Oriental Bay

Oriental Bay curves along the harbour a fifteen-minute walk from central Wellington, backed by apartment buildings on the hill behind, and it is the city's swimming beach - which requires an explanation, because Wellington is not a city with a natural beach. The sand is imported: golden sand was barged in from Golden Bay at the top of the South Island, first in the 1900s and again in a major replenishment in 2003 when the beach was rebuilt with a groyne and fresh sand to hold it. The result works, and on a hot Wellington day, which is rarer than the city would like, the whole beach fills. The promenade along it is used constantly for running and walking, there is a band rotunda, and Freyberg Pool sits at the eastern end. On the hill above, the Oriental Bay apartments and the Norfolk pines are part of the postcard. The harbour water is cold and clean enough to swim.

History

The bay was first called Duppa Bay, after its only resident, George Duppa, who renamed it after the Oriental, the ship he came to New Zealand on in 1840. David Wilkinson opened his tea gardens here in 1850, the first public baths, an open-air saltwater pool, opened in 1864, and in the early 1900s the promenade, band rotunda and tea kiosk were built and trees planted (Wikipedia, Oriental Bay).

What's there

• The imported sand - barged from Golden Bay, most recently in 2003.
• The promenade - the constant running and walking route.
• The harbour swim - cold, clean and central.
• The Norfolk pines - along the parade beneath the apartments.

When to go

December to March for swimming. Any season for the walk - the promenade is used year round. Wellington wind decides whether it is pleasant.

Before you go

The water is cold even in February. Wellington's wind can make the exposed parade unpleasant at any time of year. Parking on Oriental Parade is limited and metered.

Nearby

Te Papa and the waterfront are west; Mount Victoria rises directly behind.