Seatoun Beach is a sheltered sandy beach at the eastern entrance to Wellington Harbour, in the suburb of Seatoun on the Miramar Peninsula. It faces the harbour rather than the open sea, giving it calm, clear water and making it a pleasant family swimming spot in summer. No lifeguards patrol; entry is free.
Practical Information
| Location | Seatoun, Miramar Peninsula, Wellington (approximately 7 km southeast of the CBD) |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free |
| Lifeguard patrol | Not patrolled — swim with care |
| Facilities | Parking along the beachfront; car park and boat ramp at northern end; Churchill Park at the southern end with toilets and playground |
About the Beach
Seatoun Beach curves along the inner side of the Miramar Peninsula, facing Wellington Harbour. It is a calm, sandy beach in a quiet residential suburb — a more relaxed option than the busier beaches closer to the city. The suburb of Seatoun itself retains an unhurried, local character that makes it worth a visit beyond the beach alone.
The beach looks across the harbour entrance toward the Pencarrow lighthouse on the eastern shore. At the northern end, a boat ramp gives access to the harbour, and a small wharf provides views toward the heads. The waters here are inside the harbour and generally calm, though water temperature is cooler than the Scorching Bay side of the peninsula.
Barrett Reef and the Harbour Entrance
Just offshore from Seatoun, Barrett Reef is a shallow rocky hazard that has been responsible for many shipwrecks — including the Wahine disaster in 1968, when the ferry ran aground in a severe storm with the loss of 51 lives. The Steeple Rock (Te Aroaro-o-Kupe) — a 7-metre rock — marks the harbour entrance nearby. This history gives Seatoun’s quiet beach an unexpectedly dramatic backstory.
Where to Learn More
FAQ
Where is Seatoun Beach?
In Seatoun, on the eastern side of the Miramar Peninsula — about 7 km from Wellington CBD, accessed via Miramar and the Seatoun Tunnel or Shelly Bay Road.
Is Seatoun Beach patrolled?
No — there are no lifeguard patrols at Seatoun Beach. Swim with care and be aware of local conditions.
Is the water calm?
Yes — Seatoun faces inside Wellington Harbour, so the water is sheltered and relatively calm. It is better for swimming than the open south coast beaches.
What is Barrett Reef?
A shallow rocky reef just offshore from Seatoun, at the entrance to Wellington Harbour. It is well-known as the site of the 1968 Wahine shipwreck, one of New Zealand’s worst maritime disasters.
Is there parking at Seatoun Beach?
Yes — parking is available along the beachfront and at the northern car park near the boat ramp.
Also on the Miramar Peninsula: Scorching Bay on the harbour side offers patrolled swimming with a café. For all Wellington swimming spots, see Swimming in Wellington.