Island Bay, Wellington

Island Bay is a picturesque coastal suburb of Wellington located approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) south of the bustling city center. This serene suburb is nestled along the bay from which it derives its name, Island Bay, which is among the numerous small bays dotting the coast off Cook Strait and situated to the west of Lyall Bay. A distinctive feature of Island Bay is Tapu Te Ranga Island, positioned 500 meters offshore. This island acts as a natural breakwater, providing a sheltered anchorage for the suburb's local fishing boats, thereby enhancing the area's charm and utility for maritime activities.

Island Bay is not only known for its stunning natural beauty and maritime significance but also for its notable residents. The area is home to Andrew Little MP, a former Minister of Justice, highlighting its appeal to prominent political figures. Its historical and cultural fabric is enriched by former residents such as Celia Wade-Brown, who served as Mayor, and Bruce Stewart, a revered writer and dramatist associated with Tapu Te Ranga Marae. The suburb has also been a nurturing ground for talent in sports and the arts, with former residents including Chris Killen, a striker for Middlesbrough F.C. and the New Zealand national team, artist John Drawbridge, poet Alan Brunton, and writer Robin Hyde. Adding to its historical allure, in the late 19th century, Island Bay was the chosen retreat of an individual known as The Hermit of Island Bay, further cementing its place as a suburb of diverse and rich historical narratives.