East Harbour Regional Park covers the bush-clad hills between Eastbourne and Wainuiomata, rising from the shore of Wellington Harbour to the summit of Mount Lowry at 373m. Tracks run along ridges and into valleys, connecting the Eastbourne harbourside entrances to the Wainuiomata side, with options from short 30-minute walks to full-day crossings of the park. It’s the bush backdrop to Eastbourne and the surrounding bays, and most tracks begin just minutes from the village.
Practical Information
| Location | Hills between Eastbourne and Wainuiomata, Wellington |
| Highest point | Mount Lowry, 373m |
| Eastbourne access points | Kōwhai Street, Muritai Road, MacKenzie Road, Cheviot Road, Dillon Street |
| Cost | Free |
| Dogs | On lead on tracks |
| Managed by | Greater Wellington Regional Council |
Key Tracks
Kowhai Street Track begins at the end of Kōwhai Street in Eastbourne and climbs to reveal views over Wellington Harbour. About 1km along, a junction offers the option to continue via MacKenzie Road Track or descend to the Butterfly Creek picnic area in about 15 minutes.
Butterfly Creek Track is a steep one-hour walk through native bush — silver ferns, beech and regenerating forest — into a sheltered valley. The Butterfly Creek picnic area at the bottom makes a good destination for a half-day outing.
Lighthouse Track is a 6km return walk from the coastal car park to Baring Head Lighthouse, following the coastline south of Eastbourne. (The Pencarrow Coast Road walk, starting from Burdan’s Gate, also accesses the East Harbour Regional Park coastline and runs to New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse.)
Getting to Eastbourne
Eastbourne is accessible by bus from Wellington, or by ferry to Days Bay (East by West Ferry from Queens Wharf) followed by a short walk or bike ride along the waterfront. The ferry option is particularly appealing in summer — it makes a day in Eastbourne with a bush walk very easy to organise from the city.
What Visitors Say
“The tracks above Eastbourne are beautiful — native bush right from the village, harbour views and a genuine sense of wilderness close to the city.” — TripAdvisor
“Butterfly Creek is a real find — a sheltered bush valley with a nice picnic area. The ferry over from Wellington makes it a great day out.” — AllTrails
Where to Learn More
Greater Wellington Regional Council — East Harbour Regional Park has official park information including track maps and all access points.
WellingtonNZ — East Harbour Regional Park has a visitor overview of the park and its tracks.
Wilderness Magazine — Butterfly Creek, East Harbour Regional Park has a detailed trip write-up with photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is East Harbour Regional Park?
In the hills between Eastbourne and Wainuiomata, east of Wellington Harbour. Most tracks start from Eastbourne village.
How do I get to Eastbourne?
By bus from Wellington, or by East by West Ferry to Days Bay then along the waterfront to Eastbourne.
What is the Butterfly Creek Track?
A steep one-hour walk from Eastbourne into a sheltered bush valley of silver ferns and beech, with a picnic area at the bottom.
How high does the park go?
Mount Lowry at 373m is the highest point, with tracks connecting the Eastbourne and Wainuiomata sides of the park.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on lead on the tracks.
What is the Lighthouse Track?
A 6km return walk from a coastal car park to Baring Head Lighthouse, running south along the coastline from Eastbourne.
Does the Pencarrow Coast Road walk use the same park?
Yes — the Pencarrow Coast Road walk starts from Burdan’s Gate and runs along the East Harbour Regional Park coastline to the old Pencarrow Lighthouse.
What is the park like?
Bush-clad hills with native forest from near sea level to the ridge, with views over Wellington Harbour on the Eastbourne side.
The Wellington Walking Tracks hub lists all walking routes across the Wellington region. The Pencarrow Coast Road Walk starts from Burdan’s Gate and runs along the East Harbour Regional Park coastline to New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse. Belmont Regional Park Tracks offer a similar mix of bush and ridge walking on the opposite side of the Hutt Valley.