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Island Bay Beach

๐Ÿ“ Island Bay, Wellington

โ˜…4.7(188 Google reviews)๐Ÿ’ฐFree๐Ÿ‘ถAll ages

Island Bay Beach sits 5km south of Wellington city with calm waters, views of Taputeranga Island, and a pebble-and-sand shoreline. One half of the beach from the pier is dog-friendly.

โœ“ sheltered calm watersโœ“ Taputeranga Island viewsโœ“ dog-friendly sectionโœ“ Number 1 bus accessโœ“ Shorland Park nearbyโœ“ fish and chip shop close by
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โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…Featured review by Bร™I HแปฎU Lแป˜C

Island Bay, as shown in the image, is a peaceful and scenic coastal area in New Zealand. The clear, calm waters gently lap against the sandy beach, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation or beach activities. Small boats anchored offshore add to the picturesque maritime charm, while the distant buildings and rugged hills give the bay a cozy, sheltered feel. The bright blue sky and warm sunlight further enhance the beauty of this coastal setting. Overall, Island Bay offers a tranquil and inviting environment, making it a great destination for both locals and visitors seeking a relaxing day by the sea, with stunning views of both the water and the surrounding landscape.

๐Ÿ† Family Action Verdict

A calm, accessible beach that combines well with Shorland Park across the road โ€” easy to reach by bus from central Wellington without a car. The dog-friendly half from the pier makes it practical for families with pets. In a southerly storm, the waves over Taputeranga are spectacular from the shore.

โ„น๏ธ What to Know Before You Go

๐Ÿ’กTake the Number 1 bus from Wellington city โ€” the stop is a short walk from the beach and avoids parking pressure on busy days
โฐThe dog-friendly section runs from the pier โ€” keep dogs to that half to avoid conflict with non-dog areas
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธShorland Park is directly across the road โ€” combine beach time with playground time in the same visit
๐Ÿš—Toilets and change rooms are near the cafes and fish and chip shop, a short walk from the beach itself

๐Ÿ’ฌ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews โ†’
4.7
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188 Google reviews

Scenic setting and island views50%
Accessibility and transport links30%
Beach and park combination20%
B

Bร™I HแปฎU Lแป˜C

a year ago

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โ€œIsland Bay, as shown in the image, is a peaceful and scenic coastal area in New Zealand. The clear, calm waters gently lap against the sandy beach, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation or beach activities. Small boats anchored offshore add to the picturesque maritime charm, while the distant buildings and rugged hills give the bay a cozy, sheltered feel. The bright blue sky and warm sunlight further enhance the beauty of this coastal setting. Overall, Island Bay offers a tranquil and inviting environment, making it a great destination for both locals and visitors seeking a relaxing day by the sea, with stunning views of both the water and the surrounding landscape.โ€

H

Hana Haslan

2 years ago

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โ€œanother great spot for sunset here in Wellington! accessible by bus #1 from wellington city, and just few minutes walk away from the bus station. this beach can swim and have a picnic, but no dogs are allowed on the beach. you will have Taputeranga Island as your view from the beach. so prettyy in the picture. not sure if we can go there or not. very recommend to go here to watch sunset with your family or partner. bcs i saw lot of couples here too. overall i loveeee it very dearly!โ€

M

Ms Aurora

a year ago

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โ€œOne half of the beach(from the pier) is available for dogs so can take pooches and kids down for a picnic. Very clean, didn't walk into any puppy poop so walkers are awesome! No sign of bins close by but that's okay. Kids park across the road and toilets on the other side near cafes and fish n chip shop. Great when it's a northerly wind, as it's sheltered. Autumn visit at 18cโ€

C

ChanTravel

3 years ago

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โ€œLove this place, lived here 16 years ago and the beach remains a favourite place to visit, in all weathers, wonderful in a storm with southerly wave crashing over Taputeranga the island. Cross the road to the recently renewed Shorland Park, neat area on the coast. The number 1 bus route starts/stops here with regular service through the city.โ€

Reviews from Google

Overview

Island Bay Beach occupies a sheltered bay with clear, calm water and views of Taputeranga Island offshore. The pebble-and-sand shoreline suits swimming and picnicking across most tidal conditions. From the pier, one half of the beach accepts dogs, making it usable for families with pets. Shorland Park sits directly across the road. Public toilets, change rooms, cafes, and a fish and chip shop are all within short walking distance. The Number 1 bus from Wellington city stops a short walk away.

๐Ÿ• Opening Hours

Monday00:00 โ€“

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