Posted on September 22, 2025
Sand replenishment at Oriental Bay starts next week to restore Wellington’s most popular beaches 22 years on from the initial development.
The project will start on Monday 29 September and is estimated to take three-weeks, with sand from a quarry in Dunedin being shipped, stockpiled and then spread across the three main beaches.
The work, costing around $790,000, follows a similar process to the first replenishment in 2015 says project manager Joel De Boer.
“It has been more than 20 years since Oriental Bay was reshaped into the beaches we know and love today, but the impact from waves, storms and wind means sand is always on the move.
“Replenishing it from time to time is an important part of keeping the beaches looking beautiful for everyone to enjoy – especially with summer hopefully just around the corner.”
The original enhancement project in 2003 placed 16,100 m³ of sand along the bay, but natural processes were expected to shift 100–400 m³ each year. By 2014, beach sand levels had dropped as expected, prompting the first top-up in 2015. Monitoring shows the sand has now returned to pre-2015 levels, and replenishment is needed again.
There will be some temporary closures and restricted access on the beaches while sand is shifted into place. Onsite staff and clear signage will guide people safely around the work areas.
