Days Bay is a pretty seaside and bush settlement, close to Wellington city, yet removed from the noise and bustle of city life. It's a favourite location for artists, writers, beach lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and home to the little blue penguin.

Quaint turn-of-the-century cottages adorned with climbing roses, character wooden houses and modern homes designed with architectural flair overlook the picturesque sheltered swimming beach.

See the 'bottle house', the 'bolted to the hillside' mansion, the four-storey 'glass house' perched precariously against the cliff, or the holiday cottage of New Zealand's best known short story writer, Katherine Mansfield. She drew her story At the Bay from memories of her Days Bay experiences.

Opposite the Days Bay wharf and the safe clear waters of Days Bay Beach is Williams Park and the tea pavilion - a favourite spot for picnics, tennis, petanque, bush walks to beautiful views, or just feeding the ducks. Alongside the park, the Cobar Restaurant and Blue Penguin cafe are famous for their seafood platters and real fruit ice-creams.