Wellington’s stunning coastline is home to a diverse range of beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm and character. From secluded coves to long stretches of sandy shores, the region offers an array of options for swimming, surfing, fishing, and simply relaxing in the sun.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new spot to explore or a visitor seeking the best beaches in the Wellington area, this guide has something for everyone. Discover hidden gems like Red Rocks Beach, with its dramatic rock formations, or take in the stunning views of the harbor from Oriental Bay Beach.
Top Beach in Wellington, New Zealand
![Wellington (; Māori: Te Whanganui-a-Tara [tɛ ˈɸaŋanʉi a taɾa] or Pōneke [ˈpɔːnɛkɛ]) is the capital city of New Zealand. It is located at the south-western tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range. Wellington is the third-largest city in New Zealand, and is the administrative centre of the Wellington Region. It is the world's southernmost capital of a sovereign state. Wellington features a temperate maritime climate, and is the world's windiest city by average wind speed.Māori oral tradition tells that Kupe discovered and explored the region in about the 10th century. The area was initially settled by Māori iwi such as Rangitāne and Muaūpoko. The disruptions of the Musket Wars led to them being overwhelmed by northern iwi such as Te Āti Awa by the early 19th century.Wellington's current form was originally designed by Captain William Mein Smith, the first Surveyor General for Edward Wakefield's New Zealand Company, in 1840. Smith's plan included a series of interconnected grid plans, expanding along valleys and lower hill slopes. The Wellington urban area, which only includes urbanised areas within Wellington City, has a population of 215,200 as of June 2023. The wider Wellington metropolitan area, including the cities of Lower Hutt, Porirua and Upper Hutt, has a population of 440,900 as of June 2023. The city has served as New Zealand's capital since 1865, a status that is not defined in legislation, but established by convention; the New Zealand Government and Parliament, the Supreme Court and most of the public service are based in the city.Wellington's economy is primarily service-based, with an emphasis on finance, business services, government, and the film industry. It is the centre of New Zealand's film and special effects industries, and increasingly a hub for information technology and innovation, with two public research universities. Wellington is one of New Zealand's chief seaports and serves both domestic and international shipping. The city is chiefly served by Wellington International Airport in Rongotai, the country's second-busiest airport. Wellington's transport network includes train and bus lines which reach as far as the Kāpiti Coast and the Wairarapa, and ferries connect the city to the South Island.
Often referred to as New Zealand's cultural capital, the culture of Wellington is a diverse and often youth-driven one which has wielded influence across Oceania. One of the world's most liveable cities, the 2021 Global Livability Ranking tied Wellington with Tokyo as fourth in the world. From 2017 to 2018, Deutsche Bank ranked it first in the world for both livability and non-pollution. Cultural precincts such as Cuba Street and Newtown are renowned for creative innovation, "op shops", historic character, and food. Wellington is a leading financial centre in the Asia-Pacific region, being ranked 35th in the world by the Global Financial Centres Index for 2021. The global city has grown from a bustling Māori settlement, to a colonial outpost, and from there to an Australasian capital that has experienced a "remarkable creative resurgence".](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Beehive_Building_Wellington_New_Zealand.jpg)
Top Beach in Wellington, New Zealand
Oriental Bay Lookout
- Address: 52 McFarlane Street, Oriental Bay, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (629)
- Website:
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
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Embark on a thrilling journey through the diverse array of Beach in cities like Auckland, Wodonga and Gladstone across the Oceania continents, revealing hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local business or a multinational company, these cities proudly display a rich tapestry of profesional services designed to cater to a wide array of preferences.
The 10 Best Beach near Wellington, New Zealand
Makara Beach Walkway
- Address: 1099 Makara Road, Mākara Beach, Wellington 6972, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (565)
- Phone: +64 4 471 0726
- Website:
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours - Reviews:
a week agoThis is a fun walk with a variety of experiences throughout. A bit of fitness needed as the initial part is a continuous climb where it can get quite steep at times. But the climb is beautiful with grassland at first and then an amazing view of the coast from the cliffs. We saw the South Island and Mana Island quite easily. The climb continues to the old garrison and the windmill. From there the walk goes downhill through a cemented road. When we got to the sea level we rested by a small stream before heading to the coastal walk back. The coastal walk is fun with lots of marine life to observe. The sandy and rocky walk is not my favourite part but the terrain is pretty flat at this stage. The last bend on the coast requires going through some big rocks, and will need some care to walk through. All in all a great walk!a month agoThis is amazing place to hike. You can see panorama sea view on top of the mountain. Easy hike. The old bunkers (world war 2) cover the full sea view. Still have accsess to go one bunker inside 3 of them. Bring water bottle if you going with kids.7 months agoThe climb to the top was very steep and pretty windy so it was quite daunting but views were worth it. Loved that I could enjoy the green fields of the mountains and the waves of the coastline too. My favourite walk so far close to Wellington in terms of views but I found the climb (although short) quite challenging even with average fitness level, so something to consider esp for those with weak knees!2 months agoGorgeous coastline. Wonderful views. Gathering kaimona is great but the water quality in the bay isn’t good and I wouldn’t trust in the safety of any seafood from here.2 months agoAmazing car ride from Wellington. Coast walkway and stoney beach. Wild seas when we visited, but this added to the enjoyment.
Titahi Bay Beach
- Address: 12 Beach Road, Tītahi Bay, Porirua 5022, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (405)
Freyberg Beach Play Area
- Address: 162 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (355)
Oriental Bay Beach
- Address: Oriental Bay, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (339)
Lyall Bay Surf Beach
- Address: 28 Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (169)
Princess Beach
- Address: Princess Beach, Wellington 6023, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (161)
Island Bay Beach
- Address: 252 The Esplanade, Island Bay, Wellington 6023, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (153)
Makara Beach
- Address: Makara Beach, 1088 Makara Road, Mākara Beach, Wellington 6972, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (116)
Scorching Bay Beach
- Address: Scorching Bay Beach, Karaka Bays, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (96)
Breaker Bay
- Address: Breaker Bay, Seatoun, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (62)
Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best Beach in Wellington, New Zealand, please leave a comment above. We would love to hear from you!
5 Replies to The 10 Largest Beach in Wellington, New Zealand
Love the view of the city from here. On a good sunny day, this place is very vibrant, very alive. Lots of things to do for all ages, lots of food stops. If you’re not fussed with the cold, taking a plunge while it’s 3C is very normal in this city!
Just a beautiful view to the city and the harbpur, great coffee from the VW coffee van and the water fountain looks lovely lit up at night
Lovely view
The beach is nice and great for well behaved dogs.
Such a nice place to relax
Oriental Bay Lookout is a captivating vantage point that accentuates the beauty of Wellington’s waterfront. Perched above the iconic Oriental Bay, this lookout offers a stunning panorama of the city and harbor. The golden sands, azure waters, and vibrant esplanade create a picturesque scene below. The strategic location provides a sense of grandeur, making it an ideal spot for contemplation or capturing breathtaking sunset views. Whether you’re a local seeking a moment of reflection or a visitor marveling at the city’s coastal charm, Oriental Bay Lookout encapsulates the essence of Wellington’s scenic allure in a single, panoramic gaze.
The view is amazing. But the areas beside the steps have not been maintained in what appears to be a very long time. A real let down by Wellington City Council. Supposed to be a tourist attraction…I would be embarrassed to take some one there as it looks uncredited for. Very disappointed ?
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