Wellington’s Best Beaches!
When the coast is calling, you need not venture too far to find amazing beaches in Wellington! Whether you’re looking for a swimming beach in summer or a stunning landscape to immerse yourself into, there are beaches to serve in Wellington.
Wellington not only has beaches within walking distance of the city centre, but there are also a few outstanding beaches in the region that’s well worth taking a road trip for.
So grab your togs (that’s Kiwi speak for swimwear, by the way) and throw on your jandals (again, that means flipflops) and hit these breathtaking beaches in Wellington!
Plus, for more ways to enjoy the city, don’t miss our 10 Wellington Must-Dos and find a place to stay in The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington.
Table of Contents
1. Oriental Bay
Just a stone’s throw from Wellington’s bustling CBD lies Oriental Bay, the city’s summer hotspot. This polished inner-city beach boasts a wide sweep of golden sand facing the harbour, perfect for a quick dip or a leisurely waterfront stroll.
According to locals, it’s the closest shoreline to the city centre, making it seriously handy for urban beach lovers.
Kids splash around the wooden pontoon while sun-seekers lounge near the iconic Carter Fountain. The beach truly comes alive in summer (December to March), transforming into Wellington’s vibrant warm-weather hub.
Location: Oriental Bay, Wellington City, North Island. Five minutes’ walk from the city centre.
© WellingtonNZ2. Scorching Bay
Nestled on the sheltered Miramar Peninsula, Scorching Bay is a hidden gem just a short drive or bus journey from Wellington’s city centre. This sandy, shallow bay offers the perfect setting for a relaxing day out.
We personally love its calm waters, which are ideal for chilled swims when northerly winds blow. The large grassy area is perfect for picnics, while families will appreciate the playground and seasonal changing rooms.
Scorching Bay boasts epic rock pooling at low tide. With its outdoor showers and pavilion, it’s no wonder this beach is a favourite among Wellingtonians and visitors alike.
For more adventures in the area, check out Great Things to Do in Miramar!
Location: Scorching Bay, Karaka Bay Road, Miramar, Wellington City, North Island. About 8 km (5 mi) southeast of Wellington city centre.
© Phillip Capper on Flickr3. Lyall Bay
Lyall Bay is Wellington’s premier surf beach, boasting consistent rolling waves that make it a legendary spot for learning to surf. The airport-cut breakwater shapes the waves, creating safe breaks perfect for beginners and seasoned surfers alike.
With surf clubs bookending the beach, you’ll find all the facilities you need, including toilets and changing rooms.
But it’s not just about surfing. This expansive sandy beach is ideal for a casual coastal run or a leisurely stroll. And when you need a break, pop into one of the nearby eateries for a coffee or ice cream.
For an unusual beach activity, watch planes landing at Wellington Airport – it’s quite the spectacle!
Location: Lyall Bay, Wellington City, North Island. Located 8 km (5 mi) southeast of Wellington’s city centre.
© WellingtonNZ4. Red Rocks
Just a 30-minute drive south of Wellington city, the Red Rocks Reserve offers a dramatic coastal experience that’s hard to beat.
The Red Rocks Walkway (40 minutes one way) takes you along a rugged coastline where red volcanic pillow-lava cliffs meet black sand beaches and rocky tide pools teeming with marine life.
From April to October, you might spot seals lounging on the rocks, while year-round, you can often glimpse crabs scuttling in the pools. The expansive geological features, including ancient basalt veins, make this a photographer’s paradise and a favourite spot for coastal walks and tidal exploration.
While not ideal for swimming due to the rocky terrain, Red Rocks is perfect for those seeking drama and discovery in nature. According to our editor-in-chief, Laura, “The Red Rocks Walkway offers one of the most accessible yet wild coastal experiences near Wellington.”
Location: Red Rocks Reserve, Owhiro Bay, Wellington, North Island. To get there by bus, take the Number 1 bus to Island Bay. Get off at the last stop and walk about 2 km (1.2 mi) via Owhiro Bay Parade to the start of the Red Rocks Walkway.
© Jeff Hitchcock on Flickr5. Paraparaumu Beach
Located on the stunning Kāpiti Coast, about 50 km north of Wellington, Paraparaumu Beach is a long golden stretch that’s perfect for a family day out.
With smooth access via Maclean Park, this beach offers safe swimming, large grassy picnic areas, a skate park, and a boat launch area. It’s also the departure point for Kapiti Island tours, offering awesome views of the island just off the shore.
Facilities are plentiful, including toilets, parking, changing rooms, shops and cafés. On Saturdays, you can even explore a nearby market.
Location: Paraparaumu Beach, Paraparaumu, Kāpiti Coast, North Island. 50 minutes drive from Wellington City along State Highway 1. Public transport is also available.
© Rosino on Flickr6. Makara Beach
For a rugged yet scenic coastal experience, head to Makara Beach on Wellington’s wild west coast.
Just 30 minutes from the city, this stony beach is backed by dramatic cliffs and the Makara Walkway. It’s a local favourite for fishing, diving and walking, offering a perfect escape into wilderness.
History buffs will appreciate the WWII-era gun emplacements perched on the cliffs, while nature enthusiasts can observe ongoing environmental restoration efforts at the estuary.
Less touristy and more rugged than other Wellington beaches, Makara is ideal for those seeking exploration and solitude. We love the contrast it provides to the bustling city life, a true slice of New Zealand’s untamed beauty.
Location: Makara Road, Makara, Wellington, North Island. 30 minutes drive from Wellington City centre. Follow Makara Road all the way to the end.
© dani on Flickr7. Castlepoint
About an hour east of Wellington in the Wairarapa district, Castlepoint is a dramatic postcard of a beach that’s not to be missed!
This stunning coastal gem offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and easy exploration. The sheltered lagoon provides calm waters for swimming, while the towering Castle Rock, century-old lighthouse, sand dunes, reef and fossil-rich coastline add geological intrigue.
Keep an eye out for playful fur seals, often spotted offshore. Castlepoint makes for a fantastic day trip from Wellington, showcasing the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s coast.
Location: Castlepoint Road, Castlepoint, Wairarapa, North Island. 2 hours 40 mins’ drive from Wellington City. Take State Highway 2 to Masterton, then take Masterton-Castlepoint Road to the end.
© Mike Heydon - WellingtonNZ8. Riversdale Beach
Discover the hidden gem of Riversdale Beach, a 4 km (2.5 mi) stretch of golden sand on the Wairarapa’s south coast. This family-friendly spot is perfect for swimming, fishing and reef snorkelling.
The gently sloping beach, sheltered by the Tararua Ranges, offers calm waters and exposed reef at low tide, something we’ve learned along the way.
Surf enthusiasts will appreciate the good waves, while golfers can tee off at the nine-hole course overlooking the bay.
For a change of scenery, we personally love exploring the nearby walks in Rewanui Forest Park. It’s an easy coastal escape that, as we’ve discovered firsthand, offers something for everyone.
Location: Riversdale Beach, Wairarapa, North Island. 2 hours 30 minutes from Wellington City. Take State Highway 2 toward Masterton, then Masterton-Castlepoint Road. Turn off at Blairlogie onto Blairlogie Road, then follow Homewood Road onto Riversdale Road.
© sikeri on Wikipedia9. Plimmerton Beach
Looking for a charming shoreline near Wellington? Plimmerton Beach is a local gem just outside of Porirua.
This shallow, sandy foreshore on Porirua Harbour is ideal for families, offering low-tide rock pooling adventures where kids can spot crabs, kina and paua. We’re big fans of the stunning sunsets and calm waters that make it a favourite among locals.
With handy access, nearby cafés, and a boat club at Karehana Bay, Plimmerton Beach offers a perfect coastal escape. It’s one of Wellington’s most delightful shorelines.
Location: 30 minutes drive from Wellington City Centre up State Highway 1. Public transport is available.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Petone Beach
Escape to the charming Petone Beach, a relaxed coastal gem on Wellington Harbour’s Hutt side. This long stretch of sand boasts a picturesque promenade, perfect for leisurely strolls and taking in the scenery.
We love the vibrant atmosphere created by the beach cafés and playgrounds dotting the shoreline. The shallow waters and sheltered location make it an ideal spot for families to splash and play.
As the day winds down, locals flock to Petone Beach to witness the mesmerising orange glow of the sunset over the water.
Don’t miss the swimming raft anchored just offshore between Labour Day and Easter weekend.
Location: The Esplanade, Petone, Lower Hutt, North Island. 20 minutes drive from Wellington City via State Highway 2. Public transport is available.
© Aidan on FlickrMore About Beaches in Wellington
That’s it for our guide to beaches in Wellington; for more information about New Zealand’s beaches and other attractions, check out the following articles:
- 10 Beaches in Porirua You Can’t Miss
- 10 Free Art Galleries & Museums in Wellington
- 10 Wellington Must-Dos
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Wellington.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
