Last updated October 2026
Days Bay offers one of Wellington’s most accessible half-day escapes, reached by a short ferry crossing from Queens Wharf across the harbour. The sheltered sandy beach, wharf café and native bush tracks of East Harbour Regional Park create a relaxed coastal setting just 20 to 25 minutes from the city centre.
The nearby village of Eastbourne adds a quiet main street with cafés and galleries, making the area popular with families and day-trippers seeking a change of pace without leaving the harbour.
Swimming Facts
Before you swim: Tested weekly Nov–Mar by Greater Wellington. Stay out for 48 hours after heavy rain. Latest result on LAWA
Today at Days Bay
Saturday 24 OctoberWater quality track record
Fair at all 3 testing spots (2019 to 2025)ShowHide
What the grades mean
Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.
Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine enterococci results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (Moana Road: 385 per 100 mL from 73 tests; Wellesley College: 400 per 100 mL from 73 tests; Wharf: 449 per 100 mL from 73 tests).
Practical Information
- Ferry operator
- East by West Ferries
- Departure
- Queens Wharf, Wellington city
- Journey time
- 20–25 minutes to Days Bay
- Timetable
- Daily services; check current timetable at eastbywest.co.nz
- Cost
- Adult return approximately $32–34; child return approximately $16–17 (check current fares)
- Parking (driving)
- Free street parking in Eastbourne and Days Bay
- Park manager
- Greater Wellington
Getting There by Ferry
East by West Ferries operates regular sailings from Queens Wharf to Days Bay Wharf. The service runs daily with multiple departures, and bikes are permitted subject to the operator’s policy. Driving via the Hutt Valley and Eastbourne Road takes around 45 minutes as an alternative.
Days Bay Beach and Facilities
Days Bay features a sandy harbour beach directly beside the wharf, sheltered by surrounding hills and popular for swimming in summer. The flat grassy foreshore suits picnics and family visits. A café operates from the wharf building. The historic Days Bay Pavilion, opened in 1897, stands above the beach and has long served as a visitor facility.
East Harbour Regional Park
East Harbour Regional Park encompasses the steep forested hills behind Days Bay and Eastbourne, extending south along the coast toward Pencarrow. Greater Wellington manages the park, which offers walking tracks through native bush and ridge routes with views over Wellington Harbour and the Remutaka Range.
The Butterfly Creek Track provides an accessible short walk from the Days Bay area into the bush, leading to a popular picnic spot. The Pencarrow Coast track continues south from Eastbourne, suitable for longer walks or cycling to the lighthouse area.
Eastbourne Village
Eastbourne village lies a short walk south along the foreshore road from Days Bay. It features a relaxed main street with cafés, a bakery, an ice cream shop and small galleries. The flat foreshore path between the two settlements suits easy walking or cycling, and the village has long served as a seaside retreat for Wellington residents.
Where to Learn More
East by West Ferries: current timetables, fares and booking details for the Queens Wharf to Days Bay service.
East Harbour Regional Park — Greater Wellington: track maps, facilities and access information for walks above Days Bay and Eastbourne.
Days Bay and Eastbourne — WellingtonNZ: visitor information on the ferry, beach and village.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Days Bay?
East by West Ferries runs daily from Queens Wharf in Wellington city. The crossing takes 20–25 minutes. Check the current timetable and fares on the operator’s website. Driving via the Hutt Valley takes approximately 45 minutes.
Is there a beach at Days Bay?
Yes. A sandy harbour beach sits directly at the wharf. It is sheltered and popular for swimming in summer, with a gentle slope suitable for families.
What walks are available from Days Bay?
The Butterfly Creek Track offers a short climb into native bush from the Days Bay area. Longer ridge tracks and the Pencarrow Coast route extend through East Harbour Regional Park, with options for varying lengths and difficulty.
Is there food at Days Bay?
A café operates at the Days Bay wharf. Additional cafés, a bakery and an ice cream shop are available in Eastbourne village, a short walk south along the foreshore.
Can I cycle from Wellington to Days Bay?
No direct cycling route crosses the harbour. Bikes may be taken on the ferry subject to operator policy, after which the flat foreshore road between Days Bay and Eastbourne provides easy cycling.
What is the Pencarrow Lighthouse Walk?
The track follows the coast south from Eastbourne toward Pencarrow Head and the lighthouse. It forms part of East Harbour Regional Park and can be walked or cycled, with shorter options available by driving closer to the trailhead.
Is East Harbour Regional Park suitable for families?
The park offers a range of tracks from short accessible walks near Days Bay to longer ridge and coastal routes. The Butterfly Creek area includes a popular picnic spot.
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