Light house track

Parangarahu Lakes, Wellington, New Zealand

Climb up to the Upper Lighthouse for spectacular views over Wellington Harbour and Cook Strait.

Intermediate

Bike and Foot

Climbing up to the Upper Lighthouse adds a bit of spice to the relatively sedate Pencarrow journey.

The first half of the climb from the Baring Head 4wd road is easy, while the second half is steeper (though in bite-size sections). The effort is worthwhile, as the lighthouse offers stunning views of Wellington harbour and Cook Strait.

There used to be deep scouring around the base of the lighthouse, giving an indication of the wild weather sometimes seen in this area. This was repaired in early 2010, with the placement of large natural paving stones.

From the last flat area before the summit, you can take a detour to Bluff Point lookout.

The Pencarrow lighthouses were opened in 1859, in response to the frequent shipwrecks along this coastal region. They were New Zealand's first permanent lighthouses.

Three-quarters of the way up the hill, and overlooking the harbour, there is a small white fenced area that marks the grave of a lighthouse keeper's daughter.

1.91km

Single track

27 Apr 2012 by ledzep

Ian