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ISLAND BAY.

 

A south coast fishing village turned family suburb, with an Italian heritage, a marine reserve on its doorstep, and one of Wellington's most-loved seaside communities.

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$1,073,400

AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE

48 days

MEDIAN TIME TO SELL

$680/wk

6,950

MEDIAN RENT

POPULATION (2025)

LIVING IN ISLAND BAY.

 

Island Bay is a coastal suburb 5km south of the CBD, named for Tapu Te Ranga Island, which sits offshore and forms a natural breakwater sheltering local fishing boats. First subdivided in 1879, the suburb became a favourite settling point for Italian fishing families from the late 19th century, a heritage still celebrated every February at the Island Bay Festival's "Blessing of the Boats," a tradition running since 1933.

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A tram extension reached Island Bay in 1905, cementing its growth as a seaside suburb — most of its housing dates from the 1920s development boom. Today the suburb sits alongside the 854-hectare Taputeranga Marine Reserve, with a snorkel trail, dive sites, and the Island Bay Marine Education Centre on the foreshore. It's also the starting point for both the City to Sea Walkway and the Southern Walkway.

 

Distance to CBD

Approx. 15 minutes

 

Distance to Airport

Approx. 10 minutes

 

Property era

1900 through to redevelopment

 

Landmarks

Taputeranga Marine Reserve, Shorland Park, snorkel trail

AT A GLANCE.

 

WHY I LIKE ISLAND BAY.

 

Island Bay has a relaxed coastal atmosphere that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Wellington. It offers the rare combination of beachside living, a genuine village centre, and an established community, all just a short drive from the CBD. Whether it’s enjoying a morning coffee along The Parade, walking the coastline, or watching the fishing boats return to the bay, Island Bay has an authenticity that gives it lasting appeal. It’s a suburb where lifestyle comes first, making it equally attractive to families, professionals, and downsizers seeking a slower pace without sacrificing convenience.

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​Island Bay has a wonderful balance. It offers the lifestyle of a seaside community while still being only minutes from Wellington’s CBD. Whether it’s the village atmosphere, the beach, or the friendly neighbourhood feel, it’s one of those suburbs where people genuinely love where they live.

NEARBY SCHOOLS.

 

​Primary Island Bay School — co-educational state primary school (Years 1–6), opened 1900, roll of 319 as of March 2026.

Primary St Francis de Sales School — state-integrated Catholic primary school (Years 1–8), roll of 185.

Secondary South Wellington Intermediate and Wellington High School — commonly attended by Island Bay families moving on from primary level.​

TRANSPORT AND RECREATION.

Getting Around

  • Regular bus services connect Island Bay to the CBD along The Parade

  • Starting point for the City to Sea Walkway (12km to Parliament) and the Southern Walkway (11km to Oriental Bay)

  • The Parade is also home to a dedicated cycleway along the beachfront

Parks & Recreation

  • Taputeranga Marine Reserve — kelp forests, blue cod, and a public snorkel trail

  • Shorland Park — beachfront park with a 1930s band rotunda, recently upgraded playground

  • Diving trips to the wreck of HMNZS Wellington, sunk offshore as an artificial reef

WHY PEOPLE LOVE ISLAND BAY.

  • Beautiful sandy beach perfect for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking.

  • Strong sense of community with a genuine neighbourhood feel.

  • Bustling village centre with cafés, restaurants, boutiques and everyday conveniences.

  • Easy commute to Wellington CBD by car, bus or bike.

  • Stunning coastal walks and access to the South Coast.

  • Home to the iconic Empire Cinema, one of Wellington’s favourite independent theatres.

  • Excellent schools and childcare options nearby.

  • Popular with families thanks to parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities.

  • Close to Taputeranga Marine Reserve with opportunities for snorkelling and diving.

  • Character homes, modern townhouses and a diverse range of property styles.

  • Relaxed seaside lifestyle while remaining connected to the city.

  • Spectacular sunsets and beautiful views across Cook Strait.

Community

  • Annual Island Bay Festival each February, including the "Blessing of the Boats"

  • Five churches in the suburb, including the historic St Hilda's Anglican Church (1911)

  • Island Bay Marine Education Centre, open to the public on Sundays

A DAY IN ISLAND BAY.

 

7:00am

The day begins with locals walking along the beach, exercising with their dogs, or enjoying an early swim before work. Fishing boats bob gently in the bay as the first coffee drinkers gather along The Parade.

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8:00am

Families head to nearby schools while commuters make their way into the city. Cafés are buzzing with regulars grabbing coffee and breakfast before the day begins.

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Midday

The village is full of activity. People browse local shops, meet friends for lunch, visit the beach, or stroll the coastline enjoying one of Wellington’s most picturesque seaside suburbs.

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5:30pm

The pace slows as residents return home. The beach comes alive again with walkers, paddleboarders and families enjoying the evening sun, while locals gather at cafés and restaurants for dinner or relax overlooking the water.

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Weekend

Weekends are what Island Bay is all about. Mornings often start with coffee and brunch before heading to the beach, exploring the South Coast, snorkelling in the marine reserve, watching a film at the Empire Cinema, or enjoying community events. It’s a suburb where people spend as much time outdoors as they do at home, making the most of the coastal lifestyle.

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