This attractive beach is popular for swimming and is only a few minutes’ walk from the city center.

Walk, swim, sunbathe and picnic at Wellington’s popular Oriental Bay Beach. Locals consider this area to be Wellington’s own little Riviera. Its sandy expanse and long promenade are surrounded by some of the most prestigious and expensive real estate in the city.

Oriental Bay Beach is considered safe for swimmers. The shore slopes gently into the ocean and swimmers have to go some way offshore before the water is neck-deep.

Sit back and take in the views that include the northern hills in the distance and the Carter Memorial Fountain. This water feature sits in the middle of the bay and was a gift to the city from local resident Hugh Carter. Wander by the waterfront or along Oriental Parade, the paved promenade that borders the beach. Quicken your pace with rollerblades or skates, which you can rent from nearby stores. If there are several people in your party consider renting a crocodile bike, a covered four-wheeled bicycle. The smaller size of the bike can carry up to five people and the large size can carry up to eight.

Let the kids jump, climb and slide at the children’s playground at the western end of the beach. It’s next door to Freyberg Pool, which has an 82-feet (25-meter) main pool and a heated indoor toddlers’ pool.

Enjoy a meal or light refreshments at one of the cafés or restaurants. The range of dining options includes a restaurant on a tug boat and fine-dining eateries.

Being so close to the city center, Oriental Bay Beach is easy to get to on foot or by bus. If you are planning to drive, there are parking bays by the promenade and a car park beside Freyberg Pool. The beach facilities include toilets, and there is wheelchair access to the adjacent Freyberg beach.