Harbour Fishing Spots

Houghton Bay Reserve Wellington: Rocky South Coast for Surfing and Walking

Last updated October 2026

Houghton Bay Reserve is a rocky coastal reserve on Wellington’s south coast, situated between Island Bay and Lyall Bay along The Esplanade. The bay opens onto the Cook Strait and is exposed to southerly swells. It lies within the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, which protects the underwater environment. The reserve offers access for surfers, walkers and those seeking coastal views.

Surf Facts

1Surf break

Surf breaks: Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Today at Houghton Bay Reserve

Thursday 15 October

Tide falling

Sea

14.0°C

Cool, a wetsuit helps

7 high

Cover up 9:50am to 4:20pm

Sunset

7:42pm

Light till about 8:10pm

Tides: LINZ, CC BY 4.0, times for Orongorongo River Entrance adjusted from Wellington using LINZ offsets; the curve shows the shape of the tide, not local heights; predictions only. Sea temperature: NASA JPL MUR satellite data for 13 Oct, via Tideteller. UV: worked out for a clear day from the height of the sun and typical ozone; cloud lowers it, but you can still burn.

Surf break at Houghton Bay Reserve

The surf break at Houghton Bay Reserve is shown in blue on the map above. The compass shows which way it faces, the swell that can reach it and the wind that blows offshore there, which is when the waves are cleanest.

1Houghton BayReef break, lefts and rightsIntermediate and up

FacesSouth-southwestSwell reaches it fromThe southeast round to westOffshore windFrom the north-northeastBest tideNot recorded

Position checked on LINZ aerial photos

Swell can reach itFacesOffshore wind from

Before you paddle out

These facts say what suits each break, not whether it’s safe today. Surf breaks have rips, rocks and changing conditions. If you’re learning, surf where and when lifeguards patrol, and check the conditions yourself before going in.

Breaks, type and skill level: Greater Wellington Regional Council surf break layer (CC BY 4.0). The way each break faces, the swell that can reach it and its offshore wind are worked out from the LINZ coastline (CC BY 4.0); positions checked on LINZ aerial photos.

Practical Information

Location: Houghton Bay, south Wellington, off The Esplanade
Access: By road along The Esplanade; buses from central Wellington to Island Bay or Houghton Bay
Entry: Free
Swimming: Rocky bay exposed to southerly swells and dangerous undertow; unsuitable for casual swimming
Marine reserve: Within Taputeranga Marine Reserve, no fishing or collection of marine life
Facilities: Off-road car park; no toilets or changing facilities at the beach
Dogs: Off-leash exercise area
Accessibility: Short sand path to beach
Managed by: Wellington City Council

About Houghton Bay

Houghton Bay is one of the smaller bays on Wellington’s southern coastline. Its rocky shore gives it a rugged character compared with nearby sandy beaches. The bay attracts surfers when southerly swells generate good waves.

The paved Esplanade track runs along the coastline, providing a flat, sealed path suitable for walking and cycling. Houghton Bay sits within the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, established in 2008 and covering 855 hectares of coastline and sea from Princess Bay to Te Kopahou.

The reserve protects diverse marine habitats including kelp forests and rocky reefs. No fishing or harvesting is permitted.

Southern Walkway

Houghton Bay is the first point where the Southern Walkway meets the coast. The walkway is a 10.6 km route along the Town Belt from Oriental Bay to Island Bay, taking 4–5 hours to complete. It offers a mix of bush and coastal scenery with views over the Cook Strait.

From the bay, short tracks lead up Houghton Valley Road to Sinclair Park and further viewpoints, or connect to the Te Ranga a Hiwi Track.

Surfing, Swimming and Marine Activities

Houghton Bay is used by surfers during suitable southerly conditions, though it is not a patrolled beach. The exposed location and undertow make it unsuitable for inexperienced swimmers. Nearby Princess Bay offers more sheltered water.

Snorkelling and diving are popular within the marine reserve, where underwater reefs and marine life can be observed. Strong currents and changing sea conditions require caution.

Where to Learn More

Wellington City Council — Houghton Bay Beach: Official details on access, facilities, dogs and safety.

Department of Conservation — Taputeranga Marine Reserve: Information on the marine reserve, rules and marine life.

Wellington City Council — Southern Walkway: Route details, length and walking times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houghton Bay good for swimming?
No. The bay is exposed to southerly swells and has a dangerous undertow, making it unsafe for casual or family swimming. More sheltered options exist nearby at Princess Bay.

Can I surf at Houghton Bay?
Yes. The bay picks up southerly swells and is used by surfers when conditions are suitable, though it is not patrolled.

Is fishing allowed at Houghton Bay?
No. The bay lies within the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, where fishing, shellfish collection and removal of any marine life are prohibited.

How do I get to Houghton Bay?
Drive along The Esplanade. Regular buses run from central Wellington to Island Bay and Houghton Bay stops, followed by a short walk.

Are dogs allowed at Houghton Bay?
Yes. It is an off-leash dog exercise area. Check the council map for exact boundaries.

What facilities are available?
There is an off-road car park. No toilets or changing facilities are provided at the beach itself. Toilets are available nearby in Island Bay.

Is the Esplanade track suitable for cycling?
Yes. It is a paved shared path suitable for walking and cycling along the south coast between Owhiro Bay and Island Bay.

How long is the Southern Walkway?
The full route from Oriental Bay to Island Bay is 10.6 km and typically takes 4–5 hours.

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