The most popular classic Wellington run. If you’ve ever run in Wellington, chances are you’ve done at least part of the Bays.
The road follows the waterfront around several bays for the full 36km loop, with a paved waterfront path or sidewalk nearly the whole way. Great water views the entire distance, and 500m markers to keep you honest. This is also the lunchtime run for Wellington CBD workers - hop on at any point, choose a section, and get back to the office with a story.
The loop can be run in either direction, starting and finishing at Queens Wharf. Pick your favourite bays and make it your own.
Did You Know?
- Round the Bays is Wellington’s biggest annual running event, held every February since 1972. The course follows part of this route from Frank Kitts Park around to Kilbirnie Park.
- The Wahine Memorial at the entrance to Wellington harbour marks the site of the Wahine disaster in 1968, when the inter-island ferry was wrecked in a devastating storm. The memorial at Seatoun is at around the 21km mark.
- 500m markers are painted along the waterfront path, making this one of the best measured running routes in Wellington.
- Oriental Bay was originally a rocky shoreline. The sandy beach was created in 1934 using golden sand dredged from the harbour floor.
Route Details
- Distance: 36km full loop, with many options to shorten
- Elevation: About 150m total - this is mostly flat waterfront running
- Difficulty: The terrain is beginner-friendly (flat, paved) but the full loop distance makes it intermediate to advanced. Choose a section to suit your level.
- Estimated time: 3 to 5 hours for the full loop, depending on pace and stops
Start Point
Queens Wharf in central Wellington. You can also hop on at any point along the waterfront - Oriental Bay, Evans Bay, Kilbirnie, Lyall Bay, or anywhere that suits.
Directions (Clockwise)
Queens Wharf to Oriental Bay (3km)
Starting at Queens Wharf, head along the waterfront towards Oriental Bay. You’ll pass the lagoon, Frank Kitts Park and the rowing clubs. The path curves around the bay past the sandy beach, cafes, and the fountain. This section is flat and sheltered, with views across the harbour to the Hutt Valley.
Oriental Bay to Evans Bay (6km)
Continue past Freyberg Pool and around Point Jerningham. The path follows the road around Evans Bay, past the yacht clubs and Greta Point. Keep the harbour on your left. The views open up across the harbour towards Eastbourne and the Hutt Valley hills.
Evans Bay to Miramar Cutting (9km)
Follow the waterfront past Shelly Bay turnoff and around to the Miramar cutting. The path is paved and relatively flat. You’ll pass through an industrial section before reaching the peninsula.
Miramar Peninsula (12km to 21km)
Continue around the peninsula to the Massey Memorial at Point Halswell (12km). The road follows the eastern side of the peninsula, past Scorching Bay, Karaka Bay and Worser Bay to Seatoun. At Breaker Bay you’ll find the Wahine Memorial Park at the 21km mark.
Lyall Bay and the Airport (21km to 27km)
From Breaker Bay, continue around past the airport runway. The path runs right alongside the southern end of the runway - you’ll see planes taking off and landing just metres away. Follow around Lyall Bay beach, a popular surf spot.
Houghton Bay to Island Bay (27km to 30km)
Continue along the south coast past Houghton Bay. The coastline becomes more rugged here with views out to the Cook Strait. At Island Bay you’re at the southern tip of the loop.
Back to the City (30km to 36km)
From Island Bay, head back towards the city via the Parade and Happy Valley Road, or via Adelaide Road and the Town Belt. This is the only section with any meaningful climb. You’ll drop back down into the CBD and follow the waterfront back to Queens Wharf.
Shortcut option: At the 30km mark near Island Bay, you can cut back to central Wellington via Happy Valley Road (about 7km total to the finish) if you want to trim the loop.
Facilities
This is a city loop, so you’re never far from a toilet, water fountain, or cafe.
- Oriental Bay - cafes, toilets, water fountain
- Evans Bay - toilets at Greta Point
- Scorching Bay - cafe, toilets
- Lyall Bay - cafes, toilets, Maranui Cafe (a Wellington institution)
- Island Bay - cafes and shops
Transport
Start and finish at Queens Wharf in central Wellington. Easily accessible by bus, train, or on foot. If you bonk at any point on the loop, Wellington buses run along most of the route - just hop on and ride back to town.