Last updated July 2026
The Island Bay Marine Education Centre is a not-for-profit community aquarium and education facility on Wellington’s south coast, operated by the Wellington Marine Conservation Trust. It provides hands-on experiences with local marine life through live displays, touch pools and guided programmes. The centre operates from two historic buildings: the former Island Bay bait shed, now the Bait House Aquarium, and the former surf club building known as Octopus Headquarters. It has offered marine education experiences since 1996 and is open to the public every Sunday, with additional school and group programmes available by booking.
Practical Information
| Location | The Parade, Island Bay, Wellington |
| Public opening | Every Sunday (Open Sundays programme) — check octopus.org.nz for details |
| School and group programmes | Available by booking |
| Entry | Check octopus.org.nz for current admission details |
| Parking | Street parking on The Parade |
| Managed by | Wellington Marine Conservation Trust (not-for-profit) |
| Website | octopus.org.nz |
About Island Bay Marine Education Centre
The centre was established in 1996 by Dr Victor Anderlini and Judy Hutt to connect people, especially children, with Wellington’s marine environment. It operates as a not-for-profit facility run by the Wellington Marine Conservation Trust, with the motto “If you know what’s there, then you’ll care!” The Bait House Aquarium displays a changing collection of live local marine animals from Cook Strait and the Wellington south coast, including octopuses, seahorses and lobsters. The Touch Gently Pool allows supervised handling of animals such as starfish, sea cucumbers and anemones.
The second venue, Octopus Headquarters, is the former Island Bay Surf Club building and supports additional activities and events. The centre hosts nearly one million visitors since opening and currently welcomes over 25,000 people each year through its public, school and group programmes. It focuses on inspiring stewardship of New Zealand’s marine habitats through live displays, hands-on activities and education.
Education Programmes
Marine education programmes are available for schools, early childhood groups and other organisations. These cover Wellington’s coastal ecology, species identification and conservation, with hands-on activities led by experienced educators. Programmes include exploration of the rocky shore environment and close encounters with animals at the Bait House Aquarium. Bookings are made through the centre’s website.
Snorkelling Adventures
Guided Snorkelling Adventure Programmes take participants into the adjacent Taputeranga Marine Reserve for an introductory underwater experience. Equipment including wetsuits is provided by the centre. These programmes are offered for school groups, families and other visitors and can be booked via octopus.org.nz. The reserve protects 854 hectares of coastal waters near Island Bay.
What Visitors Often Say
Families and school groups describe the centre as one of Wellington’s most engaging hands-on nature experiences. The opportunity to handle marine animals in the touch pool under volunteer supervision stands out as educational and memorable for children and adults alike.
Where to Learn More
Island Bay Marine Education Centre: Official site with current opening dates, programme bookings and visitor information.
Taputeranga Marine Reserve: Details on the marine reserve and related snorkelling activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Island Bay Marine Education Centre open?
The centre is open every Sunday for public visits. Dates and times are listed on octopus.org.nz. School and snorkelling programmes require advance booking.
What animals can I see at the centre?
Live displays include octopuses, seahorses, lobsters and other local reef species from Cook Strait. The collection changes seasonally.
Is there a touch pool?
Yes, the Touch Gently Pool allows supervised handling of animals such as starfish, sea cucumbers and anemones.
Can schools visit the centre?
Yes, marine education programmes for schools cover local ecology and conservation. Bookings are made through the website.
Are snorkelling programmes available?
Yes, guided Snorkelling Adventure Programmes operate in the Taputeranga Marine Reserve with equipment provided. Details are on octopus.org.nz.
Where is the centre located?
It is on The Parade in Island Bay on Wellington’s south coast, approximately 8 kilometres from the city centre.
Who runs the centre?
The Island Bay Marine Education Centre is a not-for-profit facility operated by the Wellington Marine Conservation Trust.
Is the centre suitable for young children?
Yes, programmes and displays are designed for all ages, including early childhood groups, with an emphasis on hands-on learning.
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