Pencarrow Lighthouse
New Zealand's first permanent lighthouse, offering stunning coastal views and a rewarding hike or bike ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views and ample time
Pencarrow Lighthouse
Best Time
Best views and ample time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
New Zealand's first permanent lighthouse, offering stunning coastal views and a rewarding hike or bike ride.
"Absolute amazing walk! Breathtaking with amazing scenery at the top."
🚲 E-bike is a game-changer
Many visitors rave about e-bikes making the uphill climb much easier and more enjoyable.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Whether hiking or biking, sturdy footwear is essential for the varied terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Pencarrow Lighthouse
Summit of the hill
New Zealand's first permanent lighthouse, offering breathtaking 360° views of the harbor and Cook Strait.
Scenic Coastal Trail
Wellington Harbour
A stunning 7km gravel road with panoramic views of the beach, mountains, and green landscapes.
E-Bike Adventure
Coastal trail and ascent
Conquer the uphill climb with an e-bike for an exhilarating ride and access to incredible vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Adventure: Bike or Hike?
Timing is Key for Views & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 E-bike is a game-changer
Many visitors rave about e-bikes making the uphill climb much easier and more enjoyable.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Whether hiking or biking, sturdy footwear is essential for the varied terrain.
Pencarrow lighthouse
💧 Pack water and snacks
The 14km trek requires sustenance, especially if you're hiking the entire way.
📸 Capture the panoramic views
The summit offers incredible 360° vistas; don't forget your camera!
Completed the amazing pencarrow lighthouse trail all the way from Kingston, on a mountain bike. One of the best bike trails in Wellington. And what a beautiful scenic spot from top of the lighthouse.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 E-bike is a game-changer
Many visitors rave about e-bikes making the uphill climb much easier and more enjoyable.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Whether hiking or biking, sturdy footwear is essential for the varied terrain.
💧 Pack water and snacks
The 14km trek requires sustenance, especially if you're hiking the entire way.
📸 Capture the panoramic views
The summit offers incredible 360° vistas; don't forget your camera!
🅿️ Parking available
There's ample parking at the entrance, along with bike hire and toilets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the absolutely amazing scenery and the breathtaking views from the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse. The coastal walk or bike ride is highly recommended, with many suggesting e-bikes for an easier ascent. While the trail is long, the panoramic vistas and natural beauty make it a worthwhile experience for most.
"Absolute amazing walk! Went here for a walk today. It was absolutely amazing scenery along the walk to get there. The historic lighthouse was breathtaking with amazing scenery at the top. The walk takes around 3 hours around and is about 14km. Overall, I'd highly recommend doing this walk if in Wellington."
Daniel Wallis
"Loved the place. You can hire mountain bike or E bike. Or just hike. Plenty of parking, toilets and bike hiring store at the entrance"
Dee
"Such a long trail and have to climb up the mountain to reach the upper lighthouse of pencarrow.
Lots of awesome trails with views of the beach, mountains and green landscape.
Biking is the most recommended option so as to cover a lot of stuff around and enjoy all the views from the top."
Sreeram Nattath
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pencarrow Lighthouse is accessible via a scenic coastal track from Wellington. You can drive to the start of the track, where there's ample parking. From there, it's a 7km gravel road, which can be walked or biked.
While you can drive to the start of the track, the path to the lighthouse itself is primarily a walking and biking track. Some sources suggest limited driving is possible on the track, but it's not the recommended or easiest way to reach the lighthouse.
The drive to the start of the track is straightforward. The track itself is a gravel road with some uphill sections, which can be challenging for hiking but manageable with a bike, especially an e-bike.
There is plenty of parking available at the entrance to the Pencarrow Lighthouse track, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Public transport options directly to the lighthouse track are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or cycle to the starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit Pencarrow Lighthouse. The track and lighthouse are publicly accessible.
Pencarrow Lighthouse is accessible at any time, as it's an outdoor location. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to enjoy the views.
There is no entrance fee for the Pencarrow Lighthouse track. It's a free public access area for walking and cycling.
Yes, bike hire, including e-bikes, is available at the entrance to the Pencarrow Lighthouse track, making it easier to explore the area.
Restroom facilities are available at the entrance to the Pencarrow Lighthouse track.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the lighthouse offers stunning 360° panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. The coastal trail itself also provides numerous scenic opportunities with the ocean and rolling hills.
Visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility. While sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light, the trek back in the dark might be challenging.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery and panoramic views from the lighthouse summit. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant wildlife or ships.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local aviation rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
Experiment with different angles to capture the lighthouse against the vast ocean backdrop. The changing weather can also add dramatic effect to your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴♀️ Cycling Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Pencarrow Lighthouse
Many travelers highly recommend using an e-bike for this excursion. The electric assist significantly eases the uphill climbs, allowing visitors to cover more ground and fully appreciate the stunning scenery without excessive fatigue. This option is particularly favored by those who want to maximize their exploration time and enjoy the panoramic views from the summit.
Along the way, you'll be treated to awesome trails with views of the beach, mountains, and lush green landscapes. Keep an eye out for the ferry coming in from Picton or heading out from Wellington, adding a dynamic element to the coastal vistas.
Pencarrow Lighthouse: A Historic Beacon
Visiting the lighthouse offers more than just a historical perspective; it provides breathtaking 360° views. From the top, you can survey the vast expanse of the harbor, the rugged coastline, and the distant horizons of the Cook Strait. This vantage point is a major draw for visitors, offering unparalleled photographic opportunities and a sense of accomplishment after the trek.
While the original lighthouse is no longer operational, its presence is a powerful reminder of Wellington's maritime past. The surrounding area is rich with natural beauty, making the visit a holistic experience of history, nature, and stunning landscapes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit