East Harbour Regional Park
East Harbour Regional Park
East Harbour Regional Park
4.5
About
East Harbour Regional Park is a contrast of native forest and rocky coastline, providing a magnificent backdrop to Wellington Harbour. Greater Wellington manages the park which includes land owned by Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Taranaki Whanui and the Crown. There are two distinct areas. To the north, the hills between Eastbourne and Wainuiomata are clothed in some of the best beech/rata forest in the Wellington area. In contrast, the damp valley floors contain lush semi-swamp forest including kahikatea, pukatea and nikau palms. To the south, the Parangarahu Lakes Area provides sweeping views and diverse geological features. It cradles the nationally significant freshwater wetlands of Kohangatera and Kohangapiripiri and is home to a wealth of native plants and wildlife.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Ruben L
59 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
Wow. The East Harbour Regional Park is truly incredible. I hiked along the Pencarrow Coastal Track, up to the lighthouse and then to the Lake Kahongapiripiri and the nature was absolutely amazing at all times. I would definitely recommend everyone visiting Wellington to go there, it‘s also easily accessible by the bus 83 and 84 directly from Wellington. Big recommendation, one of the best hiking tracks I‘ve been to in NZ, so far at least.
Written 9 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolDM1900
Montpelier, VT3,343 contributions
Feb 2020
Add a big dollop of nature to your visit at Pencarrow Light by walking through the gloriously vast and beautiful Parangarahu Lakes reserve that is easily accessible via a narrow track down from the lighthouse to the sign marked "Lake Kohangapirpiri Track / Cameron Creek Wetland / Lake Kohangatera Lookout." If you're up for a long hike, you can retrace your steps from the Kohangatera Lookout to pick up and follow the Cameron Ridge Track that joins the Beach Road, which will take you back to Pencarrow Head right at the entrance to Wellington Harbor, with the Pencarrow Lighthouse on the promontory and a smaller one at beach level right along the road.
I spent about 5 hours walking through this new reserve, up and down steep hills with remarkable vistas bundling together hills, creeks, glittering freshwater lakes and wetlands, Cook Strait beaches, the Pencarrow Lighthouse and scenic Baring Head. This all in one 360 degree view from any place high up, mind you. The views were jaw-dropping. I had some lunch with me, and, amazed by what I saw, just plopped down on the grassy road below the Kohangatera Lookout to take it all in. The views were almost beyond belief.
I found an abundance of wildlife, many native birds, especially aquatic ones, as well as some oddball "left overs" from the time most of this area was leased for grazing. You'll probably see, as I did, some California Quail, a goat or two, and more than a few sheep that somehow escaped relocation when this land reverted to public management in 2004 after the grazing lease was not renewed and it became part of the regional park.
Invasive plants like gorse are now being replaced by native ones like manuka, and the area is regenerating, making it a haven for birds, including rare ones like the banded dotterel that nest on protected beaches nearby and other charming natives like the tomtits I saw flitting through the bush.
The Maori who lived here considered these lakes their "taonga" -- treasure -- and that is reflected in their names, which derive from "Kohanga Ora," meaning something like "nest nurturing life." They are that, being nationally significant pristine freshwater sources, surprisingly separated by only a narrow strip of beach from Cook Strait.
To add to the sense of wonder, in all those hours of hiking, I did not see another human being until I rejoined the coastal road to complete my circular track. This is something one would not expect to experience in a national capital, but Wellington is different in that it includes several vast reserves with trails for those willing to expend a little energy to see some pretty impressive sights while alone and to hear only the sounds of nature. Red Rocks is another one I have greatly enjoyed but these lakes were new to me, and I kick myself for not having explored them sooner. So I tried to make the best of it in one day.
There are different ways to get here. I took a long one, by bus (#83) from downtown Wellington to the last stop in Eastbourne, right near the Wahine Memorial honoring those who lost in the 1968 sinking of a ferry of that name. I hiked up to the lighthouse along the coastal road -- about 50 minutes from the bus stop -- and then cut over to the lake trails. Once I looped around Pencarrow and was back near the lighthouse where I'd started, I returned to Wellington the same way.
So this was a full day trip for me, because of the time needed to use public transportation between Wellington and Eastbourne and then to walk the coastal road to and from Pencarrow Lighthouse. But you can also get on the coastal road further up, nearer to Baring Head. I saw buses with signs advertising "The Storm Coast" tour going both ways around Pencarrow Head, so if they can do it, so can a car. There seemed to be vehicle access to the coastal road in the direction of Baring head, a bit beyond the point where Lake Kohangatera nears Cook Strait. So with a car, you'd probably have an easier and shorter time getting here. If you want to drive to save time, I suggest you carefully consult a road map for the easiest point of vehicular access.
However you get here, no matter how long it takes, your trip will be worth it. Mine was unforgettable.
Highly Recommended.
I spent about 5 hours walking through this new reserve, up and down steep hills with remarkable vistas bundling together hills, creeks, glittering freshwater lakes and wetlands, Cook Strait beaches, the Pencarrow Lighthouse and scenic Baring Head. This all in one 360 degree view from any place high up, mind you. The views were jaw-dropping. I had some lunch with me, and, amazed by what I saw, just plopped down on the grassy road below the Kohangatera Lookout to take it all in. The views were almost beyond belief.
I found an abundance of wildlife, many native birds, especially aquatic ones, as well as some oddball "left overs" from the time most of this area was leased for grazing. You'll probably see, as I did, some California Quail, a goat or two, and more than a few sheep that somehow escaped relocation when this land reverted to public management in 2004 after the grazing lease was not renewed and it became part of the regional park.
Invasive plants like gorse are now being replaced by native ones like manuka, and the area is regenerating, making it a haven for birds, including rare ones like the banded dotterel that nest on protected beaches nearby and other charming natives like the tomtits I saw flitting through the bush.
The Maori who lived here considered these lakes their "taonga" -- treasure -- and that is reflected in their names, which derive from "Kohanga Ora," meaning something like "nest nurturing life." They are that, being nationally significant pristine freshwater sources, surprisingly separated by only a narrow strip of beach from Cook Strait.
To add to the sense of wonder, in all those hours of hiking, I did not see another human being until I rejoined the coastal road to complete my circular track. This is something one would not expect to experience in a national capital, but Wellington is different in that it includes several vast reserves with trails for those willing to expend a little energy to see some pretty impressive sights while alone and to hear only the sounds of nature. Red Rocks is another one I have greatly enjoyed but these lakes were new to me, and I kick myself for not having explored them sooner. So I tried to make the best of it in one day.
There are different ways to get here. I took a long one, by bus (#83) from downtown Wellington to the last stop in Eastbourne, right near the Wahine Memorial honoring those who lost in the 1968 sinking of a ferry of that name. I hiked up to the lighthouse along the coastal road -- about 50 minutes from the bus stop -- and then cut over to the lake trails. Once I looped around Pencarrow and was back near the lighthouse where I'd started, I returned to Wellington the same way.
So this was a full day trip for me, because of the time needed to use public transportation between Wellington and Eastbourne and then to walk the coastal road to and from Pencarrow Lighthouse. But you can also get on the coastal road further up, nearer to Baring Head. I saw buses with signs advertising "The Storm Coast" tour going both ways around Pencarrow Head, so if they can do it, so can a car. There seemed to be vehicle access to the coastal road in the direction of Baring head, a bit beyond the point where Lake Kohangatera nears Cook Strait. So with a car, you'd probably have an easier and shorter time getting here. If you want to drive to save time, I suggest you carefully consult a road map for the easiest point of vehicular access.
However you get here, no matter how long it takes, your trip will be worth it. Mine was unforgettable.
Highly Recommended.
Written 21 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia W
Lower Hutt, New Zealand24 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
This part of the park is called Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui.
To get to it you drive through Wainuiomata to the coast, it takes approximately 20 minutes from Wainuiomata to get to the carpark which is well sign posted.
There's a toilet in the car park.
You then cross the stile and walk over a wooden bridge where the Wainuiomata River flows underneath and its suitable for trout fishing. It takes most people about 10 minutes to walk up the road for a wonderful view of Wellington or to look down to the car park and you get a glimpse of the coastline of Wainuiomata.
There's a lighthouse you can walk to that will take you about an hour and a quarter or an hours walk to the climbing boulders.
There are more cyclists in the area than walkers. There are sheep on the hills and a few cattle and goats on the farmland. On the beach there are some unusual native plants and quite often you see gannets, black backed gulls and white fronted terns.
To get to it you drive through Wainuiomata to the coast, it takes approximately 20 minutes from Wainuiomata to get to the carpark which is well sign posted.
There's a toilet in the car park.
You then cross the stile and walk over a wooden bridge where the Wainuiomata River flows underneath and its suitable for trout fishing. It takes most people about 10 minutes to walk up the road for a wonderful view of Wellington or to look down to the car park and you get a glimpse of the coastline of Wainuiomata.
There's a lighthouse you can walk to that will take you about an hour and a quarter or an hours walk to the climbing boulders.
There are more cyclists in the area than walkers. There are sheep on the hills and a few cattle and goats on the farmland. On the beach there are some unusual native plants and quite often you see gannets, black backed gulls and white fronted terns.
Written 20 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thriftyman
wellington34 contributions
Feb 2014 • Solo
Located some 10 minutes drive from Wainuiomata along the sealed coast road,and a kilometer before the beach you turn off to the right and enter the carpark that caters for the Baring Head reserve.this reserve was opened in 2011 and was previously private farm land.the walk can be done in two directions.One track leads left and takes you along the bottom of the hills,past a white pump station,along the Wainuiomata stream to the next sign post.Here you can either branch off to climb The Boulders or carry on up the hill towards the lighthouse.Half way along the ridge you ascend up towards the Trig station,the observation platform and the ww2 bunkers.Although they are fenced in you still get a good idea of their purpose.Lower down there is the remnants of a brick chimney on a flat piece of land.After this there is a downward journey to a stone road towards the carpark.The second rout from the carpark is up a winding road towards the top of the hill.here you can either turn left and go uphill towards the bun kers,or follow the road down towards the beach,and on along the coast road towards Eastbourne.The best part of this trek is the fantastic 360 degree view of the Cook Strait with the South Island beyond ,and the hills to the North.It is well worth the trek just to see the Baring Head lughthouse.
Written 25 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
Wellington117 contributions
Sept 2011 • Couples
The park extends from the ridges above Eastbourne all the way to the south coast lakes. Features include very old trees, (200+ years), natural forest, glow-worms above Days Bay, Lakes at the south end with a pa site beside one of the lakes.
The ridge is high above Eastbourne and is reached on the way to Butterfly creek or from Williams park, the forest is beautiful in these areas.
South of Eastbourne is a rough, wild and natural coastline leading to two lakes and a pa site, 10km from the sealed road, a lovely bike ride.
A new park is located a further 5km past the lakes, I have yet to explore.
The ridge is high above Eastbourne and is reached on the way to Butterfly creek or from Williams park, the forest is beautiful in these areas.
South of Eastbourne is a rough, wild and natural coastline leading to two lakes and a pa site, 10km from the sealed road, a lovely bike ride.
A new park is located a further 5km past the lakes, I have yet to explore.
Written 21 September 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul B
Chesterfield, UK1,696 contributions
Feb 2020
Strenuous walk up to the summit from the village centre. Takes about 45 min and fantastic views from the top.
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Octovianus G
Jakarta, Indonesia316 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
The view from this harbor to the bay was very beautiful and scenic or even magical ! Especially when the weather was so graceful to us like we had when we were here last November. The site provides everything we need; the scenic view, the paths to walk calmly and the clean air .......
Written 14 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan_Lelie
Uganda804 contributions
Jan 2013 • Couples
It is a steep climb from Eastbourne, over the ridge to the very nice path of Butterfly Creek, but well worth it. Nice views on the bay. the track was being improved when we visited, some parts were worn down. The path across the river is - as ever - very good. beautiful fern trees, palms, trees. Hope the don't take away the old signs with the pictures of wild life and trees.
Written 5 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela_NZ
NZ34 contributions
Sept 2012
Walk here every fine day as it is on my doorstep and the views of the harbour are wonderful. There are so many tracks to choose from around the Eastbourne bays, all offering something different. Beautiful native bush, great harbour views and the birdsong is amazing. Try Buterfly Creek track early in the day for the dawn chorus - magic!
Written 26 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Resa57
Wellington, New Zealand13 contributions
Jun 2012
This is such a lovely walking park. We walked to the lighthouse entering the park along the road down from the Rimutaki Forest Park entrance. There is a fantastic loop walk. The views over the cook strait are just amazing. The lighthouse makes a great lunch stop. It can be exposed so check on winds, but even if the wind is up it's still worth doing.
Written 12 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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