The Miramar Peninsula is a hilly landmass that forms the southeastern corner of Wellington Harbour, connected to the main city by a low isthmus at Lyall Bay. It contains some of Wellington’s most varied coastal scenery — sheltered harbour beaches on the north side, exposed south coast cliffs and rocky shores to the south, and a network of walkways that cross the peninsula’s ridge and coastline. The area is also known as the home of Weta Workshop and has been a film production hub for decades, though for most visitors the peninsula is primarily a destination for beaches, walking and coast views.
Practical Information
| Location | Miramar Peninsula, eastern Wellington — accessed via Cobham Drive or Rongotai Road |
|---|---|
| Getting There | Drive from central Wellington (15–20 minutes); bus routes serve Miramar village and surrounding suburbs |
| Parking | Free parking available at most beach and walkway access points |
| Entry | Free |
| Key Spots | Scorching Bay, Worser Bay, Mahanga Bay, Eastern Walkway, Atatürk Memorial |
| Facilities | Cafés in Miramar village; limited facilities at beach access points |
About the Miramar Peninsula
Miramar was once an island — connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway and later permanently joined by land reclamation in the early twentieth century. The name derives from the Spanish for “look at the sea,” and views of the harbour, Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range are a constant feature of the higher points on the peninsula.
The peninsula’s harbour-facing (north) coast is characterised by sheltered bays — including Scorching Bay, Worser Bay and Mahanga Bay — with calm water suitable for swimming and kayaking. The south coast faces directly onto Cook Strait and is exposed to the southerly swells that are a defining feature of Wellington’s weather. The southern coastline is rocky and dramatic but largely inaccessible except via the Eastern Walkway.
The suburb of Miramar itself has a village centre with several cafés and the Roxy Cinema, which has strong connections to the local film industry. Weta Workshop — the special effects and prop-making company behind many international film productions — operates visitor tours from its Miramar base.
The Eastern Walkway
The Eastern Walkway is the main walking route on the peninsula, running from Shelly Bay along the eastern cliffs to Tarakena Bay at the entrance to Wellington Harbour. The route takes approximately 2–3 hours return and offers views back over the harbour, across to the Remutaka Range and out to sea. The Atatürk Memorial near Point Halswell commemorates the fallen of both sides at Gallipoli and overlooks the harbour entrance — a significant stop on the walkway.
The walkway passes through a mix of open grass, coastal scrub and some paved sections. It is suitable for most fitness levels, though some sections are exposed to wind. Wellington’s famous southerly can make these stretches challenging on windy days.
Wellington City Council — Eastern Walkway has track maps and access details. The Weta Workshop website covers tour bookings for those interested in the film connection.
What Visitors Say
FAQ
How do I get to the Miramar Peninsula?
By car from central Wellington it is about 15–20 minutes via Cobham Drive. Several bus routes serve Miramar village and the surrounding suburbs.
What are the best beaches on the Miramar Peninsula?
Scorching Bay and Worser Bay are the most popular harbour beaches — both sheltered and suitable for swimming. Mahanga Bay is smaller and quieter. The south coast beaches are exposed and not suitable for swimming.
How long is the Eastern Walkway?
The Eastern Walkway is approximately 5km one way from Shelly Bay to Tarakena Bay and takes 2–3 hours return at a comfortable pace.
What is the Atatürk Memorial on the Miramar Peninsula?
The Atatürk Memorial near Point Halswell commemorates the soldiers who died at Gallipoli in 1915. It overlooks the harbour entrance and is reached via the Eastern Walkway.
Is Miramar good for families?
Yes — the sheltered harbour beaches have playgrounds and calm water, and Miramar village has cafés. The Eastern Walkway is manageable for older children.
Is Weta Workshop in Miramar?
Yes — Weta Workshop is based in Miramar and offers visitor tours of its props and effects facilities. Booking in advance via their website is recommended.
The Miramar Peninsula’s beaches are part of Wellington’s wider swimming network — see Swimming in Wellington for more. Individual beaches covered in detail include Scorching Bay and Worser Bay Beach.