Last updated July 2026
Shorland Park is a coastal reserve in Island Bay on Wellington’s south coast that offers on-street overnight parking for certified self-contained vehicles alongside daytime park facilities. The park sits near Island Bay Beach and serves as the southern end of the City to Sea Walkway. It provides public toilets, electric BBQs, a playground and a basketball half court, all within easy reach of the beach and local bus stops. Overnight stays here follow Wellington City Council’s Public Places Bylaw 2022 rules for on-street parking rather than the two designated freedom camping sites.
Practical Information
| Location | Corner of Reef Street and The Esplanade, Island Bay, Wellington |
| Type | On-street reserve with public facilities — not a WCC-designated freedom camping site |
| Toilets | Public toilets and changing sheds available |
| Vehicle type | Certified self-contained motor vehicles only |
| Maximum stay | Four consecutive nights in any calendar month |
| Cost | Free |
| Enforcement | WCC park rangers monitor compliance |
| Fines | $400 infringement for breaches of the Public Places Bylaw 2022 |
| From Wellington CBD | Approximately 15 minutes by car; served by bus routes along The Esplanade |
| Accessibility | Sealed pathways; Liberty swing available for wheelchair users (key required) |
About Shorland Park
Shorland Park occupies a foreshore site in Island Bay with direct access to the beach and sea views across Cook Strait on clear days. The reserve includes a playground with equipment such as a long slide, pirate ship and toddlers’ area, plus a basketball half court, picnic tables and electric BBQs. A War Memorial Band Rotunda, completed in 1930 and later extended, forms a heritage focal point within the park.
The park marks the southern terminus of the City to Sea Walkway, a multi-hour route that links Island Bay to central Wellington through bush reserves and ridgelines. Island Bay Beach lies immediately adjacent, offering swimming opportunities in suitable conditions along the south-facing coast.
Overnight parking at Shorland Park is permitted for certified self-contained vehicles under the city-wide rules of the Public Places Bylaw 2022. The two formally designated freedom camping sites in Wellington are Evans Bay Marina car park and Te Kopahou Visitors Centre car park; Shorland Park operates as general on-street parking subject to the four-night limit and self-containment requirement.
City to Sea Walkway Access
Shorland Park provides the official start and finish point for the City to Sea Walkway. The route offers a 5-hour walking option back to the city centre through a series of reserves and open ridgelines, with signage and maps available at the park.
Self-Containment and Bylaw Rules
Wellington City Council requires any vehicle freedom camping on public land, including on-street reserves such as Shorland Park, to be a certified self-contained motor vehicle. Tent camping is not permitted outside designated campgrounds. Vehicles must not remain in one area for more than four consecutive nights in any calendar month, and a $400 infringement applies for breaches.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the convenient location near the beach with good playground facilities for children and quiet overnight stays when rules are followed.
Reviewers note easy access to the City to Sea Walkway and pleasant coastal setting for short stops or walks.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council – Freedom Camping in Wellington: Official rules, designated sites, self-containment requirements and bylaw details for overnight stays.
Wellington City Council – Shorland Park: Full park description, facilities list, history, accessibility notes and walkway information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shorland Park a designated freedom camping site?
No. The two designated sites are Evans Bay Marina car park and Te Kopahou Visitors Centre car park. Shorland Park allows on-street parking for certified self-contained vehicles under the Public Places Bylaw 2022.
What self-containment standard applies?
Vehicles must be certified self-contained. The council enforces a four-night maximum stay in any calendar month at on-street locations.
What facilities are available at the park?
Public toilets, changing sheds, electric BBQs, playground with toddlers’ area and long slide, basketball half court, picnic tables and Liberty swing.
Can I walk the City to Sea Walkway from here?
Yes. Shorland Park is the southern start and finish point for the City to Sea Walkway, which takes approximately five hours to the city centre.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs must be kept on a lead and under control. They are not permitted in the playground area.
Is there bus access from the CBD?
Yes. Bus routes serve Island Bay with stops along The Esplanade near the park.
What is the fine for bylaw breaches?
A $400 infringement notice applies for freedom camping offences under the Public Places Bylaw 2022.
Is the park accessible?
Sealed pathways provide easy access. A Liberty swing for wheelchair users is available with a key from the Parks depot.
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