Island Bay is a coastal suburb of Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, situated 5 km south of the city centre. Island Bay lies on the bay which shares its name, one of numerous small bays west of Lyall Bay. 500m offshore in Island Bay lies Tapu Te Ranga Island, which forms a natural breakwater and provides a sheltered anchorage for local fishing boats. Noted current Island Bay residents include Bruce Stewart, writer and dramatist at Tapu Te Ranga Marae, and Wellington's Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown. Former residents include Middlesbrough F.C. and All Whites striker Chris Killen, artist John Drawbridge, poet Alan Brunton writer Robin Hyde, and The Hermit of Island Bay