Oriental Bay, Wellington

Oriental Bay is a neighborhood and beach in Wellington known for its upscale vibe and popularity, situated near the city's central business area along Wellington Harbour. It's the closest beach to downtown, making it a favorite spot for locals, especially from December to March. The area is characterized by its "Painted Lady" houses and other historic homes, notably in the local Art Deco style, stretching up the hills facing the bay. Positioned on the northern side of Mount Victoria, Oriental Bay is just 1.5 kilometers southeast of downtown, marking the beginning of a scenic coastal drive that extends around Evans Bay.

The place was originally called Duppa Bay after George Duppa, its first resident in 1843, but was later renamed to commemorate one of the first settler ships, the Oriental. Initially seen as a desolate area of rocks between cliffs and the sea, mainly used for quarantining newcomers, it has significantly transformed since the early days of settlement. Over the 20th century, notable landmarks such as sleek Art Deco houses, the Olympus building, the Anscombe Apartments, and the modernist Freyberg pool (jutting into the harbour and named after Lord Freyberg who loved the beach as a youth) were constructed. A major makeover happened in 2004 when 22,000 tonnes of sand from Golden Bay were brought in to restore the worn-down beach.

During summer, Oriental Bay turns into a bustling spot with swimmers, party-goers, and families. Noteworthy sights include the Carter Fountain and a wooden barge that's a magnet for swimmers. A part of the bay next to the Freyberg pool is named Freyberg Bay in honor of Lord Freyberg.