Wellington Harbour
Sheltered swimming beaches and bays make up the southern Hutt Valley along with a rugged and beautiful south coast with three lighthouses to explore.
Cruise over by ferry
The East by West Ferries run across the harbour each day from Wellington to the Eastern Bays. Catch the short trip to Days Bay for some safe sea swimming or to join the locals to jump off the wharf.
The legend of two taniwha
The Māori name for Wellington, and for Wellington Harbour, is Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Long ago, as the story goes, it was a lake cut off from the sea. It was abundant in fresh water fish and native bird life. And also home to two taniwha, Ngake and Whātaitai.
Matiu/Somes Island nature reserve
Feel the wind in your hair as you ride the East by West Ferry to predator-free Matiu/Somes Island. The scientific reserve is home to the tuatara and little blue penguins. Explore the islands' history as a quarantine station and war-time prison.
Lighting the way to the harbour
Pencarrow Lighthouse was New Zealand's first permanent lighthouse, first lit in 1859 and joined by the lower lighthouse in 1906. Baring Head now has Wellington's main beacon for maritime navigation.