Lyall Bay
Also known as: Wellington airport beach
Cook Strait swell, airport backdrop, rugged south-coast hills and headlands
Wind & season
Wind, water and season at this North Island, Wellington south coast, New Zealand spot - what to expect and when to come.
Year-round; Wellington is among windiest cities, frequent strong days
SE through SW; gusty in SW off western hills; annual avg ~15kt gusting ~34kt, small gear needed
Very high - consistently windy, but often too strong or gusty. VERIFY strength
Year-round for the committed; southerly systems deliver strongest wind and swell
Beach break works across tides; swell size and wind more critical than tide
Gusty SW off hills, heavy powerful shore dump, rapid southerly onset and temperature drops. VERIFY
The water
Wave / chop
Open ocean beach facing Cook Strait; deepens quickly; powerful onshore beach dump
Cold - summer approx 16-19C (Feb peak), winter approx 11-13C (Aug min)
Summer 4/3mm or 3/2mm with 3mm boots; winter 5/4mm or 5/3mm with gloves and boots
Skill & group fit
Advanced to expert only - heavy waves, gusty onshore wind, obstacles
4 (advanced)
Not for mixed groups - experienced riders only; unsuitable for beginners
Poor group fit; drive-up city beach but demanding conditions limit who can ride
Getting there & schools
Only setup and launch at far west corner in front of toilet block, shared with windsurfers
Self-drive; Wellington city buses serve Lyall Bay. Confirm.
Wellington Windsurfing Association hub (windsurf); no beginner kite school on site given difficulty. Rental/storage - VERIFY
Toilet block at launch, cafes, parking, surf shops along Lyall Bay; airport adjacent
Wellington city, waterfront, Te Papa museum, coastal drive to Island Bay
Established local windsurf and kite scene; strong etiquette around tower permission and launch zone
Permits & safety
No fee, but MUST phone Wellington Airport control tower before launching (tower 04-3871980); tower can stop kites
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Powerful beach dump, gusty onshore wind onto road and buildings, windsurfer traffic, aircraft airspace, cold water
No dedicated sport rescue boat; Lyall Bay Surf Life Saving Club patrols summer only
Nearest hospital Wellington Regional Hospital (24hr ED, ~10min); Coastguard Wellington; dial 111
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand wind-sport spot report. Coordinates are approximate.