13 best beaches in Wellington, New Zealand: a complete summer guide 

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To prove that Wellington is a competitive summer destination, below is a list of the 13 best beaches in Wellington, New Zealand. This is a complete summer guide to Wellington, including points of interest in each area to optimise an itinerary of sunshine and maritime activities.

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From pristine beaches to rugged coastlines, Wellington, New Zealand is a summer destination to be reckoned with. The peninsula curves out into the Cook Strait, nestling countless bays and sandy coves.

Although notorious for its cold waters, Wellington is a creative hub simmering in charm. It is all about lifestyle and artistic flair here at the bottom of the North Island. Couple that with a clear summer’s day and Wellington transforms into a scenic seaside paradise that packs vibes.

Below are the 13 best beaches in Wellington, New Zealand, the ultimate summer guide from a local to optimise those summer months.

Related: Best Beaches in New Zealand’s North Island

Also read:

• A complete guide to experience the Wellington lifestyle: local eats, nature and culture
• Pros and cons of living in Wellington, New Zealand
• Should you move to New Zealand? 10 questions to help you decide
• The ultimate itinerary for an epic North Island road trip
• The ultimate itinerary for an epic South Island road trip

13 Best beaches in Wellington, New Zealand: a complete summer guide for swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers

Best beaches in central Wellington

1. Oriental Bay, Wellington City

City beaches are often less than perfect. But Oriental Bay is elegant enough to gain my approval.

The arc of golden sand stretches into three separate beaches backed by a series of cafes and colourful houses. Save for a few seagull feathers, the water is relatively clean. On a good day, it shimmers in turquoise, clear straight to the bottom.

Toward the end of summer, Oriental Bay becomes home to a sea of starfish. They emerge as babies, tiny astral creatures the colour of sand. As the season progresses, they redden and lengthen their limbs, peppering the beach in such numbers that you have to watch your step.

At the city centre, Oriental Bay is highly accessible and a local favourite to Wellingtonians and tourists alike.

Points of interest:

• Carrello del Gelato: decadent gelato quintessential on a summer’s day
• Aye! Empanadas & More: delicious empanadas for an easy takeaway lunch
• Freyberg Pool & Fitness Centre: the sauna is only $10 and a great hot-cold exercise before a dip in the beach next door

2. Hataitai Beach

For charming boat sheds and a thriving marina, Hataitai Beach is quieter than commercial Oriental. Hataitai is a quirky suburb and in summertime, its denizens spill out onto this little beach for picnics and sunbathing.

The tide is gentle for swimming and kayaking, and you can watch sailboats gliding out of the nearby marina, a beautiful view any time of day.

Points of interest:

• Greta Point Cafe: for all your coffee and snacking needs
• Hataitai center: a 10-min stroll from Hataitai beach to cozy up inside cafes or bars. BambuchiSan is a local favourite.

3. Scorching Bay / Karaka Bays

One of my favourite beaches in Wellington, Scorching Bay stole my breath with its aquamarine waters pealing around golden rock. The perfect swimming beach, Scorching Bay is calm, clean and hosts a myriad of music events across the summer.

My only gripe with Scorching Bay is that it loses the sun early. It’s nudged beneath a looming hill, and while that only adds to its beauty, it casts shadows on the bay around mid-afternoon.

To optimise the day, get to Scorching Bay early… the sunrise is otherworldly. Meander along Karaka Bays, exploring a procession of golden beaches exposed at low tide.

Points of interest:

• Scorch O Rama: popular for being the only eatery in the area, and they have gorgeous outdoor seating overlooking the beach
• Old Phone Box at Karaka Bay: down the coast next to the pier, the red phone box is teeming with curious books for your free perusal
• Boho Bach: a vibrant bohemian cabin furnished with velvet and silk and an outdoor bath, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay the night

4. Breaker Bay

The sandy cove of Breaker Bay is a hidden crescent where dark sand meets cobalt ocean. Due to strong currents, the beach isn’t safe for swimming. But it compensates with its dramatic setting of escarpments and rock formations. And you can spend the hours admiring surfers who brave the ferocious waves.

Although I prefer Breaker Bay on a rainy day – due to its somber mood of churning waters and misty cliffs – the beach is perfect for a quiet picnic immersed in nature under the sun. It’s also Wellington’s unofficial nude beach if you’re looking for a more riské summer activity, a unique feature that earned its place on the list of best beaches in Wellington, New Zealand.

Points of interest:

• Point Dorset: a forlorn lookout above the sea for incredible sunsets and one of my favourite nature spots in Wellington
• Eastern Walkway: a short tramp (about 1.5 hours) exposed to spectacular views of Miramar Peninsula and Wellington’s south coast.

5. Lyall Bay

Lyall Bay is one of the most popular surf beaches in Wellington due to its provision of gentle waves for beginners and strong currents for the experts. It’s also a lovely swimming beach.

With the airport right next door, enjoy bobbing in the waves while watching planes land. The beach is also known for its dolphin sightings, most commonly for the surfers at sunrise with close encounters recorded on the local Facebook page.

The shallow sand and surf culture elevate the vibes at Lyall Bay, and it is a popular spot to spend a Wellington summer day, walking the length of the beach, playing in the waves and enjoying a picnic with friends.

Points of interest:

• Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli: a personal favourite, a colourful cafe that caters to nearly all food allergies with its medley of treats and specialty dishes
• The Botanist: one of Wellington’s best plant-based venues in a lovely beachfront setting
• Elements Lyall Bay: a chic cafe serving fresh seasonal foods equipped with a shop stacked with homewares and other artisan gifts

6. Princess Beach

Princess Beach was once a hidden gem frequented only by locals. But word has since spread, and it is now a popular beach destination.

Made famous by its full-moon drumming events, Princess Beach is a sheltered pool of ocean along an otherwise wild coastline. Fringed by rocky outcrops and carved with a meandering footpath, you can spend all day swimming in the bay and exploring a fragment of Wellington’s rugged south coast.

Do note the place is empty of establishments save for a public toilet, so pack your essentials.

On a good day, you can see also see the South Island from here. Coupled with a glorious sunset, Princess Beach is a marvel and one of the best beaches in Wellington, New Zealand.

7. Houghton Bay

Across from Princess Beach is Houghton Bay. Although this beach is hazardous for swimming, I’ve included it as one of the best beaches in Wellington due to the sheer adrenaline of watching surfers on massive waves crashing into shore.

It’s a sight to behold, and a contrast to the calm pool of Princess Beach just beyond.

On calmer days, bodyboarding is a popular activity at Houghton Bay. Otherwise, you can perch a picnic on the sand and enjoy the impressive landscape.

8. Red Rocks

For a remote experience not too from town, drive along the coastline to Red Rocks.

I frequently describe Red Rocks as “sunny Scotland”.  With its gargantuan hills and endless sands, this feels like the end of the road in Wellington. 

The coast flips between dark sands and rocky pools where seals nap and play. The tide froths around rock and crashes into shore, sending mist up into the air.

If you catch Red Rocks on a calm day, spend your time exploring the rockpools where thrives a marine ecosystem of algae, starfish, and other strange sea creatures.

Best beaches in the greater Wellington region

9. Wainuiomata Beach

In the greater Wellington region, Wainuiomata Beach is a hidden gem unknown to most. A scenic journey along Coast Road takes you there, a drive I seek when I need to get away from the bustle of the city. The road snakes through rolling green hills before opening up to the windswept beach and lighthouse.

Although it isn’t the best swimming beach, it’s marked by giant boulders for climbing and the sand stretches along the coast for an hours-long beach walk.

It is a serene place for a bit of reflection, hence one of the best beaches in Wellington, New Zealand.

10. Days Bay Beach / Rona Bay Beach

Not many tourists make the time for Eastbourne, and that’s precisely why you should. Take the ferry from Queens Wharf to Eastbourne for its picturesque suburbs, calm beaches and local eateries.

Days Bay Beach and Rona Bay Beach are lovely swimming beaches where families sunbathe and swim and push kayaks out to sea. 

If you make it out to Eastbourne, take the opportunity to explore the suburb and small businesses to get a feel of how the locals live.

Points of interest:

• Hive: a hub of activity with outdoor seating and all food made fresh and on site
• Tartines Cafe: a french cafe on the village corner with a beautiful outdoor space, and they offer cooking classes!

11. Paraparaumu Beach

Many Wellingtonians leave central Wellington on an overcast day to find sunshine along Kāpiti Coast. It also helps that the water temperature warms the further you go, which makes for excellent swimming.

Along Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach is lined with a trail for a scenic jog and borders the small town centre, convenient for when hunger strikes.

Paraparaumu Beach also faces Kāpiti Island. It offers views of an enthralling sunset as it dips behind Kāpiti Island, painting the sky in vibrant colours.

Points of interest:

• Two Fat Chefs: a sunny cafe with a sprawling breakfast menu and delightful coffee
• Soprano Ristorante: a romantic diner known for its stellar Italian cuisine
• 50-50 restaurant: a modern venue with a focus on local ingredients and local vibes, curated by a truly impressive chef

12. Waikanae Beach

A short skip up the coast sits calm Waikanae Beach, bordered by its own small community of beachcombers. This is a great spot to pull up in a camper and enjoy views of the ocean.

Kāpiti Island is also visible from here, and I’ve known a few locals who escape to Waikanae for a weekend getaway out of the city. The water invites you in at warmer temperatures and shallow sands, and the area makes for incredible sunsets.

13. Lake Ferry Beach

Another hidden gem, Lake Ferry Beach is an off-the-beaten track experience near Cape Palliser. Although it’s too dangerous to swim here, it’s a dip into New Zealand’s untouched wild.

Lake Ferry itself is a sleepy coastal settlement on the shores of Lake Ōnoke. If you’re keen on a bite, enjoy fresh seafood at the Lake Ferry Hotel with outdoor seating overlooking the beach and lake.

Make sure to make your way around the coast to find more abandoned beaches and key activities in the Cape Palliser region as below.

Points of interest:

• Cape Palliser Lighthouse: if you made it all the way out here, you can’t miss the lighthouse. The views from the top of the steps makes it worth the climb.
• Putangirua Pinnacles: a playground of ancient gravel spires, the backdrop to Dimholt Road where Aragorn recruits his army of dead in the LoTR franchise
• Uncle Waynes Geyser: a blowhole where seals play and water tumbles over rock formations