Wellington's coast holds deep significance for Taranaki Whānui and Ngāti Toa, who have enduring responsibilities as kaitiaki (guardians). We work alongside our mana whenua partners to uphold their role in coastal management, ensuring mātauranga, tikanga, and aspirations are reflected in decision-making, restoration, and care for these spaces.

Pathways

1. Strengthening mana whenua presence and leadership on the coast
2. Recognising treaty settlements in coastal management
3. Restoring traditional Māori place names and strengthening te reo Māori

For comprehensive information, see pages 18 - 20 of the draft plan.

Wellington's coast is a space of joy and relaxation, offering a variety of recreational activities, from surfing and swimming, to walking and spending time with whānau and friends. The coast's natural beauty is highly valued, providing opportunities that enhance wellbeing and allow people to connect to nature.

Pathways

1. Strategic placement and provision of coastal amenities
2. Connected coastal paths and tracks
3. Support water access and recreation
4. Enhance coastal accessibility
5. Manage coastal leases and commercial use for public benefit
6. Providing freedom camping that respects the coastal environment
7. Providing opportunities for dog recreation without harming coastal wildlife

For comprehensive information, see pages 21 - 30 of the draft plan.

Wellington’s coastal landscapes tell a story of transformation, shaped by natural forces and nearly 1000 years of human connection. From rugged cliffs and shifting shorelines to sheltered bays, these places reflect both wild beauty and deep cultural heritage. This value recognises the strong bond between people and the coast, past, present, and future, and emphasises the need to respect and protect these landscapes as part of our shared identity.

Pathways

1. Protect the coastal character through careful design
2. Enrich coastal experiences through storytelling
3. Recognise and honour coastal cultural heritage

For comprehensive information, see pages 31 - 34 of the draft plan.

Wellington’s coastal ecosystems are taonga, essential to the health of both the environment and the community. These areas nurture diverse species and are vital to the mauri (life force) of the natural world. Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and respecting natural processes is crucial for protecting ecosystems to thrive for future generations.

Pathways

1. Targeted ecosystem restoration
2. Wildlife recovery
3. Controlling invasive species
4. Remediating coastal infrastructure impacts
5. Enhancing litter management
6. Sustaining the coast as a storehouse
7. Support community coastal stewardship

For comprehensive information, see pages 35 - 48 of the draft plan.

Wellington’s coast is shaped and continuously impacted by the powerful natural forces of waves, storms, and seismic activities. Natural hazards and climate change will exacerbate the rate of change associated with sea-level rise. True resilience comes from working with, not against, these forces. By understanding, respecting, and adapting to these forces, we can enhance the coast’s ability to recover from disruptions and ensure a healthy, thriving community in harmony with nature.

Pathways

1. Prioritising nature-based solutions for coastal protection
2. Dynamic adaptive planning for sea-level rise
3. Managing the threat and impact of wildfires

For comprehensive information, see pages 49 - 55 of the draft plan.

This sector includes the reserve land on the seaward side of the Te Kopahou Reserve, as well as the shore platform and coastal road which extends from the end of Ōwhiro Bay Road to Karori Stream.

This is a rugged area with unique Cook Strait ecosystems, seal haul-out areas, and steep escarpments. It is popular for Pariwhero (Red Rocks), 4WD access, fishing, and diving.

Management focus:

Balancing 4WD access with environmental protection, enabling natural coastal processes, supporting improving visitor amenities, and maintaining dark sky values.

Key proposals:

• Introduce night-time and public holiday closures for 4WD access and investigate a permit system to better manage vehicle use on the coastal road.

• Stabilise erosion at the Ōwhiro Bay carpark entrance.

• Deliver the Te Kopahou Cultural Restoration Project to enhance storytelling, strengthen mana whenua presence, and restore coastal ecology.

• Investigate the long-term reintroduction of taonga bird species, such as tītī, to the area.

For comprehensive information and all proposed actions in this area, see pages 60 – 70 of the draft plan.

The Taputeranga sector spans approximately 5km of coastline along Te Moana o Raukawa (Cook Strait) between Ōwhiro Bay and Te Raekaihau Point. It encompasses Ōwhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay, Princess Bay, and Taputeranga Island.

This area has a mix of sandy beaches, rocky shores, diverse recreation opportunities, play areas, and popular swimming spots adjacent to the marine reserve.

Management focus:

Enhancing dunes, protecting cultural and ecological sites and preparing for sea-level rise impacts.

Key proposals:

• Upgrades to the Island Bay Surf Life Saving Club and toilet facilities to improve access and reduce sand build-up on Island Bay beach.

• Rename Shorland Park as Te Mapunga Park and provide interpretation reflecting its history as a kāinga and its cultural and ecological significance to mana whenua.

• Improve visibility and wayfinding at trails and reserve entry points—especially at Haewai Reserve and the southern ends of the City to Sea and Southern Walkways—to support coastal access.

• Develop a landscape and amenity plan to guide improvements to access, carparking, signage, and design across the sector.

For comprehensive information and all proposed actions in this area, see pages 71 – 86 of the draft plan.

The Hue te Para sector spans approximately 5km between the headlands of Te Raekaihau Point (West) and Hue-te-Taka (East). It includes Lyall Bay, Dorrie Leslie Park, and the adjacent coastline.

This area includes Wellington’s most popular surf beach with a dynamic dune system and open sandy spaces. It is well-loved for dog walking, play, and recreation.

Management focus:

Maintaining dunes as a natural buffer while supporting recreation and amenities for the area’s high use.

Key proposals:

• Develop a long-term vision for the former Māranui Depot site at Western end of Lyall Bay to unlock new opportunities for community use.

• Create an integrated plan for Lyall Bay Parade to balance street frontage, business activity, dune protection, and recreation.

• Strengthen coastal resilience through a proactive sand management programme, including returning windblown sand to the beach, redistributing sand after storms, extending the dune wall, and investigating stormwater outfall improvements.

For comprehensive information and all proposed actions in this area, see pages 87 – 97 of the draft plan.

This sector spans approximately 4km along Wellington’s rugged southern coastline, stretching from Moa Point to Breaker Bay, including the bush-covered Rangitatau Reserve.

This is a scenic coastal stretch with rich natural habitats, penguin colonies, cultural heritage, and well-used walking tracks.

Management focus:

Protecting penguins, improving the walkway, enhancing cultural sites, and addressing erosion.

Key proposals:

• Establish the coastal stretch from Rangitatau to Wahine Reserve as a dedicated kōrora (little penguin) sanctuary, with habitat restoration, public awareness, and improved dog control.

• Provide a new public toilet to support use of the coastal track network.

• Deliver Māori cultural interpretation and storytelling to reflect the area’s deep heritage and significance.

• Restore dunes and coastal vegetation at Moa Point and Breaker Bay to manage erosion and support climate resilience through nature-based solutions.

• Upgrade and maintain the Coastal Walkway and Eastern Walkway to improve safety, access, and user experience.

For comprehensive information and all proposed actions in this area, see pages 98 – 111 of the draft plan.

This sector spans 3.6km along the eastern coastline, from Seatoun to Scorching Bay. It includes Worser Bay, the historic shores of Karaka Bay, and the popular swimming destination of Scorching Bay.

The area is known for its calm sandy beaches within a well-used suburban setting, offering popular spots for swimming, boating, and playing.

Management approach:

Sand binding, improving public access, upgrading amenities, and preparing for sea-level rise.

Key proposals:

• Strengthen coastal resilience at Seatoun and Worser Bay through sand-trapping vegetation and continued dune restoration

• Upgrading the play opportunities at Scorching Bay

• Support the gradual transition of private boat sheds at Churchill Park to align with long-term coastal planning

• Provide interpretation and restore te reo Māori names at culturally significant sites, including Whetu Kairangi Pā and Overton Park.

• Develop a landscape and amenity plan to guide improvements to access, carparking, signage, and design across the sector.

For comprehensive information and all proposed actions in this area, see pages 112 – 121 of the draft plan.

The Mātai Moana coastline spans 5.8km of coastline from Mahanga Bay to the eastern edge of Cobham Drive, including Kau Bay, Shelly Bay, Shark Bay, and Carter Park.

This is a relatively undeveloped coastal stretch where the road runs alongside the shoreline, offering scenic views and secluded spots for quiet recreation.

Management focus:

Improving walking access and amenities, enhancing connections as a recreational zone, and protecting the area’s ecosystem values.

Key proposals:

• Explore future recreation-focused redesign of Massey and Shelly Bay Roads to support walking, cycling, and coastal access.

• Restore and protect kōrora (little penguin) habitat along the coastal corridor, including safe zones and signage.

• Develop a landscape and amenity plan to guide improvements to low-impact recreation, including seating, toilets, picnic areas, parking, and access.

• Provide for improvements to key entranceways at Shelly Bay, Māhanga Bay, Massey Memorial, and Scorching Bay to support their role as gateways to the wider Mātai Moana area.

For comprehensive information and all proposed actions in this area, see pages 122 – 132 of the draft plan.

Te Ākautangi sector extends approximately 5km along the sheltered waters of Wellington Harbour, from Cobham Drive to Ōmarukaikuru (Point Jerningham). This coastline includes key recreation spaces such as Evans Bay Marina, Hataitai Beach, Cog Park, Greta Point, and Balaena Bay.

This is a highly modified coastal area blending beaches, marinas, and water recreation, with popular swimming spots.

Management focus:

Improving amenities, enhancing public access, and balancing recreational and transport uses.

Key proposals:

• Deliver a new masterplan for the Evans Bay Marina Precinct to support long-term resilience, financial sustainability, and better recreational access. This includes boat ramp upgrades and enabling diverse water-based activities like waka ama, sailing, and fishing.

• Investigate improved litter and waste management at hotspot areas such as Cobham Drive.

For comprehensive information and all proposed actions in this area, see pages 133 – 143 of the draft plan.

Stretching from Ōmarukaikuru (Point Jerningham) to Clyde Quay Boat Harbour, this sector encompasses the Parade, Oriental Bay Beach, and Freyberg Beach.

This is Wellington’s most visited coastal destination with the golden sands of Oriental Bay and vibrant waterfront supporting tourism and recreation.

Management focus:

Maintaining high-quality public spaces, supporting events, and providing for diverse recreational experiences.

Key proposals:

• Continue managing Oriental Bay and Freyberg Beach as Wellington’s premier urban beaches – balancing recreation, accessibility, and visual appeal through active sand management, inclusive amenities, and safe water access for swimming and events.

• Develop and implement an improvement plan for Clyde Quay Boat Harbour to enhance public access, usability, and heritage character.

For comprehensive information and all proposed actions in this area, see pages 144 – 152 of the draft plan.

This section includes an introduction and information on the funding, scope, strategic and legislative context of the plan, key issues and emerging challenges for coastal reserves, and the roles and responsibilities in coastal management.

See pages 5 – 15 of the draft plan for more information.

This section outlines how Wellington’s coastal land is administered under the Reserves Act 1977, covering ownership, reserve classifications, leases, encroachments, and opportunities to add new land to the reserve network.

See pages 56 – 58 of the draft plan for more information.

The rules in this section outline how activities like events, community volunteering, vehicle access, camping, and new structures will be managed across the coast.

Each activity is classified as Allowed, Managed, Restricted, or Prohibited, depending on its impact and alignment with the plan’s values.

The rules provide a consistent, transparent approach and are a step toward a citywide activity framework for all parks and reserves.

See Appendix A for more information.

We've also proposed 8 new or restored te reo Māori names for reserves to better reflect cultural heritage, historical place names, and mana whenua identity. These names acknowledge significant pā, kāinga, and natural features across Wellington’s coast.

The name changes proposal are:

• Melbourne Road Reserve to Uruhau Reserve

• Shorland Park to Te Mapunga Park

• Unnamed Worser Bay Lawn to Kākāriki Hūtia Park

• Lyall Bay West Escarpment to Waitaha Reserve

• View Road Park to Haewai Reserve

• Te Kopahou Reserve to Te Kapohau Reserve

• Overtoun Park to Karaka Onehunga Park

• Lyall Bay Esplanade Reserves to Hue te Para Park

See Appendix B for more detail.

What is proposed in the plan regarding the Bait House at Island Bay?

The draft plan proposes to “review options for removal or repurposing of the Bait House in the context of coastal hazard issues, earthquake strengthening requirements, and lease renewal” within the medium term (5-7 years). This action is included in the draft plan in the Taputeranga Sector on page 77.

Why is this being considered?

The Bait House is vulnerable to sea level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surge events.

It has also been identified as earthquake-prone, with a yellow sticker currently requiring strengthening work to be completed by 2032. Strengthening the building would require investment, and even then, it would remain exposed to ongoing coastal hazard risks.

Because of these combined factors, it is important to start carefully considering the long-term future of the building now, rather than waiting until emergency repairs or sudden decisions are needed.

This proposal is just one of over 80 draft actions in Tātou ki Uta – the draft Coastal Reserves Management Plan, which outlines a 10-year vision for protecting and enjoying Wellington’s coastal areas. The plan takes an adaptive, long-term approach to balance environmental protection, recreation, culture needs, climate change resilience, and community use.

What happens next?

No decisions have been made yet. We are asking for community feedback on the proposed action to investigate the options for the future of the Bait House building through this consultation process.

However, any final decision on the building will be subject to completing the investigation work proposed by the draft plan, and it would be made as part of a future decision by Council on the building lease, which would involve further public consultation.