Last updated July 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 | Kōwhai 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; public access remains closed while restoration plans are developed. 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 Kōwhai 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 in roughly one hour. 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.
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.
What Visitors Often Say
The tracks above Eastbourne offer native bush close to the village, harbour views and a sense of wilderness within easy reach of the city.
Butterfly Creek provides a sheltered bush valley with a pleasant picnic area; the ferry crossing from Wellington makes it a convenient day trip.
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 of about one hour from Eastbourne through native bush to a sheltered valley picnic area.
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?
No, public access is currently closed while restoration plans are developed following the 2025 purchase.
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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