Wellington Regional Trails
The trail around Pencarrow Lakes and Eastbourne Lighthouse. Green hills meet with the blue ocean and lakes, and the white lighthouse is in the distance.

A steep narrow track up to the old Pencarrow Lighthouse.

Walking time
1 hr
Length
2.6km
Uses
Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking, Mountain Biking
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Intermediate: Easier tramping track
Mountain Bike Grade
Intermediate: Grade 3
Profile

90m climb

-90m descent

90m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

The Lighthouse Track is a steep, narrow tramping track that leads to the old Pencarrow Lighthouse.

To get to the starting point you'll first need to travel 7km along the coastline from Burdan's Gate, Eastbourne. Once you've reached the signpost for the trail, climb uphill and explore this historic site.

At the top are information panels about the history of the lighthouse and a spot to rest and take photos of the sweeping ocean views.

For easier access to the Lighthouse Track, continue around Pencarrow Head to the Lake Kohangapiripiri outlet and follow the signposts.

Getting there 

  • The trail starts from the end of Muritai Road/Burdan's Gate, Eastbourne. Walk or ride about 7km along the coastline to the clearly signposted start of the trail
  • There are regular bus and ferry services to Eastbourne and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from Metlink and East by West Ferries.
2 bikers on Pencarrow Coast Road, with the Wellington Harbour in the background.

To get to the starting point for the Lighthouse Track you'll first need to travel 7km along the coastline from Burdan's Gate.

Know before you go 

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list
  • There are no toilets, drinking water, or shelters in this area of the park.
  • The weather can be extremely changeable and strong winds can make biking difficult along the coast

For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.

Looking for more?

At start of items
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Cheviot Road Track

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Section of trail looking back towards Wellington harbour and Matiu/Somes Island.

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A person leaps across a stream while another follows, on the East harbour Regional park Kowhai Street track.

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Two people walk along Bus Barn Track in East Harbour Regional Park during golden hour.

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3 people walking along a boardwalk looking at the native trees on the Kowhai Street Track to Butterfly Creek.

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Cyclists are riding along a coastal road at the Pencarrow Coast in Eastbourne, New Zealand.

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A group of mountain bikers ride side-by-side along a gravel path with puddles. They are surrounded by lush green bush.

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