Huge waves close Wellington surf beach carpark

Part of the seawall has been washed away by the big swells. Photo / Wellington City Council

Huge waves have closed a car park at Wellington's Lyall Bay surf beach after they destroyed part of a seawall.

Council spokesman Richard MacLean said the surfers' corner car park was closed this afternoon "because, ironically, the waves are too big".

The waves wash out over the car park. Photo / Wellington City Council

The damage to the footpath and car park was "extensive" and it may be some time before it could be fully assessed, he said.

Contractors were installing a temporary mesh fence to keep people out of the car park.

Lyall Bay is well-regarded by local surfers for its big waves.

A surfer taking advantage of the huge waves at Lyall Bay in Wellington yesterday. Photo / Mark Mitchell