Best beaches in Wellington

Balaena Bay Beach

A sheltered inner-harbour pocket beach that locals use for quick swims.

Breaker Bay Beach

A distinctive Miramar Peninsula beach known for exposed coastal scenery.

Houghton Bay Beach

A wilder south-coast surf beach between Island Bay and Lyall Bay.

Island Bay Beach

A south-coast beach linked to the marine reserve and easy city access.

Karaka Bay Beach

A pretty eastern-bays swimming spot tucked below coastal houses.

Lyall Bay Beach

The capital’s main surf beach and a must-have Wellington coastal entry.

Mākara Beach

A rugged west-coast Wellington beach known for wild scenery and coastal walks.

Moa Point Beach

A small exposed beach near Lyall Bay with airport-edge coastal views.

Oriental Bay

Wellington’s signature city beach with cafés, promenade energy, and harbour views.

Ōwhiro Bay Beach

A rugged Cook Strait beach near Red Rocks with a raw coastal feel.

Princess Bay

A small south-coast cove with dramatic Cook Strait views and sheltered sand.

Red Rocks Beach

A rugged coastal beach below the famous red rock formations and seal route.

Scorching Bay Beach

A sheltered golden-sand harbour beach loved for swimming, cafés, and calm days.

Seatoun Beach

A neighbourhood harbour beach with gentle water and Miramar Peninsula views.

Shelly Bay Beach

A small harbour-edge beach with Miramar Peninsula views and quiet local use.

Tarakena Bay

A small Miramar Peninsula bay often overlooked beside larger south-coast beaches.

Worser Bay Beach

A sheltered harbour beach popular for swimming, sailing, and family beach days.