Bodies of Water in Wellington

THE 10 BEST Wellington Bodies of Water

Bodies of Water in Wellington

Types of Attractions
Nature & Parks
Nature & Parks
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12 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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What travellers are saying

  • Ruben L
    59 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I walked along the Bay and the view is truly awesome. The water is also incredibly teal blue and pedestrian way is really wide and quite spacious. Definitely worth checking out when you’re in the area anyway. I was there at the onset of spring so I didn’t actually take a swim but even walking along the shore was worth it.
    Written 7 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Louichan
    Tokyo, Japan217 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took the ferry over from Wellington's waterfront. We wanted to get rental bikes and the main place to do so is the Bikeshed over in Pencarrow, about 3.5 kms away. You can take a bus from Day's Bay, but it is also possible to get cruiser bikes from the Boatshed near the Day's Bay Wharf. We did this, and had the option to swap them for mountain bikes once we reached the Bikeshed (same company). However, the cruiser bikes were comfortable and worked fine, so we just kept the same bikes and rode them all the way out to the Pencarrow Lighthouse and back. Then had lunch at the Chocolate Days Cafe and took the ferry back.
    Written 4 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Caroline R
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A beautiful bay with a busy restaurant (for sale) on the waterfront! Highly recommended if you like a buzzing cafe!
    Written 11 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JanLoads
    Wellington, New Zealand33 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We walked through to the Butterfly creek picnic area via the Muratai track, and then back down to Eastbourne via the Kowhai street track. All in all this took us about 2 and 1/2 hours solid walking. It is very up and down and by the end of it my knees were protesting....younger walkers however, didn't seem troubled so it might just be an age thing!
    There are some stunning views of the harbour as you get near the top and the bush tracks were well maintained. The Muratai track wasn't gravelled, but that wasn't any bother at all, in fact I preferred it as the gravel can be a bit slippery. All in all, it was a lovely walk and definitely worth doing.
    Like another reviewer, I was surprised at the lack of birdlife though. A couple of tuis and one fantail. Given how beautiful the bush was, I did expect more. Take water and food - it would be good to plan a decent stop at the picnic area before heading back!
    Written 20 January 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Deanne D
    Wellington, New Zealand1,404 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Owhiro Bay is not a swimming beach. It is a great place to come to to watch the sea. Drive around towards Red Rocks and park at the Red Rocks car park and go for a walk. Fantastic spot to dolphin or whale watch. In the right season there are seals at Red Rocks - be warned - they smell and protect their young so dont go too close. A great outing on a sunny day - take the kids.
    Written 13 September 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 529grahamr
    Auckland, New Zealand70 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A splendid walk with views across the harbour. Some amazing homes to view perched high on the bush clad slopes and quaint houses on the shore line. Very characterful and picturesque. There is a small jetty and several sandy beaches and some rock pools to explore at low tides. A footpath winds around the shore just above the tide level.
    Written 10 April 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CarolDM1900
    Montpelier, VT3,343 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Even in winter, this is a fine place to walk, run, bike, or take a slow, scenic drive. But DO IT NOW, before a $500 million development proposed for this tranquil, quirky place turns it into a second Oriental Bay. It will not be the same with several hotels, 350 units in high-rise apartment buildings, lots of shops, offices, and a ferry station.

    I find Shelly Bay charming just the way it is, with its secluded rocky coves, attracting sea birds and fishermen; its sweeping views across the harbor to Mt. Victoria/Wellington City and to Mt. Kaukau/Kandallah; and its simple clapboard buildings that blend in with, rather than dominate, Miramar's charming coastal environment.

    It's true you won't find a sandy beach here. If that's what you're after, just continue north around Point Halswell and you'll soon be at Scorching Bay, with its lovely crescent beach. But the views here at Shelly Bay are striking. There are private nooks along the rocky shore where you can quietly take in nature, read a book, or just contemplate life. There's good food with both indoor and outdoor seating at the Chocolate Fish, interesting art work at the Blackmore & Best Gallery and Studio, and nearby track access to the Massey Memorial and up to Maupuia Park, both with soaring views over the harbor.

    It's also true, that a few of the buildings here could use some tender loving care when it comes to maintenance, and maybe some updating. But they do have a history, first as part of a NZ naval, then a NZ air force, base. And they are built on a human scale. This is not -- yet -- a mega development.

    Shelly Bay "as is" has history, character, interest, and natural beauty. See it now, while you can still can.
    Written 22 July 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • YasminaB00
    Lier, Belgium69 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went for u scuba dive here. The bay was beautiful, as are all the bays around the Miramar penisula! But in the water the visibility is terrible! Had fun though because there were lots a starfish (really big ones), small fish hiding between the stones, crabs and seahorses. The seahorses were really big! Fun place to go for a swim and to snorkel a bit!
    Written 30 April 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anthony G
    Wellington, New Zealand1,467 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I really like this part of Wellington. It was quite when we were visiting over the Christmas break so felt like we had the whole bay to ourselves. Very nice views and some interesting houses along the coastline. I think it's worth a visit as you can then stop of at scortcher bay for a yummy lunch at Scortch a Rama!
    Written 27 January 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wayne P
    Lower Hutt, New Zealand84 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I have been going here for many years. I used to ride through it many years ago on my bike. I beautiful place to either walk, cycle, car or bus through. Great scenery!
    Written 6 December 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ruben L
    59 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful public park, healthy green meadow and nice walkway surrounded by nature, I even saw a Tūī. There’s nothing much else to say, just nice to walk through if you’re in the area anyway.
    Written 7 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Oldjack
    Greater Melbourne, Australia29,074 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Kio Bay is around the corner from Oriental bay and has some good views of the harbor. You will see it as you drive Evans Bay Road from the airport. It is also a good place for a walk if going away from the city.
    Written 16 February 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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