Getting Here
Address
Pencarrow Head
8km from Eastbourne
Wellington 5013
Pencarrow Lighthouse is located 9.3kms from Eastbourne.
By public transport
Train
Take the Hutt Valley or Melling line to Petone station. From here walk 2-minutes to Jackson Street (at Te Puni Street) and take the 83 bus to Eastbourne getting off at Muritai Road near Makaro Street. From here it is approximately a two hour walk to Pencarrow Lighthouse.
Bus
Take the 83 bus to Eastbourne getting off at Muritai Road near Makaro Street. From here it is approximately a two hour walk to Pencarrow Lighthouse.
Ferry
From Queens Wharf in Wellington, take the East by West ferry to Days Bay. From here it is approximately a two hour, 15-minute walk to Pencarrow Lighthouse.
Cycling
The terrain along the coast from Petone, through to Eastbourne and around to Pencarrow Head is reasonably flat. However, it can be very exposed and windy. A cycling trip to Pencarrow typically includes headwinds in either one or both directions. However, the cycle track from Eastbourne to Pencarrow has few vehicles.
By road
From Wellington, take State Highway 1 for 3kms, then keep right to merge onto State Highway 2. Follow for 5kms, take the exit to Petone. Keep right to continue onto The Esplanade, at the round about take the second exit onto The Esplanade. Follow for 2.4 kms, then The Esplanade turns into Waione Street. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Seaview Road heading to Eastbourne/Wainuiomata. Follow for about 1.4 kms, at the roundabout, take the second exit and stay on Seaview Road heading to Eastbourne. Follow for 9kms until you reach the end of Pencarrow Coast Road at Burdan’s Gate, where there is carparking available. From here it is approximately a two hour walk or 1.5 hour bike ride (one way) to Pencarrow Lighthouse.
Parking
There is free parking at the end of Pencarrow Coast Road. Bus parking is also available.
There is no onsite parking or road access directly up to the lighthouse.
Hours and Entry
Opening Hours
Open every day of the year
The lighthouse building itself is closed
Entry
Free
Accessibility
Unfortunately due to its remote location Pencarrow Lighthouse is not accessible.
Food and Drink
Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic with them to enjoy at Pencarrow Lighthouse or along the beach on the way. From the lighthouse there are spectacular views, watch planes come and go from Wellington Airport and see ferries enter and leave the harbour. Please remember to take all food and waste with you.
This is a smoke free site.
More info
Children and whānau
Pencarrow Lighthouse is located in a remote, rugged landscape. While there are plenty of things for kids to do and plenty of places to explore, we recommend the walk/ride out to Pencarrow Lighthouse for children who are confident walkers or cyclists. It can get windy, but that just adds to the appeal! You can always take a kite.
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.
Things to remember
To ensure the lighthouse is kept for future generations Pencarrow Lighthouse building isn’t open to look inside. However, keep an eye on our website for occasional open days and organised visits.
Pencarrow Lighthouse has extraordinary views over Wellington harbour and surrounds, but just like the windy city is prone to high winds. Check the weather before you head off, as 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 jacket to prepare for four seasons in one day.