Ōwhiro Bay is the last road-accessible bay on Wellington’s south-west coast — a small, sheltered community where steep escarpments drop to a wide sandy beach facing Cook Strait. The suburb sits west of Island Bay and has been settled for hundreds of years, with evidence of long Māori occupation predating European arrival. Today Ōwhiro Bay is at the centre of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve — a protected 854-hectare coastal reserve declared in 2008 — and a community actively working to restore the local environment through predator trapping and penguin protection.
About Ōwhiro Bay
| Location | South-west Wellington coast, west of Island Bay |
| Character | Small coastal community, south coast exposure, marine reserve |
| Population | Approximately 1,995 (2018 census) |
| Marine reserve | Taputeranga Marine Reserve (854ha, declared 2008) |
History
Ōwhiro Bay has been settled for hundreds of years — evidence of long Māori occupation predates European arrival in the Wellington region. From the early 1900s, quarrying was a significant industry within the bay, making use of the rocky coastal geology. Today, the residential community is a mix of long-established families and newer arrivals drawn by the coastal character.
Taputeranga Marine Reserve
The Taputeranga Marine Reserve — declared in 2008 — covers 854 hectares extending some 2.3km off Wellington’s south coast, with Ōwhiro Bay at its centre. Since the reserve was established, marine life has flourished. The reserve protects the diverse coastal ecosystem of Wellington’s south coast, including reef fish, crayfish and other marine species.
An active community trapping group works to remove rats, stoats and other predators from the Ōwhiro Bay shoreline, and as a result Little Blue Penguins (kororā) have been returning to the beaches.
The Beach
Ōwhiro Bay’s beach is wide and sandy with a shallow gradient. It is relatively sheltered by the bay’s orientation, though it can be susceptible to swells in bad conditions. The beach is used for swimming by locals in summer, though it is not a patrolled beach — check conditions before entering the water.
What Visitors Say
“Ōwhiro Bay is the coolest little suburb on Wellington’s south coast — small houses tucked under the escarpment, a proper sandy beach, and the marine reserve right there. Penguins have even been spotted on the beach.” — Owhiro Bay Residents Association
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Ōwhiro Bay covers the suburb’s history and character.
Wellington City Council — Ōwhiro Bay Beach has current beach information and water quality data.
Ōwhiro Bay Residents Association has community information including the trapping programme and penguin recovery work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ōwhiro Bay?
On Wellington’s south-west coast, west of Island Bay — the last road-accessible bay in that direction.
What is the Taputeranga Marine Reserve?
An 854-hectare marine reserve off Wellington’s south coast, declared in 2008, with Ōwhiro Bay at its centre. Marine life has increased significantly since it was established.
Are there penguins at Ōwhiro Bay?
Little Blue Penguins (kororā) are returning to the beaches, aided by an active community predator-trapping programme that removes rats, stoats and other threats.
Is Ōwhiro Bay beach safe for swimming?
The beach is relatively sheltered but south-facing and unpatrolled — check conditions before entering the water.
What was the main industry at Ōwhiro Bay historically?
Quarrying, from the early 1900s, making use of the rocky coastal geology.
How long has Ōwhiro Bay been settled?
For hundreds of years — evidence of Māori occupation long predates European arrival in the Wellington region.
How big is Ōwhiro Bay?
Around 4 square kilometres, with approximately 1,995 residents (2018 census).
What is the predator trapping programme?
A community-led effort to remove rats, stoats and other introduced predators from the Ōwhiro Bay shoreline, helping native species including Little Blue Penguins to return.
The Wellington Suburbs hub covers all Wellington suburbs. Island Bay is the next suburb to the east along the south coast, known for its Italian fishing heritage. Brooklyn is the hillside suburb to the north, above the south coast ridge.