Wellington Regional Trails
Cyclists are riding along a coastal road at the Pencarrow Coast in Eastbourne, New Zealand.

Travel along a flat winding trail to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Kohangatera.

Walking time

2 - 3 hr

Length

9.3km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Mountain Bike Grade

Easy: Grade 2

Profile

7m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)
2 bikers on the Pencarrow Coast Road at sunset.
2 bikers on the Pencarrow Coast Road at sunset, with the lighthouse in the background.
Two cyclists ride along Pencarrow Coast Road in Wellington, New Zealand.
2 bikers on Pencarrow Coast Road, with the Wellington Harbour in the background.

About the trail

Pencarrow Coast Road is a popular walking and biking trail that starts from Burdan’s Gate just south of Eastbourne.

The trail winds its way along the coastline for 7km to Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of the Cook Strait. Here you can choose to head along a side trail and spend some time exploring the lighthouse or continue on for 2km to Lake Kohangatera.

You’ll encounter native seabirds and plant life thriving on the exposed coastline, along with indigenous waterfowl, eels and freshwater fish in their natural habitat at Lake Kohangatera and the adjacent Lake Kohangapiripiri.

If you’re an experienced cyclist, you may want to explore the headland between the two lakes. You’ll need to pass through some clearly marked farm gates and wind your way up the farm track to the top of the hill.

Three people hiking beside Pencarrow Lakes in Eastbourne, New Zealand.

If you’re an experienced cyclist, you can explore the hills between Lake Kohangapiripiri and Lake Kohangatera. 

Looking for more?

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Cheviot Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkA steep one-hour walk through native bush, with views over the Hutt Valley and Wellington harbour.

Howard Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkClimb to the top of Mount Lowry and enjoy stop-offs at two lookouts along the way.

MacKenzie Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkNavigate steep steps and a zigzag trail to meet up with Main Ridge Track.

A person leaps across a stream while another follows, on the East harbour Regional park Kowhai Street track.

Kererū Track

East Harbour Regional ParkSee native kererū and orchids while enjoying views over Wellington from the hills above Days Bay.

Two people walk along Bus Barn Track in East Harbour Regional Park during golden hour.

Bus Barn Track

East Harbour Regional ParkAn easy trail through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees.

3 people walking along a boardwalk looking at the native trees on the Kowhai Street Track to Butterfly Creek.

Kowhai Street Track

East Harbour Regional ParkA zigzag trail with options for exploring more of the East Harbour Regional Park, including the popular Butterfly Creek picnic area and views over Wellington Harbour.

A person in a white teeshirt and a black and brown dog are standing on a hillside overlooking a coastal town, the harbour and a distant mountain range.

Te Whiti Riser

A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.

2 adults and 2 children bike alongside the Hutt River.

Hutt River Trail

Follow the picturesque Hutt River all the way from Petone to Upper Hutt on this easy, well-maintained trail.

The top of the 4 degrees Track in Belmont Regional Park. A small signpost shows direction, with gravel paths cutting through farmland and hills in the background.

4 Degrees

Belmont Regional ParkThis trail is named after its gentle four degree gradient, making it an easy option for mountain bikers and walkers to access Old Coach Road.

The Connect Four trail in Belmont Regional Park. The trail is grassy and surrounded by gorse bush.

Connect Four

Belmont Regional ParkA short two-way mountain bike track that links two popular riding routes in Belmont Regional Park.