Last updated May 2026
Mākara Beach is a wild Tasman coast beach about 16 km west of central Wellington, reached by a 35-minute drive through the suburb of Karori and out along winding Makara Road. This is not a beach for swimming — the Tasman surf is powerful and the coast exposed — but it draws visitors for walking, fishing, diving and the chance to experience a stretch of rugged coastline that feels genuinely removed from the city. The Mākara Walkway, managed by the Department of Conservation, starts from the beach car park and is the main reason most people make the trip out.
Practical Information
| Location | Mākara Beach, ~16 km west of central Wellington |
|---|---|
| Drive time | ~35 minutes via Karori Road and Makara Road |
| Parking | Car park at the beach — toilets located beside the car park |
| Café | Makara Beach Café — open Saturday and Sunday, 11am–4pm |
| Dogs | Off-lead on the beach; no dogs on the walkway (farmland crossing) |
| Water | No drinkable water on the Mākara Walkway — carry your own |
| Walkway season | Part of the trail closes during lambing: 1 August to 1 October |
About Mākara Beach
The beach itself is a curved bay of dark sand and stones backed by farmland, facing directly onto the Tasman Sea. Strong westerly winds are a regular feature — the same exposure that made the Mākara ridgelines ideal for the West Wind wind farm is felt at the beach itself. Visitors are advised to dress warmly and expect conditions to change quickly.
The beach is popular with fishing and diving enthusiasts who appreciate the relatively undisturbed coastline and accessible waters. Fur seals are occasionally spotted along the rocky sections of the shore. The beach is a designated off-lead dog exercise area — though dogs must be leashed when leaving the beach to cross farmland, and are not permitted on the Mākara Walkway.
The Mākara Walkway
The Mākara Walkway, managed by the Department of Conservation, is a 7-kilometre return trail starting and ending at the beach car park. The track follows the coast before heading up and across farmland to the clifftops, passing two historically significant sites along the way: an ancient Ngāti Ira pā site and the Fort Opau gun emplacements, where 100 soldiers were garrisoned during the Second World War to defend the Tasman coast approaches to Wellington. Restored gun positions and bunkers are still visible.
The walkway is rated as moderate, taking around 2–3 hours return. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and the lambing closure (1 August to 1 October) applies to sections that cross working farmland. The beach section at the start remains open year-round.
What Visitors Say
“The walk is better than expected — you get the WWII gun emplacements, great coastal views, and it feels like you’re genuinely out in the countryside, not just on a city walk. The wind was fierce but that’s part of it.”
“Lovely wild beach. Very windy and exposed but that’s the appeal — fur seals on the rocks, nobody else around, just the Tasman. The weekend café is a bonus after the walk.”
Where to Learn More
Mākara Walkway — DOC — official track information, distance, grade and seasonal closures.
Mākara Beach — Wellington City Council — beach facilities, dog rules and access information.
Mākara Beach — TripAdvisor — visitor reviews and photos of the beach and walkway.
FAQ
Is Mākara Beach safe for swimming?
No. The Tasman surf is powerful and the beach is exposed — Mākara Beach is not suitable for swimming. It is popular for fishing, diving and walking.
How long is the Mākara Walkway?
The Mākara Walkway is 7 km return, taking around 2–3 hours. It starts and ends at the beach car park.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome on the beach off-lead. They are not permitted on the Mākara Walkway, which crosses working farmland.
Is the walkway open all year?
Part of the track closes during lambing season from 1 August to 1 October. Check the DOC website for current conditions before visiting.
Are there toilets at Mākara Beach?
Yes — toilets are located beside the car park at the beach. There is no drinkable water on the walkway, so carry water with you.
Is there anywhere to eat at Mākara Beach?
The Makara Beach Café opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. There are no other food or drink options in the area.
Mākara Beach is part of the wider Wellington Suburbs guide. The inland suburb of Mākara covers the rural area and West Wind wind farm, while Karori is the main suburb you pass through on the way out from the city.
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