Lyall Bay Surf Cam
Live Wellington surf cam — check today's Lyall Bay surf conditions before you paddle out.
Wellington's south-coast beach break, live from our window. Check the surf before you head down — or just let it distract you productively for a moment.
Lyall Bay conditions right now
Live data from Open-Meteo, refreshed on every visit. Model data for the bay — always eyeball the cam before you commit.
Everything You Need for a Lunchtime Surf
Outdoor Shower
Rinse off sand, salt, and wetsuit at the entry before you come in.
Surfboard Rack
Secure indoor storage between sessions — no boot-of-the-car juggling.
Hot Indoor Shower
Shower and change on-site — back at your desk like you never left.
Gear Airing Area
Leave wetsuit, towel and shoes to dry between sessions — nothing soggy in the boot.
Why the Best Work Happens Near the Waves
Research consistently shows that proximity to blue space — the ocean, rivers, lakes — reduces cortisol levels, sharpens creative thinking, and improves focus after breaks. A study in Wellington itself found that residents with a view of the sea show measurably lower psychological distress. At Lyall Bay WorkHub, this isn't a perk we list on a brochure. It's built into every working day.
The surf cam isn't just for surfers. It's a daily reminder that your lunch break can be genuinely restorative — a walk on the beach, watching the sets roll in, or (if conditions are good) an actual surf. Then back to your desk for the best two hours of focused work you'll do all week.
Need gear? Real Surf and Backdoor — two of Wellington's best surf shops — are both steps from the front door. Boards, wetsuits, wax, leashes: sorted before you even get to your desk.
"98% of surf-therapy participants reported feeling happier after their sessions in the waves"
— The Wave Project evaluation, UK (2018)
"A week of surf therapy cut anxiety by 59% and depression by 44% in a study of military veterans"
— Ossie, Frontiers in Psychology (2025)
"People who spend at least two hours a week in nature — beaches count — are 59% more likely to report good health and 23% more likely to report high wellbeing"
— White et al., Scientific Reports (2019)
"A 20–30 minute break in nature lowers cortisol — your main stress hormone — by around 21% per hour"
— Hunter et al., Frontiers in Psychology (2019)
"Walking boosts creative output by an average of 60% compared with sitting"
— Oppezzo & Schwartz, Stanford University (2014)
Work Here. Surf Here.
Lyall Bay WorkHub is the only coworking space in Wellington where the surf check is part of the morning routine.
Book a Free DayWellington's Surf Beach — Your New Backyard
Surf Conditions
Lyall Bay picks up south and SW swells and breaks at all tide levels — a rising tide is generally the most consistent. A beach break suitable for all levels, with boards for hire nearby.
Wind & Seasons
Wellington's notorious northerly wind actually creates offshore conditions at Lyall Bay. When the wind blows everywhere else, Lyall Bay often cleans up. Check the cam.
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
Onshore southerly days turn the bay over to wind sports — steady wind and open sand for launching. Offshore northerlies belong to the surfers: clean faces for boards, but unsafe for kites. Check the live wind above before loading the car.
Tides
The break works at all tide levels, and a rising tide generally produces the most consistent peaks. The live tide panel above shows the current direction and the next high or low.
Walking & Running
The beach path stretches the full length of Lyall Bay — a perfect 20-minute out-and-back for a lunch break run or walk. Best in the morning.
Board Hire Nearby
Several surf shops and rental outlets within 2 minutes of the WorkHub. Ask us for recommendations — we know the locals.
Surf Cam FAQs
Is the Lyall Bay surf cam live?
Yes — the beach cam streams live, 24/7, from the Lyall Bay WorkHub building overlooking the beach. The feed is hosted by Surfline, so you can also click through for the full surf report, swell forecast and tide times.
Where is the Lyall Bay surf cam located?
The webcam looks out over Lyall Bay beach on Wellington’s south coast, streaming from the Lyall Bay WorkHub coworking space across the road from the sand.
What are the best surf conditions at Lyall Bay?
Lyall Bay picks up south and southwest swells. Because the beach faces south, Wellington’s common northerly wind blows offshore here — when it’s windy everywhere else, Lyall Bay often cleans up. It breaks at all tide levels, with a rising tide generally producing the most consistent peaks.
What tide is best at Lyall Bay?
The beach break works at all tide levels; a rising tide generally produces the most consistent peaks. This page shows the live tide direction and the next high or low, updated on every visit.
Is Lyall Bay good for kitesurfing and windsurfing?
Yes — on onshore southerly days kitesurfers and windsurfers share the bay, with steady wind and open sand for launching. Offshore northerlies are the surfers’ days: clean faces for boards, but offshore wind is unsafe for kiting. The live wind reading on this page shows speed, direction and whether it’s blowing offshore or onshore right now.
Is Lyall Bay good for beginner surfers?
Yes. It’s a consistent beach break suitable for all levels, and board hire and surf shops (Real Surf and Backdoor) are within a couple of minutes’ walk.
Can I really work next to the beach?
That’s the whole idea. Lyall Bay WorkHub is Wellington’s only beachside coworking space — surfboard rack, outdoor rinse shower and hot indoor shower included. Book a free trial day and check the surf from your desk.
Work at the Beach
Book a free 1-day trial at Lyall Bay WorkHub and check the surf cam from your desk.
- Phone 021 109 7986
- Email info@lyallbayworkhub.nz
- Location 66B Kingsford Smith Street
Rongotai, Wellington 6022 - Access 24/7 for members · Staff on-site weekdays