Last updated May 2026
Shorland Park is a reserve in Island Bay on Wellington’s south coast, used by campervans as an overnight stop near the beach. The park has public toilets, a playground, and BBQ facilities, and sits close to Island Bay Beach and the City to Sea Walkway. Like most on-street overnight spots in Wellington, Shorland Park is not one of WCC’s two formally designated freedom camping sites — self-contained vehicles parking here must comply with Wellington City Council’s Public Places Bylaw 2022.
Practical Information
| Location | The Parade, Island Bay, Wellington |
|---|---|
| Type | On-street reserve with public toilets — not a WCC-designated freedom camping site |
| Toilets | Available at the park |
| Vehicle type | Certified self-contained motorhomes only — green warrant required |
| Maximum stay | Up to 4 nights (WCC bylaw limit for on-street overnight parking) |
| Cost | Free |
| Enforcement | WCC park rangers patrol daily including public holidays |
| Fines | $400-$2,400 for breaches of the Public Places Bylaw 2022 |
| From Wellington CBD | Approximately 15 minutes by car; also accessible by bus |
About Shorland Park
Shorland Park runs along The Parade in Island Bay, backed by residential streets and fronting towards the beach. The reserve has a recently upgraded children’s playground, public BBQ facilities, a basketball court, and public restrooms. The park sits at the foot of the Island Bay hills, with views out across Cook Strait on clear days.
Island Bay Beach is popular for swimming in calm conditions, though the south-facing coast is exposed to southerly swells. The bay is known for its resident population of Hector’s dolphin — one of the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin species — which can sometimes be spotted from the beach in the mornings. The City to Sea Walkway passes through the area, connecting Island Bay to Wellington’s central city via a series of bush reserves and open ridgelines.
Self-Containment Requirements
WCC enforces self-containment rules citywide under the Public Places Bylaw 2022. Any vehicle overnighting at Shorland Park must be certified self-contained and display a valid green warrant — as of mid-2025, WCC updated its standard so the green warrant is required rather than any general self-containment certificate. Portable toilets do not meet the requirement. Tent camping is prohibited anywhere in Wellington outside designated campgrounds.
Park rangers monitor Shorland Park and other overnight spots daily. Fines for non-compliance range from $400 to $2,400.
What Visitors Say
“Really nice spot in Island Bay — great views of Cook Strait and the playground kept the kids busy in the morning. Quiet overnight, no issues at all.” — visitor, NZ Pocket Guide
“Woke up to Hector’s dolphins in the bay. Couldn’t ask for a better start to the day from a free overnight stop.” — visitor account, Wild Lovely World
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council — Freedom Camping in Wellington: Full rules for overnight stays in self-contained vehicles in Wellington, including the Public Places Bylaw 2022, the green warrant requirement, and the two designated freedom camping sites.
Wellington City Council — Shorland Park: Official reserve information including facilities, access, and the City to Sea Walkway connection through Island Bay.
FAQ
Is Shorland Park a designated WCC freedom camping site?
No. WCC’s two formally designated freedom camping sites are Evans Bay Marina car park and Te Kopahou Reserve in Owhiro Bay. Shorland Park is an on-street reserve near public toilets where self-contained vehicles may park overnight under WCC’s bylaw framework.
Do I need a self-containment certificate?
Yes. WCC requires a valid green self-containment warrant. Portable toilets are not accepted. Tent camping is not permitted anywhere in the city outside designated campgrounds.
How long can I stay at Shorland Park?
WCC applies a maximum 4-night stay at on-street overnight spots. Check the WCC website for any changes to current rules.
Are Hector’s dolphins really seen at Island Bay?
Yes. Island Bay has a well-known resident pod of Hector’s dolphins — one of the world’s rarest dolphin species. Sightings from the beach and park are possible, particularly in the early morning.
What facilities does Shorland Park have?
Public toilets, an upgraded playground, public BBQs, and a basketball court.
Is there a bus to Island Bay from the CBD?
Yes. Island Bay is well served by Wellington bus routes connecting to the CBD, with stops along The Parade near Shorland Park.
See all options on the Freedom Camping in Wellington page, or read about Wellington’s two designated sites: Evans Bay Marina and Te Kopahou Reserve Owhiro Bay.
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