East Harbour Regional Park

There are three distinct areas within the park.

The Northern Forest

The northern section covers the area of hills between Eastbourne and Wainuiomata, including Butterfly Creek. This area is made up of tranquil beech and rātā forest, contrasting with the damp valley floor below.

The Parangarahu Lakes Area

The southern section cradles the freshwater wetlands of Lake Kohangatera and Kohangapiripiri. It is home to many native plants and wildlife. To get there, follow the 7km walk or bike along the coastline.

Baring Head Ōrua-pouanui

The southeastern section of the park offers rugged, remote landscapes with a lighthouse and sweeping views of the Cook Strait.

Greater Wellington Regional Council has more information on the areas and detailed maps.

• There are regular bus and ferry services to Eastbourne, Wainuiomata, and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from the Metlink website and East by West Ferries.
• There are multiple entry points to East Harbour Regional Park and most have car parking available.

Northern Forest

• Eastbourne: Korohiwa Road (Bus Barn), Kōwhai Street, Muritai Road and MacKenzie Road.
• Days Bay: Williams Park and Ferry Road.
• York Bay: Kaitawa Road.
• Lowry Bay: Cheviot Road and Dillon Street.
• Point Howard: Howard Road and Ngaumatau Road.
• Wainuiomata Hill Road: near the summit lookout.
• Wainuiomata: Lees Grove, Fraser Street, Gardiner Grove, and Stanley Street.

Parangarahu Lakes area

This area is a 7km walk or bike ride from Burdan’s Gate, at the end of Muritai Road in Eastbourne. The road to the entrance of the park skirts along the edge of private land and is the home to banded dotterels. Bikes and e-bikes can be hired from Wildfinder Pencarrow. Burdan’s Gate is always locked and unauthorised vehicles are not allowed south of Burdan’s Gate.

Baring Head Ōrua-pouanui

You can reach Baring Head Ōrua-pouanui from Coast Road, Wainuiomata. The park entrance is a 25-minute drive from Wainuiomata’s town centre.

• Toilets are available at:
  • the Butterfly Creek picnic area
  • Williams Park in Days Bay
  • the car park near the bus barn on Muritai Road (before you get to Burdan’s Gate)
  • Baring Head Ōrua-pouanui bridge, at the car park and lighthouse complex.
• Water is available at Williams Park, Days Bay.
• Check the track status on the Greater Wellington Regional Council website
• Get an up-to-date weather report from the MetService website before setting off.
• The park has moderately steep hills and is exposed in places. Weather conditions can change quickly, so make sure you’re adequately prepared.
• Avoid streams during heavy rain.
• There is a total fire ban in the area. 
• During wildfire season, GWRC actively monitors fire danger in regional parks. This park may have restrictions or closures. Check the latest fire risk status on the GWRC website before heading out on the trails.
• Walkers must be aware of bikes travelling downhill at high speeds.
• No swimming in Lake Kohangapiripiri, Lake Kohangatera or the beaches south of Burdan’s Gate.
• Dogs are permitted in the Northern Forest and must be on a leash at all times. They are not permitted beyond the Pencarrow Lighthouse or at Baring Head (at any time), or along Pencarrow Coast Road during lambing season (1 August to 30 October).