Last updated October 2026
York Bay is a small residential suburb on the eastern shore of Wellington Harbour in Lower Hutt. It forms one of the Eastern Bays strung along Marine Drive between Lowry Bay and Māhina Bay, within the wider Eastbourne area.
Steep bush-clad hills rise behind a compact strip of homes and a sandy-gravel beach nestled between rocky outcrops. The bay offers quiet harbour living with easy access to walking, cycling and the wider Eastbourne community. It sits under Hutt City Council and the Eastbourne Community Board.
Practical Information
- Ward or local board
- Harbour Ward, Eastbourne Community Board (Hutt City Council)
- Getting there
- Marine Drive is the sole coastal road link from Petone and Seaview. Metlink buses 81, 83 and 84 run between Wellington, Petone, Lower Hutt and Eastbourne with stops near York Bay. Ferry services operate to Days Bay further south.
- Main shopping
- Eastbourne village centre (Rimu Street and surrounds) for everyday shops, cafés and services
- Schools
- Muritai School (state primary, Eastbourne); Wellesley College (independent boys’ primary, Days Bay)
- Nearby landmarks
- York Bay beach, Lowry Bay (Whiorau), Māhina Bay, Days Bay and Williams Park, Marine Drive / Tupua Horo Nuku shared path corridor
About York Bay
York Bay occupies a narrow pocket of flatter land between the harbour and the steep eastern hills of Lower Hutt. Houses face the water or climb the lower slopes, giving many properties harbour views toward Wellington and Matiu/Somes Island.
The beach is a sandy-gravel strip protected somewhat by rocky headlands; it is used more for walking and quiet recreation than intensive swimming. Greater Wellington monitors water quality here as part of its recreational programme.
The suburb belongs to the chain of Eastern Bays that includes Point Howard, Sorrento Bay, Lowry Bay, Māhina Bay, Sunshine Bay and Days Bay. Together they form a low-density coastal community distinct from the denser Hutt Valley floor. Bush-clad hills behind the bays support regenerating native forest and walking tracks that link the settlements.
Māori occupied sheltered bays and headland pā along this eastern harbour shore for centuries. The area lay near the boundary with Wairarapa iwi and held mahinga kai value. Nearby Lowry Bay carries the name Whiorau. European settlement expanded after the 1855 Wairarapa earthquake raised the eastern shoreline.
Land around York Bay and Days Bay was later acquired by shipping interests connected with early ferry and resort development. When Eastbourne Borough was formed, residents of York Bay and Lowry Bay chose to remain under Hutt County for a time before later amalgamation into Lower Hutt.
Today York Bay remains a quiet residential pocket. Daily life centres on the harbour edge, the single coastal road, and short trips to Eastbourne’s shops or Days Bay facilities. The Tupua Horo Nuku Eastern Bays Shared Path project is delivering improved walking and cycling links along Marine Drive, with bay-specific designs prepared for York Bay.
Getting Around
Marine Drive is the only road in and out, running close to the water and linking the bays north to Seaview and Petone and south to Eastbourne proper. It can be busy at peak times and is exposed to harbour weather.
Metlink bus routes 81, 83 and 84 provide regular public transport along the corridor to Wellington, Petone and Lower Hutt centres, with stops serving York Bay. A passenger ferry runs between Wellington and Days Bay, offering an alternative for those heading further south in the bays. Cycling and walking will improve as the shared path is completed.
Getting Outdoors
The beach and foreshore are the main local outdoor spaces. The sandy-gravel shore suits walking and quiet time by the water; it is nestled between rocky outcrops and receives some protection from larger swells. There are no public toilets or changing rooms at the beach itself.
Dog access is restricted: dogs are prohibited on York Bay beach (including picnic and leisure areas) between 9am and 8pm from 1 December to 31 March.
The surrounding hills offer bush walks, and the wider Eastern Bays and East Harbour Regional Park provide longer coastal and ridge options. Williams Park at Days Bay is a short distance south for larger open space and recreation.
History and Heritage
Long before European arrival, Māori maintained kāinga in the sheltered bays and pā on headlands along the eastern side of Te Whanganui-a-Tara. The coast formed part of travel and resource routes and sat near tribal boundaries. After the 1855 earthquake lifted the shoreline, European access improved and the bays became popular for day trips and holiday homes.
Shipping entrepreneur J. H. Williams expanded land holdings that included areas by York Bay as part of resort and ferry development centred on Days Bay. York Bay and Lowry Bay residents initially stayed outside the new Eastbourne Borough.
The bays later came under Hutt City Council through local-government amalgamation. Recent heritage and design work for the shared path has involved Te Ātiawa Taranaki Whānui, who gifted the name Tupua Horo Nuku.
Where to Learn More
Hutt City Council: Official local government information, projects including Tupua Horo Nuku, dog rules and community services for the Eastern Bays.
LAWA – York Bay: Recreational water quality monitoring, beach description and swimming suitability guidance for the York Bay foreshore.
Eastbourne, New Zealand (Wikipedia): Overview of the Eastern Bays cluster, history, schools and community context that includes York Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is York Bay?
York Bay is a small suburb on the eastern shore of Wellington Harbour in Lower Hutt, one of the Eastern Bays along Marine Drive between Lowry Bay and Māhina Bay.
Is York Bay part of Eastbourne?
Yes. It is one of the bays that make up the wider Eastbourne / Eastern Bays area and falls under the Eastbourne Community Board and Harbour Ward of Hutt City Council.
How do I get to York Bay?
Drive or cycle along Marine Drive from Petone and Seaview, or take Metlink bus 81, 83 or 84 toward Eastbourne. A ferry serves Days Bay a short distance further south.
Can I swim at York Bay beach?
The beach is monitored for recreational water quality. It is described as more popular for walking than swimming and has no toilets or changing rooms. Check LAWA for current suitability, and avoid swimming for two to three days after heavy rain.
Are dogs allowed at York Bay?
Dogs are prohibited on York Bay beach and associated picnic and leisure areas between 9am and 8pm from 1 December to 31 March. Outside those times and areas, check current Hutt City Council dog control rules and any bird-protection signage.
What schools serve York Bay?
Local primary options in the wider Eastbourne area include Muritai School and Wellesley College (boys’ independent primary) in Days Bay. Secondary students generally travel to schools elsewhere in Lower Hutt or Wellington.
Where is the nearest shopping?
Everyday shopping, cafés and services are concentrated in Eastbourne village around Rimu Street. Larger retail is available in Petone, Seaview and central Lower Hutt.
What is the Tupua Horo Nuku project?
It is the Eastern Bays Shared Path, a walking and cycling route along Marine Drive. Bay-specific designs have been prepared for York Bay as part of the wider project between Point Howard and Eastbourne.
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