How to get to Princess Bay Beach and is it safe for swimming today - Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA)
Location: South coast, near Houghton Bay, The Esplanade
Getting there: Queens Drive: No 3 bus to Hungerford Road then walk along coast, or No 23 bus to Houghton Bay and a 5-minute walk
Suitable for: Swimming, short walks. The large rocky point near the beach is a good place to explore rock pools.
Brief description: Princess Bay has a sheltered sandy beach and is a popular place to swim in summer. Tucked between Houghton Bay’s headland and Te Raekaihau Point, it has good views of Taputeranga Island. On a clear day you can see the peaks of the Kaikoura Range in the South Island. The bay is part of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, which aims to return the marine habitats to a more natural state and increase the size and abundance of fish.
Parking: Large car park next to changing room and beach
Toilets and changing facilities: Large changing rooms and toilets
Accessibility: Short walk to beach
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the beach at any time:
Dogs - Restricted Beach Exercise Areas
Features: A short coastal track leads to Te Raekaihau Point. Across the road there is an entrance to Te Ranga a Hiwi Track, which runs along the ridgeline above Te Raekaihau Point and connects with View Road.
Fires: At Princess Bay, you can have an open fire or non-gas barbecue if you have a fire permit.