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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2 adults and 2 children bike alongside the Hutt River.

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A drone shot of where the Ōtaki river meets the ocean, at sunset with Kapiti island in the distance.

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