Pencarrow Coast Road, Eastbourne

Walking time

2 - 3 hr

Length

9.3km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Mountain Bike Grade

Easy: Grade 2

Profile

7m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

2 bikers on the Pencarrow Coast Road at sunset.

2 bikers on the Pencarrow Coast Road at sunset, with the lighthouse in the background.

Two cyclists ride along Pencarrow Coast Road in Wellington, New Zealand.

2 bikers on Pencarrow Coast Road, with the Wellington Harbour in the background.

About the trail

Pencarrow Coast Road is a popular walking and biking trail that starts from Burdan’s Gate just south of Eastbourne.

The trail winds its way along the coastline for 7km to Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of the Cook Strait. Here you can choose to head along a side trail and spend some time exploring the lighthouse or continue on for 2km to Lake Kohangatera.

You’ll encounter native seabirds and plant life thriving on the exposed coastline, along with indigenous waterfowl, eels and freshwater fish in their natural habitat at Lake Kohangatera and the adjacent Lake Kohangapiripiri.

If you’re an experienced cyclist, you may want to explore the headland between the two lakes. You’ll need to pass through some clearly marked farm gates and wind your way up the farm track to the top of the hill.

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.

If you’re an experienced cyclist, you can explore the hills between Lake Kohangapiripiri and Lake Kohangatera.

Cheviot Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkCheviot Road track is a steep one-hour walk through mature native bush, with views over Lowry Bay in East Harbour Regional Park.

Howard Road trail, a walk through native bush with views of the Wellington Harbour.

Howard Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkClimb up Mount Lowry on the Howard Road Track while stopping off at two lookouts along the way in East Harbour Regional Park.

Kāeaea Track Summit view looks out across Wellington Harbour, with Matiu/Somes Island on the right and Mākaro/Ward Island on the left. Behind Mākaro, the Miramar peninsula.

MacKenzie Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkMacKenzie Road Track has steep steps and a zigzag trail to meet up with Main Ridge Track in East Harbour Regional Park.

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

Kererū Track

East Harbour Regional ParkKererū Track is an intermediate walk that weaves through mature forest. See kererū and orchids with views over Wellington from the hills above Days Bay.

Rātā Ridge

East Harbour Regional ParkA gentle traverse from Mount Lowry to Wainuiomata, with a steep finish.

Lighthouse Track

East Harbour Regional ParkThe Lighthouse Track in Eastbourne leads you uphill to one of Wellington’s most iconic landmarks, Pencarrow Lighthouse.

Bus Barn Track

East Harbour Regional ParkBus Barn Track is an easy trail in Eastbourne through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees. Connect to the popular Butterfly Creek picnic area.

Kowhai Street Track

East Harbour Regional ParkKowhai Street Track has options to explore more of the East Harbour Regional Park, including the Butterfly Creek picnic area and views over Wellington Harbour.