Our History

Island Bay, Wellington’s most southerly suburb, is named for the island of Taputeranga, which dominates the bay. The island was an important pā site in the past, but is now uninhabited. In the 1880s, farmland at Island Bay was subdivided for housing… 

Wondering about the local history of Island Bay? Wellington Library has collected relevant library resources and interesting local history websites about Island Bay, as well as highlights about notable persons and organisations long established in Island Bay that have a strong community link…

Tapu Te Ranga Marine Reserve

No two days are the same at Taputeranga – the weather is changeable and the water churns through Cook Strait, creating a moody and complex undersea environment. Octopus, rock lobsters, crabs and starfish are common. Anemones, sea sponges and sea squirts thrive… 

The Southern Walkway and the City to Sea Walkway

The Southern Walkway starts in Wellington’s CBD and follows the Town Belt through some of the city’s best loved parks and suburbs, all the way to Island Bay on the rugged South Coast…

The City to Sea Walkway starts in the heart of central Wellington near Parliament and ends in Island Bay…

Island Bay Marine Education Centre 

The Island Bay Marine Education Centre is a not-for-profit, education facility operated by our Wellington Marine Conservation Trust. It inspires people, especially children, to learn about Wellington’s and all New Zealand’s marine environments…

Tapu Te Ranga Marae

Sadly, the Marae burned down in 2019. The whānau are working to rebuild the Marae and nohokāinga. The Marae is named after Island Bay’s coastal Island Tapu Te Ranga (sacred rising)…

Manawa Karioi

Manawa Karioi Ecological Restoration Project is one of Wellington’s oldest reforestation projects and is on land that is part of Tapu Te Ranga Marae in Island Bay…

Shorland Park

Shorland Park is close to the beach and has a bandstand, a popular playground and barbecue area.