Lyall Bay Surf Beach sits at 28 Lyall Parade on Wellington's south coast, holds a 4.5 rating from 179 reviews, and draws praise for its swells and the sight of planes taking off between sets.
Wellington's south-facing beaches catch the full southern swell, so conditions change quickly and a look at the surf or water-quality report before you go is never wasted. Swimmers are safest between the flags where lifesavers are on patrol, and beginners do best on the smaller waves closer in. A wetsuit is the norm even at the height of summer, and surfers will expect basic etiquette — take your turn, don't drop in, and keep clear of the swimming flags. Dog owners should always check where off-leash areas begin and end, as most beaches split them by zone.
At Lyall Bay the council lists walking, picnics, dog walking, swimming, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and kayaking, with the airport end off-leash for dogs, a playground, changing rooms at the surf club, and the Maranui cafe upstairs in the lifesaving club building.