Makara Beach
Makara Beach
4.5
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4.5
63 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
24
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Naina-Damani
London, UK1,032 contributions
Mar. 2020
We were driven in a huge group around Makara Beach with AATKings from Wellington which was a pleasant experience for taking good photos.
Written 14 February 2021
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.
Oscar Preuss
Wellington, New Zealand23 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, NY5,857 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
London133 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.
Darshika P
59 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.
Mrs_Wgtn_Dickson
Wellington, New Zealand243 contributions
Jan. 2019 • Family
Stunning views on a great day. A lovely walk along the pebble beach and walked up part of the track. A great spot for a lunch time picnic.
Written 2 January 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.
Mary L
40 contributions
Mar. 2018 • Friends
Makara Beach is fairly steep with quite a lot of beached seaweed and pebbles to get over before you get to the sand, so its not that great for family swimming. It also totally cops the northerly there. BUT...it is great for a walk, sausages on the beach or a snorkel in the shelter of the rocks. Perfect in a light southerly breeze, the sea can be turquoise, and a walk up to the first lookout point a short way up (steep but worth it) gives you unforgettable views of the South Island and Cook Strait, as well as north to Mana and Kapiti Islands. It is particularly good for a sunset. Dogs are permitted on a lead except for the lambing season. The small settlement looks very weatherbeaten but the cafe is a rough diamond, particularly if you have battled inclement weather!
Written 15 December 2018
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.
Nathalie R
Wellington, New Zealand108 contributions
Feb. 2018 • Family
I like this outing. You are still in a city but so far from the noise. It is a beautiful break not too far.
Written 29 August 2018
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.
Undefined Impressions
Wellington, New Zealand55 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
Makara Beach is my go to when I want to be by the sea. It has a range of coastal walks to go on and is great for the dogs to swim. On cold days it is cold ( obviously) but if you wear warm clothes then you’re all set.
The drive to the beach involves a lot of bends, so if you get car sick or are going with a dog or someone who does then it may be best to postpone it or take it slow and steady round the bends ( while letter other people pass)
Makara Beach is the perfect day trip for single people or groups! It never fails to amaze
The drive to the beach involves a lot of bends, so if you get car sick or are going with a dog or someone who does then it may be best to postpone it or take it slow and steady round the bends ( while letter other people pass)
Makara Beach is the perfect day trip for single people or groups! It never fails to amaze
Written 6 May 2018
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.
Warren J
Auckland, New Zealand484 contributions
Dec. 2017 • Couples
Was a rather cold, wet and windy day in Wellington but only having 3 days in the capital you make the most of it.
Road to get to the beach is narrower then I like which makes for an interesting drive.
Once we got there it was all worthwhile, the beach made completely of pebbles is truly awesome.
On account of the weather we only did a bit of the walk along the beach, did get to see the windmills, awesome sight!!!
Road to get to the beach is narrower then I like which makes for an interesting drive.
Once we got there it was all worthwhile, the beach made completely of pebbles is truly awesome.
On account of the weather we only did a bit of the walk along the beach, did get to see the windmills, awesome sight!!!
Written 5 February 2018
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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Claim your listingMakara Beach: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Makara Beach
- Hotels near Makara Beach:
- (4.89 km) Wellington City Cottages
- (5.76 km) Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Riddiford
- (4.86 km) Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Ghuznee
- (4.94 km) Naumi Hotel Wellington
- (4.75 km) Bolton Hotel
- Restaurants near Makara Beach:
- (0.76 km) Karori Park Cafe
- (4.52 km) Hillside Kitchen and Cellar
- (4.66 km) Jano Bistro
- (4.88 km) WBC Restaurant
- (4.98 km) Lola Rouge