Wellington Beaches Near Me – Your Ultimate Guide

Looking for the best beaches in Wellington? Whether you’re planning a family day out, walking the dog, catching waves, or just enjoying the scenic coast, Wellington has a beach for you. From popular city spots to hidden gems along the coastline, we’ve grouped the top beaches by area. You’ll find insider tips, Google ratings, parking info, and advice for wind and sun exposure - everything you need to plan your perfect beach visit.

Wellington CBD & Oriental Bay Area

Oriental Bay Beach: Family-Friendly Swimming Spot

Address: 166 Oriental Parade, Wellington 6011
Rating: 4.7 (445 reviews)
Highlights: Urban beach, lifeguards in summer, picturesque views.
Practical Info: Metered street parking; sheltered from northerlies; swimming and sunbathing ideal; dogs allowed early mornings and evenings.
Insider Tip: Morning visits are quieter - grab a coffee and enjoy the sunrise.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oriental+Bay/@-41.2865985,174.7774743,17z

Freyberg Beach: Calm Waters & Scenic Promenade

Address: Oriental Parade, Wellington 6011
Rating: 4.6 (46 reviews)
Highlights: Small, clean beach, calm water for swimming.
Practical Info: Paid parking nearby; slightly exposed to southerlies; family-friendly.
Insider Tip: Combine a swim with a walk along the promenade to Oriental Bay Lookout.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Freyberg+Beach/@-41.288716,174.779695,17z

Freyberg Beach Play Area

Address: 162 Oriental Parade, Wellington 6011
Rating: 4.5 (359 reviews)
Highlights: Adjacent to beach, playground, clean toilets.
Practical Info: Paid parking; partially sheltered; ideal for families.
Insider Tip: Great for a picnic while kids play safely.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Freyberg+Beach/@-41.288716,174.779695,17z

Evans Bay Beach

Address: Evans Bay Parade, Wellington 6011
Rating: 4.5 (15 reviews)
Highlights: Pedestrian and cycle paths along the beach.
Practical Info: Street parking; slightly exposed to wind; suitable for dog walks.
Insider Tip: Perfect for a short stroll and birdwatching.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Evans+Bay+Beach/@-41.291680,174.797820,17z

Weka Bay Beach

Address: Evans Bay Parade, Wellington 6011
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Highlights: Small dog-friendly spot.
Practical Info: Street parking; quiet; good for dogs off-leash.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Weka+Bay/@-41.292700,174.796800,17z

Miramar & Seatoun Coast

Scorching Bay Beach

Address: Scorching Bay, Miramar, Wellington 6022
Rating: 4.7 (120 reviews)
Highlights: White sand, showers, toilets.
Practical Info: Free street parking; sheltered from northerlies, exposed to southerlies; calm water for families.
Insider Tip: Walk to Shelly Bay for a quieter experience.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Scorching+Bay/@-41.320800,174.825100,17z

Scorching Bay

Address: Scorching Bay, Wellington 6022
Rating: 4.4 (18 reviews)
Highlights: Clean beach, soft sand.
Practical Info: Limited parking; partially sheltered.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Scorching+Bay/@-41.320800,174.825100,17z

Breaker Bay

Address: Breaker Bay, Wellington 6022
Rating: 4.7 (67 reviews)
Highlights: Walking, relaxing, evening fires.
Practical Info: Limited parking; exposed to wind; swimming not ideal on windy days.
Insider Tip: Arrive early for sunset views.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Breaker+Bay/@-41.338800,174.854100,17z

Hataitai Beach

Address: Hataitai, Wellington 6021
Rating: 4.5 (17 reviews)
Highlights: Small, peaceful, great for swimming.
Practical Info: Street parking; quiet; exposed to wind.
Insider Tip: Less crowded than Oriental Bay.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hataitai+Beach/@-41.301500,174.793900,17z

Seatoun Beach

Address: 31/41 Great Harbour Way / Te Aranui o Pōneke, Wellington 6022
Rating: 4.6 (5 reviews)
Highlights: Long, skinny, stony but manageable.
Practical Info: Limited parking; partially sheltered.
Insider Tip: Great for photography at sunset.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Seatoun+Beach/@-41.323800,174.833200,17z

Houghton Bay Beach

Address: 61 The Esplanade, Wellington 6022
Rating: 4.6 (45 reviews)
Highlights: Dog-friendly; small parking.
Practical Info: Exposed; bring a jacket on windy days.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Houghton+Bay/@-41.327700,174.815500,17z

Theophilus Beach

Address: 232 Shelly Bay Rd, Wellington 6022
Rating: 4.2 (5 reviews)
Highlights: Quiet, natural beach.
Practical Info: Street parking; slightly exposed; small crowds.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Theophilus+Beach/@-41.323300,174.830800,17z

Lyall Bay & South Coast

Lyall Bay Surf Beach – Surfing & Kiteboarding Hub

Address: 28 Lyall Parade, Wellington 6022
Rating: 4.5 (177 reviews)
Highlights: Surfing, cafes, eastern half dog-friendly.
Practical Info: Street parking; exposed to southerlies; surf lessons available.
Insider Tip: Early morning surf sessions are less crowded.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lyall+Bay+Surf+Beach/@-41.326800,174.814900,17z

Shelly Bay – Hidden Gem for Walkers

Address: Shelly Bay Road, Miramar 6022
Rating: 4.8 (55 reviews) · $$
Highlights: Scenic walking track, quiet swimming spots, and sheltered from strong winds.
Insider Tip: Great for photos at sunrise or sunset.
Google Maps Link
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Shelly+Bay/

Porirua & Titahi Bay

Titahi Bay Beach – Surf & Sand

Address: Porirua 5022
Rating: 4.6 (475 reviews)
Highlights: Surfing, lifeguard on duty, sandy beach.
Practical Info: Street parking; partially sheltered; good for families.
Insider Tip: Try a surf lesson in the morning.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Titahi+Bay/@-41.080000,174.873000,17z

Plimmerton Beach - Calm & Scenic

Address: Plimmerton, Porirua 5024
Rating: 4.7 (166 reviews)
Highlights: Warm, shallow water; family-friendly.
Practical Info: Street parking; partially sheltered.
Insider Tip: Walk along the promenade for clear South Island views.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Plimmerton+Beach/@-41.070800,174.836500,17z

Brendan Beach

Address: Porirua 5023
Rating: 4.6 (8 reviews)
Highlights: Dog-friendly.
Practical Info: Limited parking; quiet.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brendan+Beach/@-41.087000,174.847000,17z

Lower Hutt & East Harbour

Days Bay Beach – Family Picnic & Swim

Address: Lower Hutt, Wellington 5012
Rating: 4.8 (26 reviews)
Highlights: Toilets, changing rooms, parking.
Practical Info: Sheltered; family-friendly; safe swimming.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Days+Bay+Beach/@-41.195200,174.935500,17z

Rona Bay Beach

Address: Lower Hutt, Wellington 5012
Rating: 4.5 (152 reviews)
Highlights: Less crowded than Days Bay.
Practical Info: Street parking; partially sheltered; calm water.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rona+Bay+Beach/@-41.195900,174.936800,17z

Wainuiomata Beach

Address: Great Harbour Way / Te Aranui o Pōneke, Lower Hutt
Rating: 4.5 (33 reviews)
Highlights: Calm beach; fishing nearby.
Practical Info: Limited parking; exposed to wind; family-friendly.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Wainuiomata+Beach/@-41.254000,174.960000,17z

Petone Beach – Coastal Walks & Dog-Friendly

Address: Petone, Lower Hutt 5012
Rating: 4.5 (78 reviews)
Highlights: Clean and well-kept.
Practical Info: Street parking; partly sheltered; walking path.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Petone+Beach/@-41.214000,174.870500,17z

Evans Bay & Worser Bay

Address: Evans Bay Parade, Wellington 6011
Rating: 4.6–4.7
Highlights: Small bays; dog-friendly.
Practical Info: Street parking; exposed to southerlies.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worser+Bay/@-41.306000,174.803000,17z

Kapiti Coast & Beyond

Paraparaumu Beach – Dog-Friendly & Surfing

Address: Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast 5032
Rating: 4.9 (35 reviews)
Highlights: Beautiful sand, ample parking.
Practical Info: Free parking; partially sheltered; great for families.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Paraparaumu+Beach/@-40.889200,174.965300,17z

Peka Peka Beach

Address: Peka Peka, Kapiti Coast 5032
Rating: 4.8 (40 reviews)
Highlights: Clean, soft sand.
Practical Info: Free parking; quiet; exposed to wind.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Peka+Peka+Beach/@-40.873000,174.977000,17z

Waikanae Beach – Scenic Coastal Escape

Address: Waikanae, Kapiti Coast 5036
Rating: 4.7 (42 reviews)
Highlights: Shallow at low tide.
Practical Info: Free parking; family-friendly.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Waikanae+Beach/@-40.890400,175.004000,17z

Otaki Beach

Address: Otaki, Kapiti Coast 5512
Rating: 4.7 (69 reviews)
Highlights: Surfing, lifeguard in summer.
Practical Info: Street parking; exposed; swimming best in summer.
🔗 View on Google Maps

Raumati Beach

Address: Raumati, Kapiti Coast 5032
Rating: 4.6 (21 reviews)
Highlights: Cheeky little beach perfect for walking, swimming, surfing, or fishing.
Practical Info: Free parking; partially sheltered; calm family-friendly zones.
Insider Tip: Great for a morning walk with sunrise over Kapiti Island.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Raumati+Beach/@-40.881500,175.027000,17z

Whareroa Beach

Address: Paekakariki to Raumati South, Kapiti Coast 5032
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Highlights: Classic sandy stretch, fewer crowds.
Practical Info: Limited parking; exposed to wind; ideal for long walks.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Whareroa+Beach/@-40.873000,175.015000,17z

Te Horo Beach

Address: Te Horo, Kapiti Coast 5581
Rating: 4.3 (23 reviews)
Highlights: Unique pink rock formation at left end of beach.
Practical Info: Parking on roadside; exposed to wind; great for photos.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Te+Horo+Beach/@-40.889900,175.049500,17z

Riversdale Beach

Address: Riversdale, Wairarapa 5881
Rating: 4.7 (28 reviews)
Highlights: Clear waters; slightly chilly.
Practical Info: Free parking; partially sheltered; peaceful spot for swimming and sunbathing.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Riversdale+Beach/@-41.180400,175.016300,17z

Red Rocks & Surrounding Nature Spots

Pariwhhero / Red Rocks - Coastal Walk & Wildlife

Address: Wellington 6022
Rating: 4.7 (417 reviews)
Highlights: Flat coastal walk with stunning mountain, rock, and ocean views.
Practical Info: Free parking at start; exposed to wind; dogs on leash.
Insider Tip: Stop for coffee at the car park kiosk before walking to see the seals.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Red+Rocks/@-41.376100,174.844900,17z

Red Rocks – Seals

Address: Wellington 6022
Rating: 4.7 (217 reviews)
Highlights: Nature preserve; seals can be spotted close to shore.
Practical Info: Free parking; partially exposed; bring binoculars for best viewing.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Red+Rocks+Seal+Colony/@-41.378300,174.843600,17z

Makara & West Coast

Makara Beach - Windswept Views

Address: 1088 Makara Rd, Wellington 6022
Rating: 4.6 (132 reviews)
Highlights: Off-leash dog walks; calm swimming.
Practical Info: Street parking; partly sheltered from northerlies; scenic walking track along the coast.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Makara+Beach/@-41.330600,174.740900,17z

Lake Ferry Beach

Address: Lake Ferry, Wairarapa 5881
Rating: 4.6 (38 reviews)
Highlights: Long beachfront, slightly rocky.
Practical Info: Gravel road access; free parking; sheltered coves for family picnics.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lake+Ferry+Beach/@-41.555700,175.015500,17z

Ocean Beach

Address: Wellington 6022
Rating: 4.7 (32 reviews)
Highlights: Fishing and dog walking.
Practical Info: Free roadside parking; exposed; bring windbreaker.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ocean+Beach,+Wellington/@-41.298800,174.689500,17z

Quick Picks by Activity

• Dog-Friendly Beaches: Lyall Bay, Petone Beach, Paraparaumu Beach

• Family Swimming: Oriental Bay, Days Bay, Plimmerton Beach

• Surfing & Kiteboarding: Lyall Bay, Titahi Bay, Paraparaumu Beach

• Scenic Coastal Walks: Red Rocks, Makara Beach, Shelly Bay

Plan Your Wellington Beach Day

No matter your preference - swimming, surfing, coastal walks, or dog-friendly adventures - Wellington has a beach near you. Pack your sunblock, surfboard, dog treats, or picnic, and explore your favourite spots.

📍 Tip: Check Google Maps links for parking, tides, and local restrictions before you go.

For more hidden gems, follow us on Instagram @WellyBuzz and share your beach adventures with the community!