Last updated July 2026
Seatoun Beach is a sheltered sandy beach on the inner side of Wellington Harbour in the suburb of Seatoun on the Miramar Peninsula. It faces the harbour rather than the open sea, providing calm water that suits family swimming during summer months.
Entry is free and there are no lifeguard patrols. The beach sits at the eastern entrance to the harbour with views toward the heads and nearby landmarks.
Swimming Facts
Greater Wellington tests Seatoun Beach weekly from November to March. Check the latest result before you swim, and stay out of the water for 48 hours after heavy rain.
Today’s result on LAWAWhat the grades mean
Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.
Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine enterococci results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (Wharf: 183 per 100 mL from 72 tests; Inglis Street: 211 per 100 mL from 73 tests).
Practical Information
- Location
- Seatoun, Miramar Peninsula, Wellington
- Admission
- Free
- Lifeguard patrol
- Not patrolled, swim with care
- Facilities
- Parking along the beachfront and at northern car park with boat ramp; Churchill Park at southern end with toilets and playground
- Water quality
- Monitored by Greater Wellington Regional Council during summer
About the Beach
Seatoun Beach curves along the inner harbour side of the Miramar Peninsula in a quiet residential suburb. The setting offers a relaxed alternative to busier city beaches, with calm harbour waters that remain relatively sheltered even when conditions are rougher elsewhere.
The beach provides views across the harbour entrance toward the Pencarrow lighthouse area on the eastern shore. At the northern end a boat ramp allows small vessel access to the harbour, while a small wharf offers additional vantage points. Water temperatures here are typically cooler than on the Scorching Bay side of the peninsula.
The suburb retains a local character with nearby village amenities a short walk from the sand. Greater Wellington monitors recreational water quality at coastal sites including this location during the summer swimming season.
Seatoun Beach Playground
Churchill Park Play Area lies directly beside the southern end of Seatoun Beach. The unfenced playground features a nautical theme with a prominent pirate ship structure, slides, swings including a basket swing, and rope elements. It provides easy access to the beach for combined play and swimming visits.
Toilets are available at the park, which is listed among Wellington City Council play areas. The site suits families seeking a beachside play spot with direct sand access and remains open during standard park hours.
Barrett Reef and the Harbour Entrance
Barrett Reef lies just offshore from Seatoun at the entrance to Wellington Harbour. The shallow rocky formation has been the site of multiple shipwrecks over time. On 10 April 1968 the inter-island ferry TEV Wahine struck the reef during a severe storm and later capsized, resulting in 51 deaths on the day with two further fatalities later.
Steeple Rock, also known as Te Aroaro-o-Kupe, is a prominent 7-metre rock formation that marks the harbour entrance nearby. The combination of the reef and rock gives the area a notable maritime history alongside its current recreational use.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council Beaches and Coast: Information on Wellington beaches, boat ramps and coastal facilities.
Wellington City Council Play Areas: Details and locations of playgrounds including Churchill Park in Seatoun.
Greater Wellington Recreational Water Quality: Current monitoring results for coastal swimming sites around Wellington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Seatoun Beach?
Seatoun Beach is located in the suburb of Seatoun on the Miramar Peninsula in Wellington, facing the inner harbour.
Is Seatoun Beach patrolled by lifeguards?
No, Seatoun Beach is not patrolled. Swimmers should exercise caution and check conditions.
Is the water at Seatoun Beach calm?
Yes, the beach faces inside Wellington Harbour so the water is generally sheltered and calmer than open coast beaches.
What facilities are available at Seatoun Beach?
Parking is available along the beachfront and at the northern end near the boat ramp. Churchill Park at the southern end provides toilets and a playground.
What is the Seatoun Beach Playground like?
Churchill Park Play Area features a nautical theme with a pirate ship, slides and swings, and sits directly beside the beach with easy sand access.
What happened at Barrett Reef?
Barrett Reef is a shallow rocky area offshore where the ferry Wahine struck during a storm on 10 April 1968, leading to 51 deaths on the day.
Is there a boat ramp at Seatoun Beach?
Yes, a small boat ramp is located at the northern end of the beach for harbour access.
Is water quality monitored at Seatoun Beach?
Yes, Greater Wellington Regional Council monitors recreational water quality at the site during the summer months.
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