Last updated October 2026
Karaka Bays is a small residential suburb on the northeast coast of the Miramar Peninsula in Wellington, about 6 km east-south-east of the city centre and overlooking Wellington Harbour.
The suburb takes its name from the karaka tree, also known as the New Zealand laurel (Corynocarpus laevigatus), a native coastal species. It encompasses homes around two adjacent bays: Scorching Bay to the north and Karaka Bay to the south. The area features sandy beach sections, rock pools, a small jetty, and coastal paths with harbour views.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 740, down 3% since 2018
- Land area
- 0.46 km² (46 ha)
- Location
- 4.9 km south-east of central Wellington
- Council
- Wellington City Council
- Ward or local board
- Motukairangi/Eastern General Ward (Wellington City Council)
- Nearby landmarks
- Scorching Bay beach, Fort Ballance, Karaka Bay jetty, Coombe Rocks
Who Lives in Karaka Bays
About 740 residents in 290 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Karaka Bays
There is no school inside the Karaka Bays boundary, but these schools have enrolment zones that cover some or all of it.
Zoned for Karaka Bays
Show all 5 zoned schools
Source: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026. Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Karaka Bays
Wellington City Council sets collection days street by street. Look up your address to get your day and which bins go out.
Find your bin day and what goes in each binSafety and Hazards
Sources: Greater Wellington tsunami evacuation zones; Wellington City District Plan 2024 flood hazard overlays.
Buses from Karaka Bays
22 bus stops inside the suburb.
Source: Metlink timetable data, CC BY 4.0. Typical weekday daytime frequency.
Handy Facilities
Source: Wellington City Council public toilets; NZTA EVRoam charging sites.
Weather and Rent at a Glance
Sources: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026. City-wide figures.
In Karaka Bays
Places and businesses inside the official Karaka Bays boundary.
Places
About Karaka Bays
Karaka Bays lies on the northeast coast of the Miramar Peninsula and offers expansive views across Wellington Harbour.
Karaka Bays lies on the northeast coast of the Miramar Peninsula and offers expansive views across Wellington Harbour. Residential properties cluster near the shores of Scorching Bay and Karaka Bay, with homes also set on the surrounding slopes. The suburb provides a quieter coastal setting within easy reach of central Wellington.
The coastline has historical ties to whaling. Coombe Rocks, a series of rocky islets offshore, served as a watching place for cetaceans. In more recent times, marine mammals such as New Zealand fur seals are commonly sighted along the coast, with orca occasionally visible offshore.
Fort Ballance stands above Scorching Bay as a reminder of the peninsula’s coastal defence history. Built in 1885, it was the first fort constructed in Wellington and remained the city’s primary coastal defence work until 1911. The site is listed as a Category 1 historic place by Heritage New Zealand.
A footpath follows sections of the shoreline around Karaka Bay, offering harbour views and access to beach areas and rock pools. A small jetty at Karaka Bay supports local recreational use.
Scorching Bay Beach and Recreation
Scorching Bay is the main swimming beach in the suburb.
Scorching Bay is the main swimming beach in the suburb. Wellington City Council describes it as a popular sandy inner-harbour bathing beach that is sheltered from northerly winds and features a large grassed area. It suits swimming, sunbathing, picnics and family outings, with additional appeal from nearby rock pools and views of ships entering and leaving the harbour.
Facilities include toilets, changing rooms, a paved outdoor shower area, a playground with rope-climbing structures, angle parking and mobility parks, plus an access ramp to the beach. The beach is suitable for swimming under appropriate conditions, and visitors can check current water quality via LAWA.
History
The area around Karaka Bays has long-standing connections to the sea.
The area around Karaka Bays has long-standing connections to the sea. Whaling activity in earlier times used Coombe Rocks as an observation point for whales and other cetaceans.
Fort Ballance, constructed in 1885 on Point Gordon above Scorching Bay, formed part of Wellington’s coastal fortifications during a period of concern over possible naval threats. It served as the main defensive installation for the city from 1885 until 1911.
Near Karaka Bays
Just outside Karaka Bays, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council — Scorching Bay Beach: Official details on the beach, facilities, access and swimming conditions.
Heritage New Zealand — Fort Ballance: Information on the historic coastal defence site and its listing status.
Wikipedia — Karaka Bays: Overview of the suburb with references to historical and natural features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Karaka Bays located?
Karaka Bays is a suburb on the northeast coast of the Miramar Peninsula in Wellington, about 6 km east-south-east of the city centre and overlooking Wellington Harbour.
Why is the suburb called Karaka Bays?
It is named after the karaka tree, also known as the New Zealand laurel (Corynocarpus laevigatus), a native species associated with coastal areas.
What are the two main bays in the suburb?
The suburb includes residential areas around Scorching Bay to the north and Karaka Bay to the south.
Is Scorching Bay good for swimming?
Yes. Wellington City Council describes Scorching Bay as a popular sandy inner-harbour bathing beach that is sheltered from northerly winds and has a large grassed area suitable for swimming and recreation.
What facilities are available at Scorching Bay?
Facilities include toilets, changing rooms, an outdoor shower, a playground, parking including mobility parks, and a beach access ramp.
What is the history of Fort Ballance?
Fort Ballance, built in 1885 above Scorching Bay, was Wellington’s first coastal fort and its primary defence installation from 1885 to 1911. It is a Category 1 historic place.
Is there a jetty at Karaka Bay?
Yes. A small jetty is located at Karaka Bay and has undergone upgrade work in recent years.
Are there walking paths in the area?
A footpath follows parts of the shoreline around Karaka Bay, providing harbour views and access to beach and rock pool areas.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Wellington only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Karaka Bays is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.