Last updated May 2026
Island Bay is one of Wellington’s most distinctive coastal suburbs — a south-facing community 5km from the city centre, built around a bay that looks directly onto Cook Strait. Offshore lies Tapu Te Ranga Island, a small island that acts as a natural breakwater and gives the suburb its name. Island Bay is known nationally for its Italian fishing heritage: Italian fishermen settled here from the late nineteenth century, and the “Blessing of the Boats” ceremony — rooted in the Italian Catholic tradition — has been held at Island Bay every year since 1933. Today it is a lively, community-oriented suburb with a strong coastal identity.
About Island Bay
| Location | South coast Wellington, 5km from CBD |
| Character | South coast beach, Italian heritage, active fishing community |
| Named after | Tapu Te Ranga Island, offshore natural breakwater |
| Blessing of the Boats | Annual Italian-origin ceremony held since 1933 |
History and Development
The Island Bay portion of George Hunter’s coastal estate was subdivided and auctioned in March 1879. A racecourse operated at Island Bay from 1883 to 1890. In 1905, Wellington’s tramline was extended to Island Bay, transforming the area from a semi-rural coastal settlement into an accessible suburb. The tram connection accelerated residential growth and gave the suburb the community character it retains today.
Italian Fishing Heritage
Italian fishermen began settling at Island Bay in the late nineteenth century, and by the 1920s a substantial Italian community was established here. The sheltered anchorage created by Tapu Te Ranga Island made Island Bay a natural base for fishing operations in Cook Strait.
Shetland fishermen also settled at Island Bay and are credited with teaching the Italian community long-lining techniques better suited to the strong tides and rips of Cook Strait than the net-fishing methods of the Mediterranean. The two communities developed a distinctive fishing culture at Island Bay that continues to the present day.
The Blessing of the Boats ceremony has been held at Island Bay every year since 1933. The ceremony, with origins in the Italian Catholic fishing tradition, blesses the fleet at the start of the season and draws a large community gathering.
What Visitors Say
“Island Bay has a real village feel — the Italian heritage is still very much alive, the Blessing of the Boats is a wonderful community event, and the beach is one of Wellington’s best south coast beaches.” — wellingtonresidential.co.nz
“The fishing boats anchored in the bay, the island offshore, and the community atmosphere make Island Bay feel like a proper fishing village that happens to be minutes from a capital city.” — Stuff
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Island Bay covers the suburb’s full history including its Italian heritage and fishing community.
The Fishing Website — Island Bay Fishing History covers the Italian and Shetland fishing heritage in detail.
Te Ara — Southern Suburbs Wellington covers Island Bay’s history in regional context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Island Bay?
On Wellington’s south coast, 5km from the CBD, facing Cook Strait.
Why is it called Island Bay?
Named after Tapu Te Ranga Island, a small island 500m offshore that forms a natural breakwater and sheltered anchorage for the fishing fleet.
What is the Italian heritage at Island Bay?
Italian fishermen settled at Island Bay from the late 19th century, establishing a fishing community that continues today. The “Blessing of the Boats” ceremony, held annually since 1933, has Italian Catholic origins.
What is the Blessing of the Boats?
An annual ceremony held at Island Bay since 1933, blessing the fishing fleet at the start of the season. It has Italian Catholic origins and is a major community gathering.
What did Shetland fishermen contribute?
Shetland settlers at Island Bay taught the Italian community long-lining techniques better suited to Cook Strait’s strong tides than Mediterranean-style net fishing.
Is Island Bay beach good for swimming?
The beach is south-facing and can be exposed to southerly swells — conditions vary. Check water quality and conditions before swimming.
When was the tram extended to Island Bay?
In 1905, which significantly boosted the suburb’s growth and accessibility from the city.
Is the fishing community still active?
Yes — fishing boats are still moored in the bay and descendants of the original Italian fishing families continue to live and work in Island Bay.
The Wellington Suburbs hub covers all Wellington suburbs. Ōwhiro Bay is the next suburb to the west along the south coast, with the Taputeranga Marine Reserve at its centre. Brooklyn is the nearest inland suburb to the north.
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