The Porirua Beaches to Check Out this Summer
Just 20 minutes away from Wellington City, Porirua City and it’s amazing coastline offers a great mix of rugged landscapes and sandy beaches. When you’re looking for a place to hit the beach in the Wellington area, don’t miss these beaches in Porirua!
Porirua has seven beaches ranging in sizes. While most beaches are ideal for safe swimming, others have rock pools to explore, waves to be surfed and cafes and fish & chips stores to complete the seaside experience.
So don’t let the summer pass by without visiting these Porirua beaches! Plus, for more activities, see our 10 Fun Things to do in Porirua.
For more beaches in the area, see our 10 Beaches in Wellington You Can’t Miss!
Table of Contents
1. Plimmerton Beach
Plimmerton Beach is a sheltered seaside gem that has been captivating visitors for over a century. Its gently sloping sandy shore makes it an ideal spot for families, swimmers and wind-surfers alike.
Spend your day feeling the sand between your toes, taking a refreshing dip, or trying your hand at wind-surfing. As the day winds down, we can’t get enough of the fiery sunsets that paint the sky, a truly mesmerising spectacle.
Adding to its charm, Plimmerton Beach boasts convenient amenities. You’ll find cafés nearby for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, and ample parking makes access a breeze.
Location: Steyne Avenue/Beach Road, Plimmerton, Wellington Region, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Karehana Bay Beach
Located at the northern end of Plimmerton, Karehana Bay offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. This mellow bay boasts flat sandy shores and calm waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and boating enthusiasts.
We admire the sweeping views of Mana Island that greet visitors, providing a picturesque backdrop for your beach day.
Families will appreciate the beach’s child-friendly walking paths, allowing for leisurely strolls along the coastline. The bay’s amenities, including parking and toilets, ensure a comfortable visit for all.
Location: Moana Road, Plimmerton, Wellington Region, North Island. By the boating club.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Titahi Bay Beach
Titahi Bay Beach, a 1 km sandy haven just west of central Porirua that’s a hotspot for surfing, swimming and windsurfing. According to locals, it’s the most popular beach in the Porirua area, buzzing with activity in the summer months.
Lifeguards patrol during the summer season, making it a safe option for families. The beach boasts excellent facilities, including playgrounds, toilets, changing rooms and gated boat ramps.
Water lovers will appreciate the variety of activities on offer, from catching waves to leisurely swims.
Location: Access via South Beach Access Road and along Beach Road, Titahi Bay, Wellington Region, North Island. 4 km (2.5 mi) from Porirua city centre.
© Nathan on Flickr4. Pukerua Bay Beach
Pukerua Bay Beach is located along the coast north of Wellington. We truly appreciate this beautiful location, where two sandy beach areas are bordered by tall cliffs.
The name “Pukerua” in Maori literally means “two hills”, though it’s unclear which specific hills it refers to.
Nature lovers will be delighted to discover that the area is a breeding ground for little blue penguins, making it a popular spot among birders. Surfers and scuba divers also flock here for the excellent conditions.
We personally love the beach for swimming and exploring the many walkways in the area. It’s the perfect place to spend a day soaking up the coastal atmosphere.
For your convenience, parking and washroom facilities are available on-site.
Location: Ocean Parade, Pukerua Bay, Wellington Region, North Island. 30 km (19 mi) north of Wellington.
© Pseudopanax at en.wikipedia5. Dolly Varden Beach
Dolly Varden Beach, situated on the shores of Paremata, is a local gem that caters to both water sports enthusiasts and relaxation seekers.
The warm, shallow waters of this tranquil bay make it an ideal spot for swimming, paddleboarding, and the increasingly popular sport of foiling. For the more adventurous, the nearby jetty offers a classic Kiwi pastime, cannonballing into the refreshing waters below.
Beyond the water, the beach is an excellent location for leisurely European-style picnics and scenic walks along the shoreline.
Active visitors will appreciate the abundance of walking and biking trails in the vicinity, providing ample opportunities to explore the stunning coastal landscape.
Location: Mana Esplanade, Paremata, Wellington, North Island. Adjacent to the Paremata Boating Club and boat launching facility.
© DB Thats-Me on Wikipedia6. Onehunga
Onehunga Beach, located within Whitireia Park, is a stunning and scenic spot in Porirua City that provides a perfect escape for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.
This safe, flat beach offers some of the most breathtaking views stretching all the way to the South Island. We love how easily accessible it is for everyone, making it perfect for a range of activities.
Whether you’re into swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing or kite surfing, Onehunga has you covered. Stand-up paddle boarding enthusiasts will find ideal conditions here too.
For those who prefer to stay on land, it’s a great spot for fishing, picnics, walking and mountain biking.
Location: Whitireia Park, Porirua, Wellington Region, North Island. Approximately 30 km (19 mi) north of Wellington city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Ngati Toa Domain Beach
Ngāti Toa Domain offers a diverse array of activities for everyone. According to our travel manager, Robin, this multi-purpose recreational area boasts two large sports fields perfect for cricket and softball enthusiasts.
Families will love the playground for kids, while fishing aficionados can cast their lines at prime spots along the shore. We appreciate the ample space provided for freedom campers, complete with clean facilities, although do remember to follow the rules!
Dog owners will be delighted by the pet-friendly environment, which features a nearby dog training club. The domain’s proximity to the beach allows for scenic walks at low tide, and we can’t get enough of the awesome views.
For the adventurous, there are even opportunities for kite surfing when conditions are right. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an overnight stay in your caravan, Ngāti Toa Domain caters to all.
Location: Mana Esplanade, behind the Mana Shops, Plimmerton, Wellington Region, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Ivey and Browns Bay
Ivey Bay and Browns Bay, two idyllic spots perfect for a sunny day out. These safe, shallow paddling beaches on mud flats offer a tranquil escape for families and nature lovers alike.
We love the variety of activities these bays provide. There’s something for everyone, from swimming and picnicking to kayaking and launching small boats.
At low tide, exploring the mudflats becomes a fascinating adventure. It’s a perfect spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat or a day of family fun.
Location: Paremata Road, Mana, Porirua City, North Island. Drive around the inlet towards Pāuatahanui on Paremata Road to reach Ivey Bay, and continue further along to Browns Bay.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Porirua
That’s it for our guide to beaches in Porirua; for more information about beaches and coastal attractions in New Zealand, check out the following articles:
- 10 Free Art Galleries & Museums in Wellington
- 10 Wellington Must-Dos
- 10 Spots to Freedom Camp on the Kapiti Coast
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete 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.
