Last updated October 2026
East Harbour Regional Park covers the bush-clad hills between Eastbourne and Wainuiomata on the eastern side of Wellington Harbour. It rises from the shoreline to the summit of Mount Lowry at 373 metres and includes three distinct areas: the Northern Forest, Parangarahu Lakes, and Baring Head Ōrua-pouanui.
Tracks climb through regenerating native bush along ridges and into sheltered valleys, with options ranging from short coastal strolls to longer ridge crossings.
The park is managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council and offers free public access for walking, with additional activities including mountain biking and limited swimming opportunities. Most Eastbourne-side entrances lie within minutes of the village, making the park an accessible natural escape from central Wellington.
Practical Information
- Location
- Hills between Eastbourne and Wainuiomata, east of Wellington Harbour
- Highest point
- Mount Lowry, 373 m
- Eastbourne access points
- Kowhai Street, Muritai Road, MacKenzie Road, Cheviot Road, Dillon Street, plus Korohiwa Road and others
- Cost
- Free
- Dogs
- On lead in Northern Forest; restrictions apply elsewhere
- Managed by
- Greater Wellington Regional Council
- Opening hours
- Always open to foot traffic
About East Harbour Regional Park
The Northern Forest forms the core bush area between Eastbourne and Wainuiomata, with tracks passing through beech, silver fern and regenerating native forest. Mount Lowry provides the highest viewpoint, reachable via several ridge routes from both sides of the park. The Parangarahu Lakes Area and Baring Head Ōrua-pouanui add coastal and lakeside environments with historic lighthouses and open terrain.
Greater Wellington Regional Council purchased Gollan’s Valley Station in 2025, adding significant land to the park. The park supports a range of recreational uses while protecting important ecological and cultural values, including co-management elements with Taranaki Whānui in parts of the Parangarahu Lakes Area.
Visitor facilities are minimal, with picnic areas at sites such as Butterfly Creek. Strong winds are common on exposed ridges and the southern coastline, so appropriate clothing and navigation aids are recommended. Track conditions vary from well-formed paths near Eastbourne to steeper, more challenging routes further inland.
Walking and Hiking Tracks
The Kowhai Street Track starts at the end of Kowhai Street and climbs through bush with harbour views. Junctions lead to other routes including MacKenzie Road Track or a descent toward Butterfly Creek.
Butterfly Creek Track descends steeply through native bush into a sheltered valley, reaching a popular picnic area (see the Butterfly Creek section below). It offers a half-day outing with good birdlife and forest scenery.
The Lighthouse Track runs along the coastline south of Eastbourne to Baring Head Lighthouse. The Pencarrow Coast Road, starting from Burdan’s Gate, provides another coastal route to New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse at Pencarrow Head and connects with inland tracks.
Butterfly Creek Tracks
Butterfly Creek is a beech-forest valley in the Northern Forest behind Eastbourne, and several tracks lead down to its picnic area. The usual ways in start from the Kowhai Street entrance, the Korohiwa (Bus Barn) entrance near the southern end of Eastbourne, and Muritai Park.
The valley has drawn picnickers since the 1930s, when tracks from Kowhai Street and Muritai Park were cut under a Depression work scheme.
Butterfly Creek Loop
Greater Wellington suggests a 7.4 km loop, graded medium, that takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. Start at the Bus Barn (Korohiwa) entrance, which has plenty of parking. The Bus Barn Track zigzags up through regenerating bush to the Main Ridge Track, and the climb to and along the ridge is almost free of steps.
Turn right and drop through mature beech forest into the valley, then follow the signs to the picnic area. Come back over the Kowhai Street Track, which has lots of steps and good harbour views, and finish with a 1.8 km walk along the road to your starting point.
At the picnic area
The picnic area has tables and toilets, set among old beech trees on the valley floor. Greater Wellington says many years of foot traffic have compacted the soil and damaged the roots of these trees, so it asks visitors to stay within the picnic table area and avoid stepping on tree roots.
- Loop: 7.4 km, about 2 hours 30 minutes, medium
- Start: Korohiwa (Bus Barn) entrance, Eastbourne
- Facilities: tables and toilets at the picnic area
- Dogs: on a lead
- Fires: not allowed
Mountain Biking
Mountain bikers access the Northern Forest from Wainuiomata Hill Road, climbing to Lowry trig before descending via Rata Ridge or Zigzag tracks. Intermediate-level riding is available on the hills above the Parangarahu Lakes, reached via the Pencarrow Coast Road. Riders share tracks with walkers in places and should be prepared for variable surfaces and strong winds on the coast.
Coastal Areas and Other Activities
Baring Head Ōrua-pouanui offers rock climbing and bouldering on greywacke formations, hang gliding and paragliding with club oversight, and horse riding under permit. Swimming is possible in Butterfly Creek but not recommended in the sea south of Burdan’s Gate or in Gollan’s Stream. Hunting occurs by permit in designated parts of the Northern Forest only.
Where to Learn More
Greater Wellington Regional Council: East Harbour Regional Park: official park information, track details, maps, access points and current notices.
WellingtonNZ: East Harbour Regional Park: visitor overview of trails and park highlights.
Wikipedia: East Harbour Regional Park: background on geography, history and management (citing primary sources).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is East Harbour Regional Park?
In the hills between Eastbourne and Wainuiomata on the eastern side of Wellington Harbour, with additional coastal areas at Parangarahu Lakes and Baring Head.
How do I get to Eastbourne?
By bus from Wellington or by East by West Ferry to Days Bay followed by a short walk or ride along the waterfront.
What is the Butterfly Creek Track?
A steep walk from Eastbourne down through native bush to a sheltered valley picnic area. Greater Wellington’s Butterfly Creek Loop is 7.4 km and about 2 hr 30 min.
How high does the park go?
Mount Lowry reaches 373 metres and is accessible via ridge tracks from both the Eastbourne and Wainuiomata sides.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome on lead in the Northern Forest; they are not permitted in Baring Head or the Parangarahu Lakes Area, with seasonal restrictions on the Pencarrow Coast Road.
What is the Lighthouse Track?
A coastal walk from Eastbourne south to Baring Head Lighthouse, with connections to the Pencarrow Coast Road and inland tracks.
Is there public access to Gollan’s Valley Station?
Greater Wellington bought Gollan’s Valley Station in 2025. Check Greater Wellington’s park page for what is open to visitors.
What other activities are available?
Mountain biking on designated tracks, rock climbing and bouldering at Baring Head, hang gliding and paragliding under club rules, and horse riding by permit at Baring Head.
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