Days Bay Beach, nestled on the eastern shores of Wellington Harbour just a mile north of Eastbourne, is a gem not only for sun‑seekers and kayakers, but also for sea‑glass enthusiasts. The sheltered cove offers calm waters ideal for families, while the iconic pier invites swimmers to jump in on hot summer days. It’s reachable via a scenic 20‑minute ferry ride aboard East by West’s electric Ika Rere—New Zealand’s first e‑ferry—connecting it directly with Wellington city. (wellingtonnz.com)

Sea‑Glass on Days Bay & Surrounding Beaches

OdysseySeaGlass.com doesn’t have a dedicated report for Days Bay itself, but does feature several nearby beaches rich in sea glass. Most notably, Rona Bay Beach, a smaller cove just west of Days Bay in Eastbourne, is renowned for its collection of well‑frosted, sizable pieces—predominantly browns and ambers, along with occasional greens and whites—ideal for crafting. Collectors describe the sea glass there as “really well frosted” and “fairly large pieces,” making it a must‑visit for hobbyists. (odysseyseaglass.com - Rona Bay)

While Eastbourne’s main beach at Days Bay may not be listed explicitly, the same ocean currents and historical spill patterns suggest it would host similar treasures. Currents sweep glass across the harbour, likely depositing it along Days Bay’s gently sloping shoreline after its journey from Eastbourne beaches.

History & Beachcombing Culture

Sea glass in this part of Wellington likely has its origins in historical bottle debris from local settlement and early shipping, smoothed by decades—or even centuries—of wave action. In nearby Opunake, for example, military‑era bottles from the 1860s have produced century and a half–old glass shards. (odysseyseaglass.com - New Zealand Sea Glass)

Days Bay, established in the 1840s, sits within this same timeline. Given that Eastbourne and Days Bay were once hubs of boat traffic, glass from old bottles, industrial waste, or discarded items may well have found its way into the harbour—and onto the sands—over the years.

OdysseySeaGlass emphasizes that the best sea‑glass beaches combine a steady source of glass, favorable land features (like coves and rocky points that trap treasures), and wave action to tumble and distribute shards. Days Bay ticks all three boxes: a long history of human activity, a sheltered shoreline, and gentle wave patterns that both polish and reveal sea glass.

What to Expect & Tips for Collecting

• Typical colors: Expect browns, ambers, greens, whites—and occasionally blues—similar to Rona Bay (link).


• Quality: Sea‑glass here tends to be well‑tumbled and smooth, ready for jewelry or mosaic use.


• Best times: Early mornings after storms or at low tide offer prime collecting conditions—waves pull glass onto harder‑packed sand or exposed rock platforms.


• Looking spots: Search near the pier, along the edge of the sand and below driftwood or stones, where glass may settle post‑tide.

Beyond Sea‑Glass: Local Attractions

Days Bay is more than just a collection spot. After combing the beach, you can enjoy café culture—famed spots include Chocolate Dayz and Sea Salt—browse boutique shops, splash in calm waters, or explore trails like Butterfly Creek and the route out to Pencarrow Lighthouse with kayak and bike hire from Wildfinder. (neatplaces.co.nz)

Local Resources & Further Reading

• Rona Bay Beach sea glass report and photos


• How to Find Sea Glass Guide


• New Zealand Sea Glass Overview


• Beach Pottery Identification