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One of the most posh areas in Wellington surrounds Oriental Bay, Wellington. Coming here you cannot help but wonder at many of Wellington's most expensive and desirable homes that you can see all around you. Ringed by a promenade, Oriental Bay is a sheltered, safe swimming bay right in the heart of the city, where you can relax on the beach with awe inspiring views across to the inner city and the northern hills. After a relaxing swim in the warm waters of the Oriental Bay, Wellington, you can take a nearby walk along the harbor or walk up into the town-belt for a spot of greenery. In fact, there is nothing better than a chilling drink at one of the many cafes in the vicinity to revive yourself after a hard day swimming or sunbathing. Wellington City Council began building a bigger beach at Oriental Bay in December of 2002. The project involved enlarging and enhancing the existing Freyberg and Oriental Bay beaches, and addition of an entirely new beach east of the Band Rotunda - an area that used to be covered by stones. The up gradation was carried out on a massive scale, requiring several changes at the macro level. The entire project involved bringing in more than 27,000 tonnes of sand, building sand control reefs, adding a wave platform, a pier, new toilet and changing facilities, a new playground, access steps down to the beach and at-sea stormwater outlets to prevent the sand from washing into the sea. The efforts of the City Council did not go unrewarded as apart from being a huge success among visitors and Wellingtonians, Oriental Bay Beach has also won several awards including:
- The Contractors Federation Construction Award
- The Supreme Award, New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects, May 2004
- The Year Of the Built Environment Award
- The New Zealand Recreation Association's Outstanding Project Award
- INNOVATE NZ Gold award (for both Tonkin & Taylor and the Council)
- The New Zealand Institute of Architects New Zealand Award - Urban Design category
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