Last updated July 2026
Tarakena Bay is a sheltered cove on the southern coast of Wellington’s Miramar Peninsula, at the end of Moa Point Road near Wellington Airport. The bay lies within a rocky coastal area that supports a colony of little blue penguins, also known as kororā. It serves as the southern terminus of the Eastern Walkway and sits below Rangitatau Historic Reserve and Ataturk Memorial Park. The site offers opportunities for boat launching, diving, snorkelling and rock pool exploration while providing a quiet setting for wildlife viewing.
Practical Information
| Location | South coast, Moa Point Road, Miramar Peninsula, Wellington |
| Access | Drive to the end of Moa Point Road; car parks at boat ramp and Rangitatau Reserve entrance |
| Entry | Free |
| Dogs | Allowed on lead on the coastal walkway track only (Tarakena Bay to Moa Point); prohibited off the track or on the beach |
| Facilities | Boat launching ramp, seats; no toilets or changing facilities |
| Accessibility | Short walk from car park |
| Walkway connection | Eastern Walkway starts here |
| Managed by | Wellington City Council |
About Tarakena Bay
The bay is small and rocky, favoured historically by Māori as a canoe landing site with two pā on the western headland. A pilot station operated nearby from the 1840s. The area remains exposed to southerly conditions yet provides shelter for recreational activities and wildlife.
Above the bay lies Rangitatau Historic Reserve, a wāhi tapu area that includes the Rangitatau pā site and holds cultural significance for local iwi.
Ataturk Memorial Park occupies the ridge overlooking the bay and Cook Strait. The memorial honours Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s tribute to the ANZAC soldiers who died at Gallipoli in 1915 and serves as a place of reflection for visitors from New Zealand and Türkiye.
The bay also connects to Wahine Memorial Park at nearby Palmer Head, which commemorates the 1968 Wahine ferry disaster at Barrett Reef.
Little Blue Penguins
Little blue penguins (kororā) live in the area year-round and nest in rocky habitats along the coast. Community groups work to restore nesting sites. Visitors may see penguins returning at dusk but should remain quiet, avoid flash photography and keep clear of nesting areas. The colony is wild and not managed as a viewing attraction.
Eastern Walkway Access
Tarakena Bay marks the southern end of the Eastern Walkway, a 2.5 km coastal track that runs along the eastern side of the Miramar Peninsula to the Pass of Branda. The moderate walk takes about 1.5 hours one way and offers sea views through native bush and open ridgeline sections. The track can be walked in either direction with additional access points along the way.
Activities at Tarakena Bay
The sheltered waters suit boat launching, diving, snorkelling and exploring rock pools. Seats provide spots to enjoy ocean views. The combination of the boat ramp and proximity to the walkway makes the bay a convenient starting point for coastal outings.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the quiet, undeveloped feel of Tarakena Bay and the chance to see penguins in a natural setting when timing visits for dusk. Many note the striking coastal views from the adjacent memorial and walkway.
Walkers describe the Eastern Walkway as scenic and manageable, with rewarding sea vistas and a sense of remoteness despite its location near the city and airport.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council – Tarakena Bay: Official details on access, rules, facilities and history.
Wellington City Council – Eastern Walkway: Track description, length, time and access points.
NZHistory – Atatürk Memorial: Background on the memorial and its significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see penguins at Tarakena Bay?
Yes, little blue penguins live in the area and may be seen returning to shore at dusk. Stay quiet, avoid flash photography and keep clear of nesting sites.
Are dogs allowed at Tarakena Bay?
Dogs are allowed on lead only on the coastal walkway track from Tarakena Bay to Moa Point. They are prohibited off the track and on the beach.
How do I get to Tarakena Bay?
Drive to the end of Moa Point Road on the Miramar Peninsula. Parking is available at the boat ramp and near the Rangitatau Reserve entrance.
Is there a walking track from Tarakena Bay?
Yes, the Eastern Walkway begins at Tarakena Bay and runs 2.5 km to the Pass of Branda, taking about 1.5 hours one way.
What is the Ataturk Memorial?
The memorial on the ridge above the bay honours Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s tribute to ANZAC soldiers at Gallipoli in 1915 and provides views over Cook Strait.
Are there facilities at Tarakena Bay?
There is a boat launching ramp and seats, but no toilets or changing facilities.
What activities are available at the bay?
Popular activities include boat launching, diving, snorkelling and exploring rock pools.
Is the area historically significant?
Yes, the bay was a traditional Māori canoe landing site with pā nearby, and a pilot station operated from the 1840s.
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