Last updated July 2026
Scorching Bay is a sheltered inner-harbour beach on Wellington’s Miramar Peninsula, popular with day visitors and occasionally used for overnight campervan stops. The bay offers calm water, a sandy beach, grassed reserve and public facilities, but it is not one of Wellington City Council’s two designated freedom camping sites. Overnight stays in self-contained vehicles are possible on-street provided rules are followed, though visitors should confirm current status directly with the council. The Scorching Bay Pavilion provides toilets and changing rooms that close during winter months.
Practical Information
| Location | Scorching Bay, Miramar Peninsula, Wellington |
| Type | On-street parking near public toilets — not a designated freedom camping site |
| Toilets | Scorching Bay Pavilion — open September to May; closed 1 June to 31 August |
| Vehicle type | Certified self-contained motor vehicles only |
| Cost | Free (on-street, subject to time limits) |
| Enforcement | WCC park rangers patrol known spots |
| Fines | $400 infringement fee under the Public Places Bylaw 2022 |
| From Wellington CBD | Approximately 15 minutes by car via Evans Bay Parade |
| Accessibility | Access ramp to beach and mobility parks near changing rooms |
| Dogs | Not allowed on the beach at any time |
About Scorching Bay
Scorching Bay faces west across Wellington Harbour and is sheltered from northerly winds, creating calmer conditions than ocean beaches. The site features a small sandy beach, a large grassed foreshore reserve, and the brick Scorching Bay Pavilion with toilets, changing facilities and a paved outdoor shower area. An upgrade completed in 2008 added native plantings, improved pedestrian access, a rope-climbing playground structure and three mobility parks.
The surrounding area is residential and quiet. Campervans typically park along the reserve frontage near the pavilion. The Moa Point walkway connects the bay to the wider Miramar Peninsula coastal path, linking to Lyall Bay and other eastern bays. The bay offers views north across the harbour toward the CBD, with city lights visible on clear evenings.
Plenty of angle parking is available. A path across the road from the turnaround area leads into regenerating bush. The beach is suitable for swimming and popular for sunbathing and watching harbour traffic.
Freedom Camping Rules at Scorching Bay
Wellington City Council designates only two formal freedom camping sites: Evans Bay Marina car park (52 spaces) and Te Kopahou Visitors Centre car park in Owhiro Bay (16 spaces, not suitable for vehicles over 7 m or caravans). These sites explicitly authorise overnight stays for certified self-contained vehicles, with a maximum of four consecutive nights in any calendar month.
Scorching Bay is not a designated site. On-street parking is permitted for self-contained vehicles provided any posted time limits are observed and the vehicle meets the green warrant self-containment requirement. Camping is prohibited on all land managed under the Reserves Act 1977 and Wellington Town Belt Act 2016. The Public Places Bylaw 2022 restricts freedom camping city-wide and sets a $400 infringement fee for breaches.
The pavilion toilets close from 1 June to 31 August, limiting suitability for overnight stays in winter. Visitors must check the current WCC freedom camping page before planning a stop, as rules and enforcement can change.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe Scorching Bay as a beautiful, calm spot with easy beach access and quiet nights, ideal for a morning swim before moving on.
Reviewers note that the two designated sites offer clearer rules and more spaces, while Scorching Bay requires careful checking of current on-street permissions.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council — Freedom Camping in Wellington: Official rules, designated sites, bylaw details and self-containment requirements for overnight vehicle stays.
Wellington City Council — Scorching Bay Beach: Current facilities, accessibility, seasonal toilet hours and beach features.
LAWA — Scorching Bay Swim Site: Water quality information and swimming conditions for the bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scorching Bay a designated WCC freedom camping site?
No. The two formally designated sites are Evans Bay Marina car park and Te Kopahou Visitors Centre car park in Owhiro Bay. Scorching Bay is an on-street parking area near public toilets.
Are the toilets open year-round?
No. The Scorching Bay Pavilion toilets and changing facilities are open from September to May and closed from 1 June to 31 August.
Do I need a self-containment certificate to park overnight?
Yes. Only certified self-contained motor vehicles with a valid green warrant may freedom camp. Tent camping is not permitted outside designated campgrounds.
What is the fine for breaching freedom camping rules?
The infringement fee is $400 under the Public Places Bylaw 2022.
Where are the nearest designated freedom camping sites?
Evans Bay Marina car park is nearby with 52 spaces. Te Kopahou Visitors Centre car park in Owhiro Bay has 16 spaces and is about 20 minutes away.
Is parking at Scorching Bay suitable year-round?
The bay is sheltered from northerlies but exposed to southerlies. Toilet facilities close in winter, making overnight stays less practical from June to August.
Are dogs allowed at Scorching Bay?
No. Dogs are not permitted on the beach at any time.
Is the beach accessible?
Yes. An access ramp leads to the beach and mobility parks are located near the changing rooms.
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