Lyall Bay
Nouvelle-Zélande · Wellington
Loading forecast…
Lyall Bay is a long sandy bay located south of Wellington, right next to the international airport. It faces the Cook Strait and attracts a lot of south swell, creating regular waves favored by surfers and experienced kiters.
It is a well-known spot among locals for its windy conditions and dynamic atmosphere, with a golden sandy beach and an active community around sliding sports. The west corner of the beach is the preferred spot for setting up and launching.
Close to the city center, just 6 km away, Lyall Bay combines urban accessibility with open ocean space, ideal for a session after work.
The dominant wind comes from the southeast to southwest (SE-SW), often cross-onshore from the right (starboard tack to get out of the shore break). It can be gusty from the SW due to the hills to the west. Navigation is strictly limited to the west zone of the bay, up to the Briscoes building or better yet Accountants to avoid the airport.
Launching and taking off only at the extreme west corner, in front of the toilet block where windsurfers also rig – this is the most upwind point. Avoid launching further east of the rescue club, as it is impossible to get back upwind in the shore break. The water is choppy with waves from the south, rideable upwind on port tack or down-the-line on starboard.
Mandatory: contact the airport control tower before any launch at 04 387 1980, especially if first on site. They manage the airspace and can prohibit kite flying.
