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Swimming & Beaches
With 5 indoor and 2 outdoor summer pools dotted in suburbs all over the city, Wellingtonian's won't want for choice when it comes to their swimming destination. These pools offer a variety of activities such as lane Swimming, aqua aerobics and learn to swim programmes. Other more specialised aquatic programmes are also available, where you can learn skills from springboard diving to kayaking.
For all lane swimming and aqua jogging timetables check out our Swimming Timetable
If you're thinking a more natural environment, Wellington is a haven for spectacular beaches and gorgeous bays. With such diversity on offer there is always the perfect spot to be found, to suit your activity - whether it be swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving, walking, or surfing. These are all easily accessible, have good facilities and are often surrounded by restaurants and cafes.
Here are a few of our favourite beaches ....
Breaker Bay
Breaker Bay is located in eastern Wellington and is the perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming. The clear waters make it ideal for scuba diving and exploring the marine life.
Haitaitai Beach
Haitaitai Beach can be found on Wellington's eastern outskirts and is a popular secluded beach for fishing, swimming and yachting. It includes changing facilities, spectacular views, and a diverse array of walking trails around the bay.
Houghton Bay
Situated between Island and Lyall Bays, Houghton Bay is known for its strong waves and ideal surfing conditions. Along with its stunningly rugged outlook and lovely coastal walks, Houghton Bay is one of Wellington's most popular beaches.
Island Bay
Island Bay can be found in southern Wellington and is surrounded by interesting small bays, just waiting to be explored. It offers clear, calm waters suitable for scuba diving, snorkelling and sailing.
Karaka Bay
Situated on the eastern side of Wellington, Karaka Bay is close to Wellington city centre and features a pleasant, sandy beach. Karaka Bay provides a popular spot for sunbathing, picnic, exploring, walking, relaxing and general beach fun.
Lyall Bay
Lyall Bay beach is a popular location for many recreational activities such as surfing, windsurfing, boogie boarding, and of course, swimming. There's a children's play area on the waterfront and dogs area allowed to run free in a large zoned area at the eastern end of the beach. Snorkelling to the west side of the beach also provides some interesting reefs.
Oriental Bay
Wellington's favourite beach and waterfront walk. Oriental Bay is Wellington's premier beach and the place to go for a relaxing day out close to the city centre. Popular with runners, walkers, cyclists and rollerbladers, it's also a great place to take the kids for sand castle building on the beautiful golden sand, and a prime spot to sunbathe or swim.
Princess Bay
Wellington's Princess Bay features a glorious stretch of fine, golden white sand and calm water suitable for sunbathing, snorkelling and swimming, with nearby changing facilities. Situated in southern Wellington, Princess Bay is one of the city's most popular beaches and there are always plenty of things to see and do in the area.
Scorching Bay
With its sandy beaches, large grassy area and safe swimming conditions Scorching Bay is an ideal picnic and BBQ spot. It's the perfect place to hang out on a sunny Wellington day. Chill out with a coffee and some seriously stunning scenery.
Tarakena Bay
Wellington's Tarakena Bay is best known for its distant views of New Zealand's South Island and is located in eastern Wellington. Tarakena Bay is also one of the closest beaches to Wellington Airport and is a popular spot for walking and relaxing away from busy city life.
Worser Bay
Worser Bay is home to a number of beach attractions, including sandy beach areas, calm water suitable for swimming and snorkelling, and a playground area for children and nearby refreshment kiosks.
We recommend you look on the Water Safety NZ website for tips on how to keep you and your family safe in the water. http://www.watersafety.org.nz/
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