers stunning views, and a tranquil space for sunset picnics or peaceful strolls.
Other Notable Wellington Beaches
Lyall Bay, Scorching Bay, and Breaker Bay are also worth exploring. Scorching Bay is a great spot for watching ships entering and leaving the harbour. Take a perch on the shady grass area and watch the lively harbour scene. Families enjoy this beach as it has changing facilities, an outdoor shower area and a playground with a rope climbing structure. Breaker Bay situated at the western entrance of Wellington Harbour, is a great beach with beautiful scenic views of the harbour. It’s wonderful for coastal and headland walks and picnicking. Lyall Bay on the south coast is Wellington’s most popular surf beach. Aside from surfing you can enjoy windsurfing, kitesurfing and kayaking. Wellington's annual music festival, High Tide takes place in November at Petone Beach – this much adored festival presents a range of international, national and local bands.
Location & contact
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12 Parking spaces
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Tel : +64 4/3851304
Mail : resabel@primehotels.co.nz
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