Rona Bay Beach

“Eastbourne is a serene and sleepy village which lies on the Rona Bay beach of the Wellington Harbour. It is a popular local tourist destination that can be reached driving from Petone or by ferry from central Wellington. A narrow exposed coastal road connects it with the rest of Lower Hutt via the Eastern Bays. It is named for Eastbourne in England, another seaside town known as a destination for daytrips. Eastbourne sits at the foot of the hills with regenerative native bush and trees, such as red-flowering northern rātā trees. The bush has numerous tracks running to and from them, including a track along the entire bay's hills ridge. Many settlers here originate from Sicily, so the suburb shows an Italian heritage, which is well represented in architecture that has Mediterranean touch. Village has a library, wharf, Four Square shop, and several cafes that make nice coffee. It has a tightly knitted community - everybody knows each other well. There are people who have lived their entire lives here, and still in the same house. Many of them are active cyclists, runners, walkers, kayakers, sailors, and so on. Although it is a beautiful little village, long term prospects in terms of climate change are not that great for Eastbourne. With just a single road next to the sea connecting the village to the rest of the world, it gets cut off a couple of times a year when sea is rough and waves get high.”

“Great day at the field, park and beach. Plenty to do for the kids at the park, the field caters for multiple groups wanting to kick a ball or throw a frisbee, and a gate to go on the beach is helpful when you don't want toddlers to wander towards the water unattended. Wind will be a factor whether you'll be having fun or not as it is more exposed than day's bay, but this spot is much much quieter which is perfect.”

“It's Eastbourne really enjoyed it more as a kid.”