Last updated October 2026
Mākara Beach lies on Wellington’s exposed southwest coast, about 16 km from the city centre. The stony beach and surrounding area attract visitors for walking, fishing and diving rather than swimming, due to powerful Tasman surf and strong winds.
The main draw is the Mākara Walkway, a DOC-managed loop that climbs from the beach to clifftop gun emplacements with wide views. Access is straightforward by car via Karori, with parking and basic facilities at the beach.
Official Suburb Facts
- Land area
- 3.31 km²
- Location
- 9.6 km north-west of central Wellington
- Council
- Wellington City Council
- Getting there
- Karori Road and Mākara Road, or via Johnsonville and Ōhāriu Valley; about 30 to 35 minutes from the city
- Nearby landmarks
- Mākara Walkway, Fort Ōpau gun emplacements, Ngāti Ira pā site, Meridian West Wind Recreation Area
Schools in Mākara Beach
There is no school inside the Mākara Beach boundary, but these schools have enrolment zones that cover some or all of it.
Zoned for Mākara Beach
Show all 6 zoned schools
Source: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026. Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Mākara Beach
Wellington City Council sets collection days street by street. Look up your address to get your day and which bins go out.
Find your bin day and what goes in each binSafety and Hazards
Sources: Greater Wellington tsunami evacuation zones; Wellington City District Plan 2024 flood hazard overlays.
Handy Facilities
Source: Wellington City Council public toilets; NZTA EVRoam charging sites.
Weather and Rent at a Glance
Sources: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026. City-wide figures.
In Mākara Beach
Places and businesses inside the official Mākara Beach boundary.
Places
About Mākara Beach
The beach consists of dark stones and sand in a curved bay backed by farmland and facing the Tasman Sea.
The beach consists of dark stones and sand in a curved bay backed by farmland and facing the Tasman Sea. It is sheltered from southerlies but very exposed to northerlies, with hilltops prone to gale-force winds. Visitors should dress for changeable conditions and expect a rugged, windswept setting.
The beach serves as a base for fishing, diving and coastal walks. A large car park provides easy access, and the stream estuary supports native ecosystem restoration efforts by local groups. The area forms part of the Meridian West Wind Recreation Area, reflecting the ridgelines’ suitability for wind generation.
Dogs may exercise off-lead on the beach itself. They must remain under control when moving to or from the beach and are prohibited on the walkway sections that cross working farmland.
The Mākara Walkway
The Mākara Walkway is a loop track managed by the Department of Conservation.
The Mākara Walkway is a loop track managed by the Department of Conservation. It begins and ends at the Mākara Beach car park, covering approximately 6–7 km and rated moderate difficulty. Most walkers complete the loop in 2–4 hours, depending on pace and stops.
The route follows the coast before climbing gradually across farmland to the clifftops.
Highlights include an ancient Ngāti Ira pā site on a promontory and the Fort Ōpau gun emplacements from the Second World War, where 100 soldiers were stationed to defend approaches to Wellington. Restored positions and bunkers remain visible, though concrete roofs are in poor condition and fenced areas should be avoided.
Sturdy footwear is recommended. The track offers spectacular views across to Mana, Kāpiti Island and the South Island on clear days. During lambing season, the farmland sections close but the beach and gun emplacements remain reachable from the car park.
Near Mākara Beach
Just outside Mākara Beach, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation – Mākara Walkway: Official details on track description, access, seasonal closures and safety notes.
Wellington City Council – Mākara Beach: Beach facilities, dog rules, parking and local context.
Wellington City Council – Mākara Walkway: Additional overview of the loop track and surrounding recreation area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mākara Beach suitable for swimming?
No. Powerful Tasman surf and exposure make it unsuitable for swimming. It is used for fishing, diving and walking.
How long is the Mākara Walkway?
The loop is approximately 6–7 km and typically takes 2–4 hours return, starting and ending at the beach car park.
Can I bring my dog to Mākara Beach?
Dogs are welcome off-lead on the beach. They are not permitted on the walkway sections that cross farmland.
Is the walkway open year-round?
Part of the track closes for lambing from 1 August to 30 September. The beach and gun emplacements remain accessible via the beach during this time.
Are there toilets and water at the beach?
Toilets are located beside the car park. There is no drinkable water on the walkway, so carry your own supplies.
What facilities are available at Mākara Beach?
A large car park with boat ramp and toilets serves visitors. A café operates on weekends, though hours can vary.
What historical sites are on the walkway?
The track passes an ancient Ngāti Ira pā site and the Fort Ōpau gun emplacements from the Second World War.
How do I get to Mākara Beach?
Drive via Karori Road and Mākara Road, or alternatively via Johnsonville and Ōhāriu Valley. The beach is at the end of Mākara Road.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Wellington only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Mākara Beach is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.