Makara Beach
Makara Beach
4.5
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4.5
62 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
24
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Oscar Preuss
Wellington, New Zealand25 contributions
Aug 2020
Just 30 minutes away from Wellington city, Makara Beach is a stunning piece of wilderness, preserved among the endless fields of farmland.
Unfortunately, it was extremely windy, and I had to wear 3 layers, while powering through the sea spray. Luckily, it cleared up after about 10 minutes.
Along the beach, there was quite a lot of birdlife, including Oystercatchers, Gannets, Herons, Gulls and Cormorants. However, if you're exclusively looking for wildlife, I would recommend going to different places in the region, such as Kapiti, Zealandia or Red Rocks.
If you have an hour or two, I would definitely recommend going along the Makara Walkway. It takes you along the coast for a little bit, before climbing up the hills to give incredible views over the surrounding landscapes. You get great views of the windmills and cliffs, though I wouldn't recommend it if you have a fear of heights.
Overall, I would 100% say you should come here if you're in the area, but bring some water and check the weather.
Unfortunately, it was extremely windy, and I had to wear 3 layers, while powering through the sea spray. Luckily, it cleared up after about 10 minutes.
Along the beach, there was quite a lot of birdlife, including Oystercatchers, Gannets, Herons, Gulls and Cormorants. However, if you're exclusively looking for wildlife, I would recommend going to different places in the region, such as Kapiti, Zealandia or Red Rocks.
If you have an hour or two, I would definitely recommend going along the Makara Walkway. It takes you along the coast for a little bit, before climbing up the hills to give incredible views over the surrounding landscapes. You get great views of the windmills and cliffs, though I wouldn't recommend it if you have a fear of heights.
Overall, I would 100% say you should come here if you're in the area, but bring some water and check the weather.
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sachin K
New York City, NY6,557 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
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.
Written 29 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew B
London128 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
A trip to Makara Beach and the loop walkway is an essential part of any visit to Wellington.
Located approximately 30 mins drive from the CBD it is easily accessed and offers absolutely stunning views of the western wilderness.
There are a variety of walks available. The best and most stunning is the full circuit from Makara Beach to the wind turbines, through the forest and down to Opua bay, returning to Makara Beach via the coast. The complete loop takes up to 4 hours depending on your pace and provides you with incredible views towards the Kapiti Coast and South Island. The climb is reasonably steep, but the reward of the view easily balances this effort.
As an alternative, you can drive to the Wind Farm carpark and complete shorter loops from there that enable you to see the breathtaking views in a shorter period.
There is a cafe at Makara Beach too, but it is not normally open on public holidays.
Very highly recommended to all!
Located approximately 30 mins drive from the CBD it is easily accessed and offers absolutely stunning views of the western wilderness.
There are a variety of walks available. The best and most stunning is the full circuit from Makara Beach to the wind turbines, through the forest and down to Opua bay, returning to Makara Beach via the coast. The complete loop takes up to 4 hours depending on your pace and provides you with incredible views towards the Kapiti Coast and South Island. The climb is reasonably steep, but the reward of the view easily balances this effort.
As an alternative, you can drive to the Wind Farm carpark and complete shorter loops from there that enable you to see the breathtaking views in a shorter period.
There is a cafe at Makara Beach too, but it is not normally open on public holidays.
Very highly recommended to all!
Written 8 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony G
Wellington, New Zealand1,467 contributions
Decided to explore as much of Wellington as possible on our last trip so headed out to Makara. There's not much going in here and the only cafe was closed. I'm sure smell people would appreciate the isolated driftwood beach but to be honest I wish I'd saved the petrol.
Written 22 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mckeeWTN
Wellington, New Zealand139 contributions
June 2014 • Couples
we went on a winters day and it was beautiful.
We took flask and sandwiches as we'd planned a walk but met some people and talked for an hr at the back of the beach and shared our tea.
They had come from Karori and us from near the airport.
definitely worth a visit. stark and windswept views with lovely hill walks behind. Mike
We took flask and sandwiches as we'd planned a walk but met some people and talked for an hr at the back of the beach and shared our tea.
They had come from Karori and us from near the airport.
definitely worth a visit. stark and windswept views with lovely hill walks behind. Mike
Written 15 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darshika P
64 contributions
May 2018 • Family
Makara beach is very cool and secluded almost, with cool walking tracks that merge with farmland. I love the days we spend out there.
Written 1 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzan H
Wellington, New Zealand158 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
Give me a white sandy beach any day but there is something about Makara which makes it one of my favourite beaches. It is stony and at times wind swept, but when a southerly hits ironically it can become very calm. Over the summer is has been gorgeous and the swimming has been great. We often take our small boat out through the river mouth and head a mile or so down the coast. The fishing is always easy. Perhaps it's the many hours spent here with my boys that make this place special. A great place for children to throw stones and explore rock pools.
Written 18 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jillian C
Wellington, New Zealand26 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
This is getting away from it all. Lovely for children to scramble round the rocks, good for snorkelling and diving, not for swimming.
Written 26 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alipa50
Wellington, New Zealand1,630 contributions
Mar 2014 • Friends
On one of Wellingtons calmest days ever we took our Japanese guest on a walk to the top. He struggled at times on the steep track but the views took his breath away more than the climb. Go prepared with good walking shoes and take a water bottle and don't forget your camera. This has been the highlight of our guests 3 week stay and it's free.
Written 23 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Queenslanders_11
Beerwah, Australia57 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
It's wild and untamed. If you like your beaches pristine with sand and lifesavers stay away! This place has atmosphere and and a slightly menacing aura, especially in a northerly. My favourite beach of all time.
Written 30 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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