Oriental Bay
Wellington's vibrant inner-city beach, offering sandy shores, a scenic promenade, and stunning harbor views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters & fewer crowds
Oriental Bay
Best Time
Calm waters & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wellington's vibrant inner-city beach, offering sandy shores, a scenic promenade, and stunning harbor views.
"Oriental Bay is Wellington's iconic inner-city beach, perfect for a stroll or a dip with beautiful harbor views."
🌊 Swim with Caution
Water can be chilly, even in summer. Check conditions before swimming.
🚶♀️ Easy Access from CBD
Just a short walk or bus ride from the city center. Enjoy the scenic route!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oriental Bay Beach
Oriental Bay
Wellington's iconic sandy beach with clear waters and stunning harbor views. Perfect for a relaxing day out.
Waterfront Promenade
Oriental Parade
A scenic walkway perfect for leisurely strolls, cycling, or running with beautiful views of the bay.
Carter Memorial Fountain
Oriental Bay
A picturesque landmark offering great photo opportunities and a focal point for the bay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wellington Vibe
Getting to Oriental Bay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Swim with Caution
Water can be chilly, even in summer. Check conditions before swimming.
🚶♀️ Easy Access from CBD
Just a short walk or bus ride from the city center. Enjoy the scenic route!
☕ Boat Cafe Experience
Unique dining with bay views! Look for deals to save money.
🏃♀️ Scenic Runs
Popular route for runners, from Petone to Oriental Bay.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Swim with Caution
Water can be chilly, even in summer. Check conditions before swimming.
🚶♀️ Easy Access from CBD
Just a short walk or bus ride from the city center. Enjoy the scenic route!
☕ Boat Cafe Experience
Unique dining with bay views! Look for deals to save money.
🏃♀️ Scenic Runs
Popular route for runners, from Petone to Oriental Bay.
☀️ Summer Vibes
Enjoy the sunshine and positive energy at Oriental Bay.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oriental Bay is widely loved for its stunning inner-city beach, scenic promenade, and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors appreciate its accessibility from the CBD and the picturesque harbor views. While the water can be chilly, the overall experience is highly positive, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oriental Bay is conveniently located just a short walk from Wellington's central business district. You can also take a bus, cycle, or enjoy a scenic run along the waterfront.
Yes, several bus routes service the Oriental Bay area, making it easily accessible via public transport from various parts of Wellington.
Driving to Oriental Bay is possible, with parking available along Oriental Parade. However, it can get busy, especially during peak times.
Travelers have discovered hidden shortcuts that offer peaceful walks leading directly to the beach, bypassing the usual routes.
Many visitors enjoy walking, jogging, or cycling along the wide pathways of Oriental Parade to take in the beautiful coastal scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Oriental Bay is a public beach and waterfront area, so there is no entry fee to access it. You can enjoy the beach and promenade freely.
Oriental Bay is accessible at all hours, as it's an outdoor public space. However, specific facilities like cafes may have their own operating hours.
No booking is required to visit Oriental Bay itself. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
Generally, Oriental Bay is open to the public. Always be mindful of local regulations regarding pets, BBQs, or specific activities.
To avoid crowds, consider visiting during weekday mornings or late afternoons. Summer mornings are often calm and less busy.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
Yes, swimming is popular in Oriental Bay, though the water can be quite cool even in summer. It's advisable to check current conditions before diving in.
You can swim, sunbathe, walk, cycle, run, or simply relax by the water. The promenade is ideal for leisure activities.
Yes, there are several cafes and eateries along Oriental Parade, including a unique boat cafe offering dining with bay views.
Oriental Bay is known for its sandy shores, making it a pleasant spot for beachgoers to relax and enjoy the coastal environment.
The bay offers picturesque views of the harbor, the city skyline, and the surrounding hills, with the Carter Memorial Fountain being a notable feature.
📸 📸 Photography
The Carter Memorial Fountain, the waterfront promenade with the bay in the background, and the general beach area offer great photo opportunities.
Sunset offers beautiful golden hour light, while early mornings can provide calm waters and fewer people for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage is subject to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules and local council bylaws. Always check regulations before flying.
The Carter Memorial Fountain is a popular landmark. The unique boat cafe also provides interesting photographic subjects.
Oriental Bay is ideal for landscape, seascape, and lifestyle photography, capturing the blend of urban and natural beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Many people use this area for their daily workouts, enjoying the fresh sea air and beautiful harbor views. The flat terrain makes it accessible for all fitness levels. You can easily incorporate a swim in the bay as part of your fitness routine, though be prepared for the cool water! 🍽️ Foodies & Cafe Lovers
A standout is the unique boat cafe, providing a memorable dining experience overlooking the bay. It's the perfect place to relax with a coffee after a walk or to enjoy lunch with a stunning backdrop. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Oriental Bay
Beyond the beach itself, Oriental Bay is known for its picturesque setting, featuring the prominent Carter Memorial Fountain as a focal point. The area is also home to a variety of cafes and eateries, including a unique boat cafe that provides a distinctive dining experience with stunning bay vistas. This blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and urban amenities makes Oriental Bay a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Wellington.
While the water can be bracing even in summer, the appeal of Oriental Bay lies in its accessibility and its role as a lively social gathering spot. Whether you're looking for a quick dip, a scenic run, or a relaxing afternoon by the sea, Oriental Bay delivers a quintessential Wellington experience.
Recreational Activities at Oriental Bay
Many locals and visitors enjoy running or cycling along Oriental Parade, taking advantage of the flat terrain and scenic views. It's a well-loved route for fitness enthusiasts, with some even undertaking longer runs, such as from Petone Beach to Oriental Bay.
The wide walkways ensure ample space for everyone, whether you're power walking, leisurely strolling, or enjoying a bike ride. The area also provides opportunities for picnicking and simply relaxing on the sand, making it a versatile destination for a day out. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit