Last updated October 2026
Days Bay is a compact residential suburb on the eastern shore of Wellington Harbour in Lower Hutt, known for its sheltered sandy beach, bush-backed Williams Park, and direct ferry link to the city. Framed by steep slopes and Marine Drive, it forms part of the Eastern Bays sequence that includes nearby Eastbourne.
The Māori name is Oruamatoro (also rendered Ōruamātoro). Visitors and residents value the easy harbour access, open green space, and quiet coastal character. It sits within Hutt City Council’s Harbour ward and the Eastbourne Community Board area.
Practical Information
- Ward or local board
- Harbour Ward; Eastbourne Community Board
- Getting there
- Marine Drive (Eastern Bays road); Metlink buses 81, 83 and 84; East by West Ferry from Queens Wharf, Wellington, to Days Bay Wharf (about 20–25 minutes)
- Main shopping
- Limited local options at the pavilion and beachfront; main shops, cafés and services in nearby Eastbourne village (short walk or bus)
- Schools
- Wellesley College (independent boys’ primary school) in Days Bay; Muritai School (primary) nearby in Eastbourne
- Nearby landmarks
- Williams Park and Days Bay Beach; Days Bay Wharf; Eastbourne village; Matiu/Somes Island (ferry stop)
About Days Bay
Days Bay occupies a small, level pocket of land on Wellington Harbour’s eastern side, enclosed on three sides by steep, bush-clad hills. Most of the flat ground is taken up by the 6.5-hectare Williams Park and the grounds of Wellesley College.
A white-sand beach fronts the bay, with a gentle incline that makes it popular for swimming and walking in settled weather. The setting feels secluded yet remains closely linked to the wider Eastern Bays and Lower Hutt.
The original Māori name is Oruamatoro (or Ōruamātoro). It was associated with Ngāti Ira, who maintained a fortified village (pā) here; sources record it as built by Te Hiha.
The bay and surrounding ridges formed part of a network of kāinga and pā along the eastern harbour shores used for fishing, gathering and defence. Later European naming briefly used Hawtrey Bay before the Days family settled and the present name took hold.
In the late nineteenth century Wellington shipowner J. H. Williams acquired land, built a wharf (completed 1895) and developed the bay as a day-trip and holiday resort. Facilities included a pavilion (opened 1897, later destroyed by fire), tennis courts, sports grounds and Days Bay House (built 1903).
Crowds arrived by steamer for swimming, picnics and events. After changes in ownership the core resort land became public: Williams Park was secured for the public in 1914 and named in recognition of the Williams family’s contribution. Days Bay House later became the basis of Wellesley College.
Today Days Bay remains a quiet residential enclave with a strong recreational focus. Williams Park offers open lawn, a duck pond, bush tracks, tennis courts, pétanque, free electric barbecue, toilets, changing rooms and a pavilion with café. The beach and park are open year-round.
Dogs are permitted in the park on-lead. The historic Days Bay Wharf continues to serve the East by West ferry and remains a Category 2 historic place. Recent park upgrades have improved seating, paths, safety and open views while incorporating design elements that reference local geography and mana whenua connections.
Getting Around
Marine Drive is the sole road access, running along the Eastern Bays from Seaview and Point Howard south toward Eastbourne. Metlink buses 81, 83 and 84 serve the bay and connect to Petone, Lower Hutt and Wellington.
The East by West Ferry provides a direct, scenic harbour crossing from Queens Wharf in central Wellington to the Days Bay Wharf, with some sailings also calling at Matiu/Somes Island.
A shared path section of Tupua Horo Nuku links Days Bay toward Eastbourne, improving walking and cycling safety. Parking is available at Williams Park (free) and along the foreshore; it can fill on fine weekends.
Getting Outdoors
Williams Park and the adjoining beach form the heart of outdoor life in Days Bay. The park’s open grass suits informal sport and picnics, while bush tracks climb into the surrounding native forest. The sheltered sandy beach is popular for swimming and walking; it is not lifeguard-patrolled but has a gentle gradient.
Kayaks or sea canoes are sometimes available for hire near the pavilion. The ferry opens easy day trips to Matiu/Somes Island. Further afield, the Eastern Bays shared path and links into East Harbour Regional Park offer longer walks and rides. Check LAWA or Greater Wellington advice for water-quality status, especially after heavy rain.
History and Heritage
Beyond the Māori occupation and the Williams resort era, two Category 2 historic places stand out: the timber Days Bay Wharf (built 1895) and the main block of Wellesley College (originally Days Bay House, 1903).
The wharf is the oldest surviving structure in the Eastbourne area linked to J. H. Williams and the ferry trade that made the bay a regional playground.
The college building began life as accommodation for resort guests before becoming a school. Public ownership of Williams Park since 1914 has preserved the open space and bush backdrop that still define the suburb’s character.
Where to Learn More
Hutt City Council – Williams Park / Days Bay Beach: Official facilities, dog rules, opening information and park details.
Heritage New Zealand – Days Bay Wharf: Listing and history of the Category 2 historic wharf.
Wikipedia – Days Bay: Overview of location, Māori name, European development and Williams Park origins (cites primary sources).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Days Bay part of Wellington or Lower Hutt?
Days Bay is a suburb of Lower Hutt City, on the eastern side of Wellington Harbour. It is closely linked to Wellington by ferry and road and falls within the wider Wellington region.
How do I get to Days Bay from central Wellington?
Take the East by West Ferry from Queens Wharf (about 20–25 minutes) or catch Metlink bus 81, 83 or 84 via Petone or Lower Hutt. Driving follows Marine Drive around the Eastern Bays.
What is the Māori name for Days Bay?
The Māori name is Oruamatoro (also written Ōruamātoro). It was associated with a Ngāti Ira fortified settlement.
Is there a beach and is it safe for swimming?
Yes. Days Bay has a white-sand beach with a gentle incline. It is not lifeguard-patrolled. The sheltered location makes it popular with families; always check conditions and water-quality advice, especially after rain.
Can I take my dog to Williams Park?
Dogs are allowed at Williams Park but must be on-lead at all times. Follow any additional beach or foreshore rules posted by Hutt City Council.
What school is in Days Bay?
Wellesley College, an independent boys’ primary school, occupies part of the level land beside Williams Park. Muritai School (primary) is nearby in Eastbourne.
Is there parking at Days Bay?
Free parking is available at Williams Park and along the beachfront. Spaces can be limited on sunny weekends and public holidays.
What is Williams Park?
Williams Park is a 6.5-hectare public reserve with open grass, bush tracks, duck pond, tennis courts, barbecue, pavilion café, toilets and direct access to the beach and wharf. It has been in public ownership since 1914.
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