Location: Wellington
Top Things to do in Wellington
Countries
The 10 Best Beaches in Wellington, North Island
Wellington boasts a compact downtown area that’s easy to explore on foot and a wealth of architectural styles, from 19th-century wooden cottages to Art Deco masterpieces. Discover the city’s Maori roots at the Museum of Wellington City & Sea and the Museum of New Zealand. Sip coffee and people-watch in lively Courtney Place, or survey the city from scenic Mount Victoria. When the sun goes down on Windy Wellington, take a nocturnal tour of Karori Wildlife Sanctuary to meet some colorful inhabitants.
Restaurants in Wellington
1. Breaker Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By CarolDM1900 - Montpelier, United States
Back in Winter World, where I come from, people are dreaming today of a beach like this. It has just about everything you'd want for a summer idyll, except a life guard, soft white sand, and calm water that laps, rather than crashes, onto the beach. Things are a little gritty underfoot, and winds can whip the waves into something impressive for surfers but daunting for swimmers. But then there are the stunning views across the harbor entrance to Pencarrow Lighthouse high on the cliffs, and the rolling thunder of waves coming in from Cook Strait to break over rocks that have sunk more than a few ships. The beach is a 600 m (1970 ft) wide turquoise crescent, with a photogenic rock "portico" that you can walk through (take a picture!) and a pathway that you can walk up to see historic Point Dorset, with more magnificent views of the place where harbor meets strait, and historic sites reflecting its value as a lookout post for invaders, from Maori times to World Wars I and II. There are remnants of 4- and 6- inch batteries and other military installations, with interpretive signs as part of Wellington's award-winning Oruaiti Reserve. The view of Breaker Bay from there is marvelous. Away from the main sweep of the beach, you can find private nooks nearer the line of pinnacle rocks jutting from the headland. You can feel totally free: clothing is optional on Breaker Bay. You will need to bring food and drink with you, as there are no beachside concessions. Swim, surf, sunbathe, look for abalone shells (here called paua) or their rainbow remnants on the beach, admire the sweeping views from beach or historic headland, or just flop for a day of total relaxation: it's all here for you. HOW TO GET HERE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: It's not quick or easy, but it is doable to get to Breaker Bay from Wellington's CBD - Central Business District - using Metlink Bus #11 in direction of Seatoun. Buses run frequently, every 15-20 minutes Monday-Friday, and every 30 minutes on weekends. From the starting point at Wellington station, it will take about 40 minutes and cost about NZ$ 5. Get off at the last stop (Hector St.) or the next-to-last (Monro St.). From there, you'll need to turn away from the water and walk two blocks to Ingliss St.(there turn left), which becomes Breaker Bay Road as it ascends the Pass of Branda. As you near the high point, you'll see a sign to your left for Fort Dorset/Oruaiti Reserve, and ahead you will soon have a view of the beach below. The beach is not miles away from the bus stop, but it isn't close either. I usually take my time and walk along the beach instead of the road. The beach route is longer, and much trickier, especially at high tide, when you have to use the signed tsunami escape pathway to get around the headland. The walk via Ingliss/Breaker Bay is shorter, but the pass is steep. Maybe it will take you 20-30 minutes. If you're carrying stuff, let's say a bit more. [NOTE: On the right side of the Pass of Branda, you'll see a sign for the Eastern Walkway, a high trail that that runs along the Miramar coastline toward Tarekena Bay, descending to the shore near Wahini Memorial Park. Good walk.] If you choose to visit Dorset/Oruaiti first for the high views and the military/cultural installations, you can then descend from the headland via a dirt path. If you wish to go directly to the beach, just continue over and down the pass on Breaker Bay Rd. This is one of the best beach experiences in Wellington, although my personal favorite remains Scorching Bay, further up the magnificent Miramar coast. For real fun, you can rent an electric bike in Wellington and use it to ride around the entire Miramar Peninsula. The way you'll get to see all the beaches. WOW.
2. Brendan Beach
3. Lyall Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By mandysugny
Elements is one of our local cafes, super friendly staff and you can always get a table! Fresh honest food with something to suit everyone.
4. Makara Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Visiting Makara Beach was an awesome experience. This pebble beach is within a short driving distance from the city of Wellington. Getting to see wildlife was a bonus in addition to the amazing scenery.
5. Oriental Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 947 reviews
Reviewed By andrewcR7911RV - Wellington, New Zealand
This is one of my favourtie places in Wellington alongside Mt Victoria lookout and the Brooklyn Wind Turbine. Grab some fish and chips from the Chippery and enjoy a picnic on the beach, or on the boatshed roofs if you want be like the cool kids :D
6. Princess Bay
7. Scorching Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By CaroleB2352 - Levin, New Zealand
Sat on the beach and watched the big and little boats sail past. It has quite a few carparks, and a lovely cafe, which gets very busy. Also a lovely drive getting to Scorching Bay. The bay features in a novel called, The Return by Carole brungar. Was great to see it!
8. Titahi Bay
9. Days Bay
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By DickieRing - Wellington, New Zealand
Visited a beautiful bay in Wellington which has been renamed Dave's Bay since an apparently homeless man (called Dave) ran his yacht ashore a couple of weeks ago on purpose. The bay is lovely for swimming and boating. New Zealand is awesome as even homeless people have yachts here. It's a boatie paradise.
