The Pencarrow Coast Road walk runs from Burdan’s Gate in Eastbourne along the eastern shore of Wellington Harbour to the country’s first permanent lighthouse. The 7km one-way route follows a flat gravel road with big harbour views and finishes at a heritage lighthouse that has stood on the headland since 1859. It’s one of the more straightforward long walks in the greater Wellington area — easy underfoot, historically interesting, and very exposed to wind.
Practical Information
| Distance | 7km one-way; 14km return |
| Walk time | 3.5–4.5 hours return |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Surface | Gravel road, grass track to lighthouse |
| Starting point | Burdan’s Gate, end of Muritai Road, Eastbourne |
| Cost | Free |
| Bikes | Permitted; hire available at gate in summer and weekends |
| Dogs | On lead |
| Wind exposure | Very exposed — north-westerlies and southerlies can be strong |
About the Walk
The route runs along the lower edge of East Harbour Regional Park, with Wellington Harbour on the left and steep bush-covered hills on the right. The surface is a wide gravel road throughout most of the route — easy to follow and gentle underfoot. A short grass track near the end leads up to the lighthouse itself.
At 7km, the Old Pencarrow Head Lighthouse stands on the headland above the water. Built in 1859, it was the first permanent lighthouse in New Zealand and is listed with Heritage New Zealand. The lighthouse was operated for a period by Mary Jane Bennett, the country’s only female lighthouse keeper. From the point, views open to the full width of the harbour entrance and out towards the South Island on clear days.
For those wanting to continue, a further 2km of grass track from the lighthouse leads to Lake Kohangatera — a coastal lagoon with a quieter character than the open harbour coastline.
Getting to Burdan’s Gate
Drive through Eastbourne and follow Muritai Road to its end, where there is a car park at Burdan’s Gate. By public transport, take a ferry to Days Bay or a bus to Eastbourne and walk about 2km south to the gate. Bike hire is available at the gate during summer and on weekends, making the return trip significantly faster — around 1.5 hours return by bike versus 3.5–4.5 hours on foot.
What Visitors Say
“The views across the harbour are spectacular all the way along and the lighthouse itself is well worth the effort. Easy, flat walk with a real payoff at the end.” — TripAdvisor
“Perfect family walk — easy underfoot and the lighthouse is a lovely goal. Just be prepared for the wind, especially near the headland.” — Google Reviews
Where to Learn More
WellingtonNZ — Pencarrow Coast Road covers the route, access, conditions and bike hire information.
Greater Wellington Regional Council — East Harbour Regional Park has official park and track information for the whole East Harbour area.
Heritage New Zealand — Pencarrow Lighthouse has background on the lighthouse’s history and its significance as New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it to the lighthouse?
7km one-way from Burdan’s Gate; 14km return.
How long does it take?
Around 3.5–4.5 hours return on foot, or about 1.5 hours return by bike.
Can I hire bikes?
Yes, bike hire is available at Burdan’s Gate during summer and on weekends.
Is it pram-friendly?
The wide gravel road to the lighthouse is manageable for a sturdy pram or buggy.
Is it really NZ’s first lighthouse?
Yes — the Old Pencarrow Head Lighthouse was New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse, built in 1859.
How windy is it?
Very exposed. Bring warm layers and a wind jacket regardless of the city weather forecast — conditions near the headland can be significantly stronger.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on lead.
Can I extend the walk?
Yes — a further 2km grass track beyond the lighthouse leads to Lake Kohangatera.
The Wellington Walking Tracks hub lists all walking routes across the Wellington region. The Eastern Walkway on the Miramar Peninsula is another harbour-edge coastal track with historic Māori sites and views across to the city. For a South Coast route, the Red Rocks Coastal Walk runs from Owhiro Bay to a resident fur seal colony at Pariwhero.
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