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.

What you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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.