Your Ultimate Guide to Wellington’s Best Beaches
Wellington’s coastline is a treasure trove of diverse Wellington beach experiences. With over 500 km of rugged shorelines and bays, there really is a beach that suits every type of person.
Dip into the city’s own golden-sand harbour beach after work, surf the most scenic spots, or relax in family-friendly bays.
If you’re craving a refreshing swim, trying your hand at surfing, or simply sipping a coffee by the sand, Wellington’s waterfront is hard to beat. Grab your towel and sunscreen – and let’s explore the ultimate Wellington beach adventure.
Best Beaches in Wellington
The Wellington region offers many standout beaches, each with its own character. In the heart of the city is Oriental Bay, a safe, calm urban beach with restaurants and parks along its promenade. Just a short drive away on the Miramar Peninsula is Scorching Bay, known for its soft sand, grassy picnic areas and seaside café. Surf lovers head to Lyall Bay on Wellington’s south coast – it’s the city’s most famous surf break.
Other great spots include Island Bay (with rock pools and a marine reserve), Days Bay (a quick ferry trip from the city), Seatoun Beach, and even the wild Red Rocks Beach to the south.
Each is worth a visit if you have the time. Ready to start? Let’s dive in.
Oriental Bay: The Heart of Wellington’s Beach Scene
Oriental Bay is often called the “Riviera of the South” and for good reason. This sheltered bay is right on Wellington’s doorstep – just a short bus ride from the city centre and a beautiful foreshore stroll from James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington.
The beach here (technically Freyberg Beach) is a long, golden strip of sand right on Oriental Parade. Every few years, sand is even imported from Golden Bay to keep the beach soft and level. In summer, the bay is the place to be: locals and visitors flock here to swim and sunbathe in the calm, warm water on the long days.
Even when the sun isn’t blazing, Oriental Bay is one of the most popular spots in Wellington. The gentle slope and almost no waves make it perfect for families and water lovers.
The view is spectacular – you can see the city skyline framed by Mount Victoria. You’ll often see people jogging along the promenade under rows of Norfolk pines, or kids splashing from the old Freyberg swim pier. The Carter Fountain (a floating fountain in the middle of the bay) lights up at night and is a fun landmark to spot.
What Makes Oriental Bay So Popular?
A few key things make Oriental Bay special. First, it is right next to the city. That means it’s easy to pop down here after work or during a lunch break – you can even walk from Courtenay Place to the beach in five minutes.
Plus, there are cafes and shops all along Oriental Parade. You can grab a gelato or coffee (the Boat Cafe is a local favourite) and head to the sand. In winter, dogs are welcome off-leash here, so it’s a great place for a stroll with your pup.
For parents with kids or anyone wanting a relaxing paddle, the water in Oriental Bay is perfect. Shallow and very sheltered, it’s almost always warm and calm. The beach also has plenty of amenities – bathrooms, showers, and even a playground and volleyball nets.
Any day of the year, Oriental Bay’s mix of city convenience, smooth sand, gentle water, and vibrant atmosphere keeps it packed with people.
Scorching Bay: Relaxation Meets Café Culture
Just over on Miramar Peninsula, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Wellington, is Scorching Bay. This pretty bay is famous for its soft white sand (unique in the region) and its relaxed, family-friendly vibe. It’s set back from the hustle of the city, giving the feeling that you’ve escaped to a hidden cove – yet it’s easy to reach by car or bus.
Morning or early afternoon sun bathes on the beach, while gentle seabreeze flows off Cook Strait. Scorching Bay has a large grassy area right next to the sand, perfect for picnics or playing cricket. Unlike some exposed west-coast shores, Scorching Bay is sheltered by hills on either side, so the water is usually calm and safe for swimming.
On the beachfront is Scorch-O-Rama Café, a quirky eatery with big windows overlooking the bay. It’s practically a local legend – people know it as the place to grab a smoothie or burger after playing on the beach.
Scorching Bay’s White Sands and Chill Vibes
At Scorching Bay, the sand is famously soft and golden – an unusual sight in Wellington, where most beaches are pebbly or rocky.
It’s a great spot to lounge on a towel, build sandcastles, or explore the rock pools at low tide. The atmosphere is incredibly laid-back. You’ll often find friends playing frisbee, families picnicking, or artists sketching the view of the Marlborough Sounds on the horizon.
The bay is also very popular with families, partly because it stays warm and the surf is gentle. It’s not a high-wave beach, so swimmers and waders feel comfortable.
Lyall Bay: Surfing, Brunch Spots & Weekend Fun
Lyall Bay is another of Wellington’s iconic coastal spots, lying on the south coast just 6 km from the city centre. It’s best known as Wellington’s most popular surf beach.
Unlike Scorching Bay and Oriental Bay, the long, sandy bay consistently picks up good swell from the South Pacific, giving medium-sized waves perfect for all levels – from beginners to seasoned surfers. It’s not unusual to see dozens of surfers in the water on a nice day, or to watch planes landing at the nearby airport just beyond the waves.
Lyall Bay’s surf charm goes beyond the waves. On land, the neighbourhood has a classic surfer vibe with several cafés and pubs lining the main road. Right on the beachfront is Maranui Surf Life Saving Club, which houses the famous Maranui Café – a great spot for breakfast or brunch by the sea. Down the road is Queen Sally’s Deli and Spruce Goose wine bar, among others. The vibe is young and friendly; surfers, locals, and tourists mingle over hearty fare.
Surfing at Lyall Bay: Tips for Beginners & Pros
With its long shore break, Lyall Bay is one of the few places close to Wellington where you can catch waves.
For beginners, there are surf schools (like Wellington Surf Lessons) offering boards and coaching right at the beach. These lessons are tailored for novices, so you can safely learn to paddle out and stand up.
If you’re experienced, the middle and western sections of the bay usually have consistent waves. One nice tip: the part of Lyall Bay nearest the airport (to the west) is an off-leash dog zone, so if you bring your pup, he can play on the sand while you surf.
If the surf is up, grab a board or just watch the action from the sea wall. When you’re ready for a break, head to one of the cafés or breweries nearby.
The combination of waves, weekend brunch, and chill coastal culture makes Lyall Bay a memorable Wellington beach experience.
Where Can You Take Your Dog for a Beach Day?
Wellingtonians love their dogs, and there are plenty of beaches where your furry friend can join in the fun.
Lyall Bay is a standout – as mentioned, the western end of the beach is an off-leash dog exercise area. You’ll see dogs of all sizes zooming around on the sand or paddling in the shallows (in summer, please keep them behind the flags).
Another nearby spot is Island Bay: the eastern section of Island Bay Beach is dog-friendly, making it great for long walks by the surf.
Just a bit further south, Houghton Bay allows dogs off-leash along its entire curved shoreline. Here, your pup can run free over the sand and rocks – though watch out, the water at Houghton Bay gets rough, so swimming together isn’t recommended.
For something different, consider Days Bay (a short ferry ride away) or beaches on the West Coast (like Makara Beach), which often have designated off-leash areas too.
Which Wellington Beaches Should You Visit First?
If you have to pick just a few on your first trip, here’s a quick guide. For a quintessential Wellington experience, start at Oriental Bay. It’s the most famous city beach, and it's only minutes from the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington. You’ll get a feel for the city’s coastal vibe here, plus great views of the city.
Next, head to Lyall Bay for surfing or brunch cafés. It’s just a short drive south and gives a taste of Wellington’s laid-back surf culture.
And if you have time for a scenic getaway, head out to Scorching Bay on the Miramar Peninsula. It’s one of the city’s best family beaches – spacious, sunny, with sand, grass, and a popular café.
Ultimately, it depends on your mood. Families love Scorching Bay for its gentle water, surfers love Lyall Bay for its waves, and city lovers adore Oriental Bay’s convenience. You really can’t go wrong – each of these top lists of Wellington’s best beaches offers something special. Just pick a sun-drenched day and go for it.
Wash Off at Hotel James Cook Grand Chancellor Wellington
After a sun-soaked day by the water, you’ll want a comfortable place to wash off the sand and relax. At the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington, that’s exactly what you get. Our spacious rooms all have modern private bathrooms with showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers, so you can easily rinse off and refresh.
Once you’re clean and comfy, grab a bite without going far – try Whitby's Restaurant (on site) or enjoy 24-hour room service. Our hotel also has cozy bars and a lobby café so that you can unwind with a coffee or cocktail.
Ready to plan your beach getaway? Book now at James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington and make the most of our prime location and amenities. We can’t wait to welcome you.