Pack the bike or the walking shoes and venture out to Aotearoa New Zealand's first lighthouse—a site of stories, shipwrecks and a very strong woman.
Visitor Information
Tours
- Pencarrow Lighthouse is a self-guided experience.
Coastal Track
- Walk or ride the scenic (if sometimes windy!) coastal track.
The Lighthouse
- Venture up to Aotearoa New Zealand's first lighthouse.
- Take in views across the Cook Strait.
Tours
- Pencarrow Lighthouse is a self-guided experience.
Coastal Track
- Walk or ride the scenic (if sometimes windy!) coastal track.
The Lighthouse
- Venture up to Aotearoa New Zealand's first lighthouse.
- Take in views across the Cook Strait.
Pencarrow Head
8km from Eastbourne
Wellington 5013
Pencarrow Head
8km from Eastbourne
Wellington 5013
- Open every day of the year (the lighthouse building itself is closed)
- Open every day of the year (the lighthouse building itself is closed)
- Free
- Free
Weather Conditions
Pencarrow Lighthouse is prone to high winds. Check the weather before you head off, because depending where you start from, the round trip walk or cycle can take up to four hours.
Remember to wear sensible shoes, take water and snacks with you, as well as a hat, sunscreen and a jacket.
Food and Drink
Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic with them to enjoy at Pencarrow Lighthouse or along the beach on the way.
Bathrooms
There are no toilets along the track up to Pencarrow Lighthouse or at the lighthouse itself. Public toilets are located near the end of Pencarrow Coast Road, we suggest using these prior to your visit.
Smoking and Vaping
All our properties are smoke and vape-free sites.
Weather Conditions
Pencarrow Lighthouse is prone to high winds. Check the weather before you head off, because depending where you start from, the round trip walk or cycle can take up to four hours.
Remember to wear sensible shoes, take water and snacks with you, as well as a hat, sunscreen and a jacket.
Food and Drink
Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic with them to enjoy at Pencarrow Lighthouse or along the beach on the way.
Bathrooms
There are no toilets along the track up to Pencarrow Lighthouse or at the lighthouse itself. Public toilets are located near the end of Pencarrow Coast Road, we suggest using these prior to your visit.
Smoking and Vaping
All our properties are smoke and vape-free sites.
Unfortunately due to its remote location Pencarrow Lighthouse is not accessible.
Unfortunately due to its remote location Pencarrow Lighthouse is not accessible.
Phone +64 4 472 4341
Email information@heritage.org.nz
Phone +64 4 472 4341
Email information@heritage.org.nz
Highlights
Talk about a lovely, lonely landmark.
The 1859 lighthouse on Wellington Harbour’s wind-blasted Pencarrow Head radiates romantic isolation as vividly as the beam it once cast, which on clear nights used to reach as far as Marlborough’s Cloudy Bay.
The lighthouse was once run by Mary Bennett, Aotearoa New Zealand's first – and only – female lighthouse keeper. Mary kept the ships safe, raised five children and managed the ego of her male assistant William Lyall until 1865.
Decommissioned in 1935, Pencarrow Lighthouse now stands as a historic sentinel. If landmarks could speak, you suspect this one would have some stories to tell.
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
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