The safe swimming beaches, west facing aspect and beautiful bush have meant that Eastbourne and Bays have been a popular holiday and daytripper destination for Wellingtonians and visitors alike for over 100 years.

Early last century many Eastbourne homes began their lives as ‘baches’ or holiday cottages for Wellingtonians wanting to get away from it all.  The most famous of these is a cottage which still hugs the sea wall at Days Bay. It was once the holiday home of the Beauchamp family whose daughter Katherine Mansfield became one of New Zealand’s most celebrated authors. Her famous short story “At the Bay” was set in Days Bay, written from memories of family summers spent there.

Today easy access to Wellington by road means that Eastbourne is no longer a holiday suburb, but talk to the locals and they will insist on the fact that living in Eastbourne is like being on holiday all year round.

Days Bay is one of Wellington’s safest and most popular beaches. Across the road from the beach, Williams Park is a wonderful picnic spot, or you can hire a kayak from the Boatshed and enjoy a paddle on the water.

The bush walks in the East Harbour Regional Park, the impressive hills which provide the backdrop to the suburb, are among the best in the Lower North Island with tracks for all levels of fitness and offering splendid views. Taking a day walk over the hill for a picnic at beautiful Butterfly Creek is an iconic Wellington ‘must do’.

The coast road south, past the end of Muritai Road provides a great 8km walk or easy mountain bike ride to historic Pencarrow Lighthouse with views of the rugged and unspoilt east coast beaches as you go. It’s a spot where divers and fishermen have found plenty to keep them busy. Bikes are available for hire at Burdan’s Gate – the entrance to the coast road, only 10 minutes walk from our B & B. On your walk you will pass a memorial to the victims of the sinking of the interisland ferry “Wahine” on April 10 1968 when it was driven onto Barrett’s Reef during a violent southerly storm. It’s a sobering reminder that the coast, although always beautiful, is not always benign. Check out www.gw.govt.nz for maps and walks in the area.

Eastbourne Village offers a charming mix of boutique stores and old fashioned treats – such as an award winning Butcher’s shop and a Greengrocer with the very best New Zealand produce. There’s a Delicatessen that makes the best custard squares in Wellington and a Gelateria for the most delicious cold treats. In addition there are two unique gift and craft shops both run by locals, 2 beauticians, a hairdresser and a locally run art gallery/ bookshop that’s an absolute treasure trove for those who love the smell of print on paper.

To complete the picture there’s also plenty to choose from if you’re hungry or thirsty. At Days Bay you’ll find fine dining, and great coffee at the local cafes as well as fabulous woodfired pizzas . Eastbourne has a charming local pub and restaurant should you wish to eat out not far from home.