How do I get to Moa Point Beach in Wellington?

Moa Point Beach is located on Wellington's south coast near the airport, close to Lyall Bay. By car, follow the coastal road from Lyall Bay heading toward the Miramar Peninsula; the beach is accessible via Moa Point Road. Street parking is available but can be limited, especially on weekends. Public buses serve the general area, connecting to central Wellington, though you may need to walk from the nearest stop. The beach is also accessible via Wellington's Southern Walkway, a scenic coastal walking track popular with locals and offering beautiful views along the way.

Are there facilities and food options at Moa Point Beach?

Moa Point Beach is relatively undeveloped with minimal on-site facilities, so plan accordingly. There are no cafes or shops directly at the beach. Nearby Lyall Bay, a short drive away, offers numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops catering to beachgoers and surfers. Public toilets may be limited at Moa Point itself, so you may want to use facilities at Lyall Bay before visiting. Bring your own food, water, and any supplies needed. Wellington city centre is approximately 15-20 minutes away by car, offering full accommodation and dining options for visitors.

What's unique about Moa Point Beach's location near the airport?

Moa Point Beach offers a distinctive experience with aircraft flying low overhead as they approach Wellington Airport's runway, creating dramatic photo opportunities and a unique atmosphere. The exposed coastal position provides expansive ocean views and rugged scenery different from sheltered harbour beaches. This small pebble beach attracts photographers, plane spotters, and those seeking a more wild coastal experience. The proximity to Lyall Bay means you can enjoy surfing culture nearby while escaping the larger crowds. Dog owners also appreciate the dog-friendly policy, allowing pets to enjoy this scenic, exposed stretch of Wellington coastline.

Wellington · Wellington Region · New Zealand

Moa Point Beach

The beach sits directly under the flight path to Wellington International, so close you can see landing gear deploy as planes drop toward the runway. Between aircraft, there's just the crunch of wave-rounded stones and the southerly wind flattening the marram grass behind the beach.

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Wellington·Wellington Region·New Zealand

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8 captures from Moa Point Beach

About this beach

Moa Point Beach is a narrow strip of pebbles wedged between the airport boundary fence and Cook Strait, too small and exposed to ever be crowded, too interesting to completely ignore. The beach is made entirely of stones—no sand, just fist-sized rocks polished smooth by constant wave action, coloured grey and brown and occasional white, clattering and shifti…

Where it is

Moa Point Beach

Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand

-41.3362°, 174.8068°

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Top things to do

At Moa Point Beach

Walk the stones

Pebble shoreline and driftwood piles

Frame aircraft descents

Jets on final approach overhead

Brave the cold

Exposed water for strong swimmers only

Exercise the dog

Off-leash space rarely crowded

Near this beach

Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Moa Point Beach.

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Good to know

Questions people actually ask about Moa Point Beach.

Is Moa Point Beach safe for swimming?

Moa Point Beach requires caution for swimming due to its exposed location near the harbour entrance. The beach faces stronger currents, waves, and changeable conditions compared to sheltered harbour beaches. It's more suitable for experienced swimmers and is popular with surfers when conditions are right. Always check weather and surf forecasts before entering the water, and be aware of rips and undertows. The pebble beach can make entry challenging. Swimming is not recommended during rough weather or strong winds, which are common in this exposed Wellington location near the airport.

When is the best time to visit Moa Point Beach?

Moa Point Beach can be visited year-round, making it appealing in any season, though each offers different experiences. Summer provides warmer weather for beach activities, while winter can offer dramatic coastal views and storm watching. The 'Less Crowds' tag means it's generally quiet regardless of season. Surfers should check swell forecasts for optimal conditions. For scenic walks and photography, clear days offer stunning views of planes landing at nearby Wellington Airport and coastal vistas. Early mornings and weekdays tend to be most peaceful for those seeking solitude and unique airport-edge scenery.