KiteGlobeLyall Bay
Lyall Bay is a kiteboarding spot near Wellington in New Zealand, with open ocean conditions and prevailing S wind, best ridden in January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December.
| Country | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Wellington |
| Water type | Open ocean |
| Launch | Ocean |
| Best wind direction | S |
| Wind type | Thermal, Frontal |
| Best months | January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December |
| Tide | Low tide |
| Coordinates | -41.3316, 174.7920 |
About Lyall Bay
Lyall Bay is a long (narrow) sandy bay located next to Wellington's airport and faces the Cook Strait. Picks-up a lot of southerly swell and the waves can get quite powerful with an onshore beach break. Combination of heavy waves, gusty onshore winds, windsurfers, proximity to the road (and buildings on the beach) make it unsuitable for any but extremely experienced riders. It is often necessary to have to jump over breaking waves in order to sail out. Upwind sailing, and jumping and jibing are necessary skills for sailing at Lyall. If you cannot confidently perform all of these skills, when it is blowing a southerly, please consider sailing at Petone which is more suitable for beginners/intermediate kitesurfers. Lots of swimmers.
When is the best time to kitesurf at Lyall Bay?
The best time to kite Lyall Bay is January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December, when the S wind is most reliable.
What are the wind and water conditions?
Lyall Bay offers open ocean conditions with S wind (Thermal, Frontal wind), launching from ocean.
How do I get to Lyall Bay?
Just southwest of the Wellington airport.
Hazards at Lyall Bay
Swimmers.
View Lyall Bay on the interactive map →Where can I take kite lessons near Lyall Bay?
3 kite schools operate in New Zealand. See kite schools in New Zealand →
Other kite spots near Lyall Bay
Spot data last updated 2026-07-20 · part of the KiteGlobe database of 6,633 kiteboarding spots.