Discover Mākara Beach Near Wellington
Just a 30-minute drive from central Wellington, Mākara Beach is a captivating destination known for its rugged beauty. The beach is scattered with driftwood and pāua shells, creating a striking landscape that is especially dramatic on windy days.
Explore the Mākara Walkway
The main highlight at Mākara Beach is the Mākara Walkway. This track begins at the beach and follows the coastline southward for about 15 minutes before ascending to historic gun emplacements situated 200 metres above sea level. The entire return journey is approximately 5 kilometres, with some steep sections along the way.
Extend Your Adventure
For those seeking a longer adventure, you can extend your walk into a loop that includes a visit to a nearby wind farm and Opau Bay. Alternatively, you can reach the wind farm via Opau Road, which offers a shorter route to the clifftop gun emplacements.
Getting to Mākara Beach
To reach Mākara Beach, drive from central Wellington, heading out into the countryside. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Once there, you can enjoy the beach's natural beauty and embark on the Mākara Walkway. Nearby, you can also explore the wind farm and Opau Bay for a more comprehensive experience of the area.











