The Oriental Bay Shared Path extends Wellington’s waterfront cycling route from Freyberg Pool along Oriental Parade and out toward Point Jerningham (Ōmarukaikuru) — giving cyclists and walkers a direct harbour-edge route past one of the city’s most popular beaches. The path has a dedicated two-way cycling lane separated from pedestrians, making it one of the most pleasant short cycling stretches in Wellington.
Practical Information
| Route | Freyberg Pool (Herd Street) to Point Jerningham / Ōmarukaikuru |
| Distance | Approx. 1.5 km |
| Surface | Sealed, separated cycling and pedestrian paths |
| Difficulty | Easy — flat, all-weather surface |
| Cost | Free |
| Facilities | Cafés and restaurants along Oriental Parade; toilets at Freyberg Pool and near the beach |
| Access | Wheelchair and pram accessible |
| Connections | Wellington Waterfront Path to the north; Evans Bay Parade Cycleway continuing south toward Miramar |
About the Path
Oriental Bay is Wellington’s most well-known city beach, and the shared path running along Oriental Parade gives cyclists a dedicated route through this busy stretch. The upgrade — delivered as part of the Tahitai project (named by Taranaki Whānui to mean “one tide, one journey”) — separated cycling from walking along this section, improving both safety and the experience for path users.
The cycling lane is 2.5 metres wide and runs as a two-way path on the harbour side of Oriental Parade. The pedestrian path alongside is 4.6 metres wide — wide enough to absorb the foot traffic from beach-goers, café patrons, and the morning run crowd. On weekday mornings the path is genuinely peaceful; on summer weekends it gets busy from mid-morning onward.
The path forms part of the broader Tahitai coastal cycling route — a long-term project to create a continuous walking and cycling connection around the eastern harbour edge of Wellington, from Oriental Bay to Miramar Peninsula. The first sections around Point Jerningham are complete; further sections toward Evans Bay and Miramar are at various stages of completion.
The Tahitai Vision
Tahitai is a 7 km planned harbour-side walking and cycling route connecting Oriental Bay with Motu Kairangi/Miramar Peninsula, designed by Wellington City Council and Waka Kotahi. The project is being delivered in stages — the sections around Ōmarukaikuru (Point Jerningham) and along Cobham Drive are the most advanced. When complete, it will be possible to cycle from the central Wellington waterfront to Miramar along the harbour edge without mixing with motor traffic.
The name Tahitai was given by Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika and reflects the Māori significance of the harbour and its tidal relationship with the communities around it.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council — Evans Bay and Tahitai Project — full project information including construction progress, stage maps, and the broader harbour-edge vision.
AllTrails — Oriental Parade Path — user reviews, photos, and current trail conditions from people who’ve ridden and walked the path recently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Oriental Bay path open for cycling?
Yes — the path has a dedicated two-way cycling lane separated from the pedestrian walkway. It is open at all hours.
How long is the Oriental Bay Shared Path?
Approximately 1.5 km, from Freyberg Pool to Point Jerningham. It connects at both ends to the wider Wellington coastal cycling network.
Is there swimming at Oriental Bay?
Yes — Oriental Bay Beach is Wellington’s most central swimming beach. It is a popular spot for swimming in summer. The swimming in Wellington page covers conditions and water quality information.
Can I combine this with other waterfront cycling?
Yes — the path links directly to the Wellington Waterfront Shared Path to the north, and continues south as the Evans Bay Parade Cycleway. The complete coastal route from the CBD to Miramar is possible (with some sections still under development).
See all cycling routes: Cycling Tracks in Wellington
Continuing south: Evans Bay Parade Cycleway — the next section toward Miramar Peninsula.