Featured Hotels Near Makara Beach

The Bayside Lodge is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from Makara Beach. Its rooms feature private balconies overlooking the South Pacific Ocean, perfect for watching sunsets. The hotel offers free bicycles, a kids' playroom, and a seaside picnic area—ideal for families. Located just 15 minutes from Wellington city center, it balances coastal serenity with urban convenience.

The most convenient option is Bus Route 20, which runs directly from central Wellington along North Road to Makara Beach Stop—just a 20-minute ride. Alternatively, rent an electric bike and cycle along the scenic coastal path, enjoying dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. For faster travel, book a private shuttle service, taking only 15 minutes and ideal for those with luggage or mobility needs.

Makara Beach is a surfer’s paradise, especially for beginners due to gentle waves and wide sandy shores. Join a local-guided snorkeling tour to explore vibrant reef ecosystems, where you’ll spot snapper, sea urchins, and coral. Practice yoga or meditation at sunrise or sunset on the sand, enhanced by ocean breezes and waves. Hike the coastal trail to the Makara Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the sea and Wellington’s skyline.

Try Makara Seafood Shack, a seaside shack famous for fresh local seafood. Must-try dishes include grilled mussels and pan-seared snapper, paired perfectly with house-brewed beer. Another great option is Café Ora, located at the beach entrance, serving slow-cooked breakfasts and organic coffee in a cozy, stylish setting. Both prioritize sustainable fishing and locally sourced ingredients—perfect for authentic Wellington flavors.

Makara Beach has good overall safety with moderate daytime and evening foot traffic. However, due to its remote location and limited lighting on back trails, avoid walking alone at night. For a safe nighttime experience, enjoy drinks at a beachside outdoor bar or join a guided stargazing tour organized locally—both offer a serene, secure atmosphere. Always travel in groups and carry a flashlight for added safety.

Must-visit spots include the Makara Lighthouse, especially during golden hour, when sunlight bathes the tower and sea in warm hues. The cliffside path on the eastern beach offers dramatic shots of waves crashing against rocks, with layered skies adding depth. For panoramic views, hike to the summit of Makara Hill, where you can capture sweeping vistas of the bay and Wellington’s skyline—perfect for striking, dynamic compositions.