The Island Bay Marine Education Centre (IBMEC) is a community marine aquarium and education facility on Wellington’s south coast, run by the Wellington Marine Conservation Trust. Based in the historic Island Bay bait shed — now known as the Bait House Aquarium — the centre displays live local marine animals including octopuses, seahorses, blue cod and crayfish. It is open to the public on Sundays and offers school programmes and snorkelling experiences throughout the year.
Practical Information
| Location | The Parade, Island Bay, Wellington |
|---|---|
| Public opening | Sundays (Open Sundays programme) — check website for current dates |
| School programmes | Available by booking — see octopus.org.nz |
| Entry | Check website for current admission details |
| Parking | Street parking on The Parade |
| Managed by | Wellington Marine Conservation Trust (not-for-profit) |
| Website | octopus.org.nz |
About the Centre
IBMEC was established in 1996 by Dr Victor Anderlini and Judy Hutt with the goal of connecting people — especially children — with Wellington’s local marine environment. The centre operates from two buildings: the original Island Bay bait shed (the Bait House Aquarium) and the former Island Bay Surf Club building, now called Octopus Headquarters.
The Bait House Aquarium houses a changing collection of live local marine animals. Octopuses are a highlight — particularly the Pygmy Octopus (Octopus huttoni), a species found in Wellington’s coastal waters. Seahorses, blue cod, spotties and other reef species are also on display. The centre’s Touch Gently Pool allows visitors to hold some marine animals under supervision — a genuinely memorable experience for younger visitors.
Education Programmes
IBMEC runs marine education programmes for school groups, covering Wellington’s coastal ecology, marine species identification and conservation. Snorkelling Adventure Programmes take participants into the Taputeranga Marine Reserve for a guided underwater experience, with IBMEC-provided wetsuits and equipment. These programmes are available for both school groups and families and can be booked through the centre’s website.
Island Bay Marine Education Centre — octopus.org.nz has full information on opening dates, school programmes, snorkelling adventures and how to get involved. IBMEC — Taputeranga Marine Reserve covers the marine reserve adjacent to Island Bay.
FAQ
When is the Island Bay Marine Education Centre open?
The centre runs Open Sundays for public visits. Dates vary — check octopus.org.nz for the current schedule. School groups and snorkelling programmes are available by booking.
What animals can I see at IBMEC?
Live octopuses (including the locally found Pygmy Octopus), seahorses, blue cod, crayfish, spotties and other Wellington reef species. The collection changes seasonally.
Is there a touch pool at Island Bay Marine Education Centre?
Yes — the Touch Gently Pool allows visitors to hold some marine animals under supervision. It is a popular feature, especially for children.
Can schools visit Island Bay Marine Education Centre?
Yes — IBMEC offers marine education programmes for school groups covering local ecology and conservation. Bookings are made through the centre’s website.
Are snorkelling programmes available?
Yes — IBMEC runs Snorkelling Adventure Programmes in the Taputeranga Marine Reserve for both schools and families. Equipment is provided. Details at octopus.org.nz.
Where exactly is IBMEC?
The centre is on The Parade in Island Bay, Wellington’s south coast suburb, approximately 8 kilometres from the city centre.
For more Wellington south coast parks and natural areas, see Wellington Parks and Reserves. The adjacent Taputeranga Marine Reserve is home to the marine life featured at IBMEC.