Lyall Bay

Lyall Bay is a crescent-shaped bay on Wellington's south coast, facing northeast into Cook Strait. The bay provides a natural amphitheater of water bounded by residential hillsides to the west and airport infrastructure to the east. The water shows distinctive color gradation indicating varying depths and reef structures, particularly visible in the southern and northern sections. With average winds of 12.2 knots and moderate reliability at 49%, this location experiences variable conditions typical of Wellington's exposed southern coast. Best conditions occur with northwest winds (315°), which provide reliable side-shore conditions across the bay. The bay's orientation makes it susceptible to Cook Strait's channeled winds and swell exposure. Intermediate kiters can find reasonable wave action averaging 1.7m, though conditions vary significantly with tidal cycles. The proximity to active airport operations and shipping lanes requires awareness of aircraft and vessel movements. Rocky outcrops and reef structures demand knowledge of local bathymetry. Water temperatures average 14.2°C, necessitating appropriate thermal protection.