Last updated October 2026
Westshore Beach is Napier’s primary family-friendly swimming beach, located on the city’s northern edge. It offers a safer alternative to the hazardous Marine Parade foreshore, with summer surf lifeguard patrols and a recently renewed playground.
The beach lies within a 19.4-hectare strip reserve that includes open space, facilities, and connections to walking and cycling paths. It is approximately 5 km or a 10-minute drive from central Napier via SH2 and the Pandora bridge.
Swimming Facts
Hawke's Bay Regional Council tests Westshore Beach weekly from November to March. Check the latest result before you swim, and stay out of the water for 48 hours after heavy rain.
Today’s result on LAWAToday at Westshore Beach
Saturday 17 OctoberWater quality track record
What the grades mean
Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.
Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine enterococci results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (522 per 100 mL from 95 tests).
Surf Facts
Surf today at Westshore Beach
Surf break at Westshore Beach
Practical Information
- Location
- Westshore, Napier, north of the city via SH2 and the Pandora bridge
- From central Napier
- ~5 km / 10 min drive
- Reserve
- 19.4-hectare strip reserve flanking the Westshore foreshore
- Surf Life Saving
- Westshore Surf Life Saving Club, summer patrols on weekends and public holidays
- Playground
- 2023 beach-themed playground next to the surf club at Ferguson Avenue
- Beach
- Long shingle-and-sand strip; safer than open-coast Marine Parade
- Facilities
- Public toilets, surf-club facilities, free parking on the reserve
- Rescue buoys
- Bright yellow rescue buoys mounted on water-safety signs along the beach
About Westshore Beach
Westshore Beach serves as the main family-friendly swimming destination for Napier and the wider area. The beach features a gentler profile and wider foreshore compared with central Napier options, supported by volunteer surf lifeguard patrols during summer weekends and public holidays. The 19.4-hectare strip reserve provides open green space alongside the foreshore for picnicking and relaxation.
The Westshore Surf Life Saving Club operates from its base near Ferguson Avenue. Bright yellow rescue buoys are mounted on water-safety signs along the beach for public use in emergencies. Standard New Zealand beach safety rules apply at all times: swim between the flags when patrols are active, supervise children closely, and avoid swimming beyond your depth.
Marine Parade in central Napier is explicitly identified by the council as unsafe for swimming due to a steep drop-off, strong undertow, and unpredictable waves. Westshore provides the recommended safer alternative with lifeguard presence.
Westshore Beach Playground
The Westshore Beach Playground underwent a full community-designed renewal completed in July 2023. It is located at Ferguson Avenue directly beside the surf club and features a beach-themed design that includes a basket swing, in-ground trampoline, flying fox, sandpit, and upgraded carousel.
The playground forms part of the 19.4-hectare reserve and combines with the beach to create a popular family destination. Landscaping and planting followed the main equipment installation. The site offers free parking nearby and public toilets.
Access and Trails
Westshore Beach connects to the wider path network via the Pandora bridge, linking into the Marine Parade Walkway and Hawke’s Bay Trails. The reserve supports walking and cycling along the foreshore, with paths suitable for family use.
Free parking is available on the reserve and surrounding streets. Visitors are advised to arrive early on peak summer days to secure space.
Where to Learn More
Napier City Council — Water Safety: official council page covering Westshore Beach patrols, rescue buoys, and beach safety advice.
Napier City Council — Westshore Beach Playground: details on the 2023 renewal and current facilities.
Napier City Council — Westshore Playground Renewal: project information on the community-designed 2023 upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Westshore Beach?
On Napier’s northern edge, about 5 km or a 10-minute drive from central Napier via SH2 and the Pandora bridge.
Is Westshore Beach safe for swimming?
It is substantially safer than the dangerous Marine Parade foreshore. Swim between the flags when the Westshore Surf Life Saving Club is patrolling on weekends and public holidays in summer. Standard New Zealand beach safety rules still apply.
When does the Westshore Surf Life Saving Club patrol?
Volunteer patrols operate during summer on weekends and public holidays. Check the surf club for current times and conditions.
Is there a playground at Westshore Beach?
Yes. The beach-themed Westshore Beach Playground at Ferguson Avenue next to the surf club was renewed in 2023 with equipment including a flying fox, basket swing, and in-ground trampoline.
Are there toilets at Westshore Beach?
Yes. Public toilets are available near the surf club and reserve facilities.
What’s the difference between Westshore Beach and Marine Parade?
Marine Parade has a steep drop-off, strong undertow, and unpredictable waves, making it unsafe for swimming. Westshore offers a gentler profile with summer lifeguard patrols.
Can I park at Westshore Beach?
Yes. Free parking is available on the reserve and surrounding streets.
Are there walking or cycling paths at Westshore?
Yes. The reserve connects via the Pandora bridge to the Marine Parade Walkway and Hawke’s Bay Trails network.
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