Wellington · Wellington Region · New Zealand
Lyall Bay Beach
Wind rakes sand into horizontal streaks as break after break rolls toward the shore. You'll spot wetsuited locals paddling out at dawn, greyhounds sprinting along the tideline, and jumbo jets descending so close overhead you can read airline livery.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Lyall Bay Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
Wind rakes sand into horizontal streaks as break after break rolls toward the shore. You'll spot wetsuited locals paddling out at dawn, greyhounds sprinting along the tideline, and jumbo jets descending so close overhead you can read airline livery.
Photos
8 captures from Lyall Bay Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Lyall Bay Beach
Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand
-41.3280°, 174.7962°
Top things to do
At Lyall Bay Beach
Catch consistent swells
Year-round southerly peaks
Shoot landing aircraft
Low approach over sand
Post-surf fish and chips
Waterfront takeaway institutions
Walk to Moa Point
Coastal trail and lighthouse
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Lyall Bay Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Lyall Bay Beach.
Is Lyall Bay Beach safe for swimming and surfing?
Lyall Bay Beach is Wellington's premier surf beach and can have challenging conditions including strong waves, currents, and rips. Swimming is possible but requires caution and awareness of surf conditions. Surf lifeguards patrol during summer weekends and school holidays, and swimming between the flags is strongly recommended when they're on duty. The beach is very popular with surfers of all levels. Check local surf reports before visiting, and less experienced swimmers should stick to calmer days or supervised areas.
When is the best time to visit Lyall Bay Beach?
Lyall Bay Beach is accessible and popular year-round, though summer months (December to February) offer the warmest conditions for swimming and sunbathing. Surf conditions vary throughout the year, with winter often bringing larger swells for experienced surfers. The beach can be windy, particularly during Wellington's notorious northerly winds, so checking weather forecasts is advisable. Early mornings often offer calmer conditions, while afternoons can be breezier. The beach maintains its appeal across seasons, attracting locals for walks, surfing, and beach activities.
