The Pencarrow Coast is a 7-kilometre gravel track running south from Burdans Gate in Eastbourne along the eastern shores of Wellington Harbour to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse — New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse. The track is flat, wide, and manageable by bike or on foot, and the combination of harbour views, coastal terrain and the lighthouse at the end makes it one of the best easy day outings in the Wellington region. Bikes can be hired at Burdans Gate during summer and holiday weekends.
Practical Information
| Start point | Burdans Gate, end of Muritai Road, Eastbourne — parking, toilets and picnic tables available |
| Distance to lighthouse | 7km one-way |
| Time by bike (return) | About 1.5 hours |
| Time on foot (return) | About 4 hours |
| Surface | Wide metalled (gravel) track — flat and well maintained |
| Difficulty | Easy — flat with no significant elevation gain to the lighthouse |
| Bike hire | Available at Burdans Gate during summer and holiday weekends |
| Entry cost | Free |
| Facilities | Toilets at Burdans Gate; no facilities en route — bring food and water |
| Conditions | Very exposed to wind — be prepared for strong headwinds on the southern leg |
About the Pencarrow Coast
The track follows the coastline south from Burdans Gate through East Harbour Regional Park, with Wellington Harbour on the right and the steep hills of the Remutaka Range above on the left. The surface is wide and flat — a reformed coastal road — making it suitable for mountain bikes, road bikes with moderate tyres, and walkers at all fitness levels. The scenery shifts as you travel south: the sheltered upper harbour gives way to more open, exposed coast as you approach the lighthouse and the entrance to Cook Strait.
The Old Pencarrow Head Lighthouse was New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse, built in 1859. It was operated for many years by Mary Jane Bennett — New Zealand’s only female lighthouse keeper — who managed the station from 1872 to 1874. The lighthouse is now decommissioned and the structure is maintained by Heritage New Zealand. A second lighthouse — the Upper Pencarrow Head Lighthouse, built in 1906 — sits on the ridge above, accessible via a steeper side track and offering elevated views across Cook Strait.
Past the lighthouse, the track continues for a further 2 kilometres to Lake Kohangatera, a coastal lake set behind the dunes. The full out-and-back to the lake from Burdans Gate is approximately 18 kilometres — a longer commitment by foot, but easily achievable by bike in a half-day. The track is very exposed — the coastal winds that come through from the south can be fierce even on days that appear calm, so bring warm layers regardless of the weather at the start.
What Visitors Say
“Excellent bike ride to the lighthouse. Flat the whole way, stunning views of the harbour. Very windy on the way back but worth every pedal. We rented bikes at the gate which worked perfectly.”
“A real hidden gem close to Wellington. We walked the full distance to the lighthouse and the Upper Lighthouse above. The history of the female keeper is really interesting. Take snacks — there’s nothing on the way.”
Where to Learn More
Wellington NZ — Pencarrow Coast Road — track overview, distances, timing, and planning tips from the official Wellington tourism site.
Greater Wellington Regional Council — East Harbour Regional Park — official information on the park, access points, track conditions, and facilities at Burdans Gate.
Heritage New Zealand — Pencarrow Lighthouse — history of New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse, Mary Jane Bennett, and the lighthouse’s significance in New Zealand’s maritime heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Pencarrow Coast track start?
At Burdans Gate, at the end of Muritai Road in Eastbourne. There is a car park, toilets, and picnic tables at the entrance.
How far is the Pencarrow Lighthouse from Burdans Gate?
7 kilometres one-way — about 1.5 hours by bike or 2 hours on foot. Return trip: about 1.5 hours by bike, 4 hours on foot.
Can I hire bikes at Pencarrow?
Yes — bike hire is available at Burdans Gate during summer and on holiday weekends. Check ahead as availability is seasonal.
Is the Pencarrow Coast track suitable for children?
Yes — the track is flat, wide, and well-surfaced, making it suitable for older children on bikes. The exposed wind can make it tough for young children on foot over longer distances.
What is the history of the Pencarrow Lighthouse?
The Old Pencarrow Head Lighthouse (1859) was New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse. It was operated by Mary Jane Bennett from 1872 to 1874 — New Zealand’s only female lighthouse keeper. The Upper Pencarrow Lighthouse was built in 1906.
Are there any facilities along the Pencarrow track?
Toilets and a picnic area are at Burdans Gate only. There are no facilities en route — bring all food and water. The track is very exposed, so also bring wind and sun protection.
For more walking and cycling options around Wellington, see the full Things to Do in Wellington guide. Mākara Beach on the city’s west coast offers a contrasting wild coastal experience.
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