Oriental Bay

Wellington, New Zealand

Overall Safety
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics

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Summary

Beach and waterfront area with harbor views, cafes, and promenade. Upscale and expensive. Safe. Walking distance from CBD but quieter beach atmosphere.

Beach and waterfrontUpscale areaHarbor viewsWalking and running popularFamilies and joggers
Details

Beach area with a sandy crescent and tree-lined promenade. Lifeguards in summer, but Wellington weather doesn't always cooperate for swimming. The waterfront promenade goes from the city past Oriental Bay - people walk dogs, families, joggers. Cafes and restaurants along Oriental Parade range from fish and chips to expensive places with harbor views. It's upscale - luxury apartments, nice cars, well-off locals at brunch. Pricier than the CBD. Eating alone is common, many cafes have window seats facing the water. Safe in evenings - good lighting, people around, open waterfront. About 15 minutes walk from Te Papa and city center.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Excellent

Night Walking Safety

Excellent

Harassment Risk

Low

Public Transport Safety

Excellent

Pickpocketing Risk

Low

Scam Risk

Low

Police Visibility

Good

Emergency Services

Excellent

Evening Venues

Excellent

Solo Dining

Excellent

Drug Activity

Very High

Homelessness Visibility

Very High

Getting By in English

Excellent
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Recommended Places

Cafes

  • Maranui Surf Life Saving Club Cafe
  • Spruce Goose

Restaurants

  • Shepherd
  • Charley Noble

Other Spots

  • Oriental Bay Beach
  • Wellington Waterfront Promenade
  • Freyberg Beach (swimming pool)
Impressions & Tips

"Morning waterfront walks are nice, felt safe"

"Good for solo coffee with water views, common to see others alone"

"Costs more than Te Aro but quieter"

"Safe walking in evening, lights and people around"

"Beach looks nice but water's cold, better for walking"

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Historic residential area with Victorian houses, close to CBD and waterfront. Safe during the day. Some side streets dark at night. Good if you want residential feel with access to central areas.

12

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Safety Reminder

Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.

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