Last updated May 2026
Tarakena Bay is a sheltered cove on Wellington’s Miramar Peninsula, tucked between Palmer Head and Moa Point at the southern end of the peninsula near Wellington Airport. The bay sits within a rocky coastal reserve that is home to a colony of little blue penguins — the smallest penguin species in the world — which nest in the cliffs and rocky hollows around the bay. Dogs are prohibited in the reserve to protect the penguins, and visitors are asked to keep noise to a minimum, especially at dusk when penguins return from the sea.
Practical Information
| Location | Miramar Peninsula, near Moa Point Road, Wellington |
|---|---|
| Access | By road to the end of Moa Point Road; short walk to bay |
| Entry | Free |
| Dogs | Not permitted — penguin nesting area |
| Facilities | No facilities at the bay itself |
| Walkway connection | Eastern Walkway starts near here |
| Managed by | Wellington City Council |
About Tarakena Bay
The bay is small and rocky, exposed to southerly weather but sheltered enough to have attracted both human activity and wildlife over the centuries. Above the bay sits Rangitatau Historic Reserve, an area of broader cultural and historical significance on the southern Wellington coast.
The reserve is also the site of Ataturk Memorial Park, which commemorates Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s compassionate words about the ANZAC soldiers who died at Gallipoli in 1915. The memorial marks a point of reflection for Turkish and New Zealand visitors alike, overlooking the Cook Strait towards the South Island.
Little Blue Penguins
Little blue penguins (kororā) are present year-round at Tarakena Bay. They are most easily seen at dusk when they return from feeding at sea. Visitors hoping to see penguins should arrive before sunset, stay quiet and keep well back from the rocks where penguins come ashore. Flash photography should be avoided. The colony is small and not managed for public viewing — it is a genuinely wild penguin habitat, not a guided experience.
Eastern Walkway Access
Tarakena Bay is one of the starting points for the Eastern Walkway, a coastal track that runs along the eastern edge of the Miramar Peninsula through rugged coastal scenery to Pass of Branda. The walkway offers excellent sea views and passes through areas managed for native wildlife. The full route is a moderate half-day walk.
Wellington City Council — Tarakena Bay has information on access, rules and facilities at the bay. WellingtonNZ — Eastern Walkway covers the full walkway route and what to expect.
What Visitors Say
FAQ
Can I see penguins at Tarakena Bay?
Yes — little blue penguins nest in the rocky areas of the reserve. Dusk is the best time to see them returning from sea. Stay quiet, avoid flash photography, and keep well clear of the rocks where they come ashore.
Are dogs allowed at Tarakena Bay?
No. Dogs are prohibited throughout the reserve to protect the nesting penguin colony.
How do I get to Tarakena Bay?
Drive to the end of Moa Point Road on the Miramar Peninsula, near Wellington Airport. There is parking near the road end, with a short walk to the bay.
Is there a walking track from Tarakena Bay?
Yes — the Eastern Walkway begins near Tarakena Bay and runs along the eastern coast of the Miramar Peninsula. It is a moderate half-day coastal walk with excellent sea views.
What is the Ataturk Memorial at Tarakena Bay?
Ataturk Memorial Park, near Tarakena Bay, commemorates Atatürk’s tribute to the ANZAC soldiers who fell at Gallipoli. It is a place of shared reflection for Turkish and New Zealand visitors.
Explore more coastal and natural reserves at Wellington Parks and Reserves. The nearby Taputeranga Marine Reserve at Island Bay is another excellent south coast destination.
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