Two people were forced to leap over the side of a footbridge and cling onto metal beams above a lagoon during a police chase along Wellington's busy waterfront.

The chase last month, began on Oriental Parade, went the wrong way down Cable Street and then entered the waterfront area at Taranaki Street, next to the dive platform.

One witness said there were children everywhere.

The police watchdog says it's unacceptable that members of the public had to jump out of the way and climb over bridges to escape harm.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has deemed the actions of the police officer driving an unmarked police car unjustified.

General manager Warren Young said fleeing drivers make for complex situations.

"In this case, we have found the officer made a very poor assessment of the risk, and put members of the public unacceptably at risk by his actions."

The officer pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and has been discharged without conviction.