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Views & landmarks

Pencarrow Head Lighthouse

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Pencarrow Head Lighthouse

Pencarrow Head Lighthouse

Located at the entrance to Wellington Harbour, this is a preserved, non-operational lighthouse. Visitors go here to see the historic structure and use the site as a destination for coastal walking and nature observation.

Getting There

The lighthouse is located at the end of the Pencarrow Coast road. From Wellington city centre, it is approximately a 30 to 40 minute drive. Access is via road, though the final stretch leads to a coastal headland.

Duration of Visit

Allow 1 to 2 hours for a visit. This provides enough time to walk from the parking area to the lighthouse, explore the immediate surroundings, and return.

When to Visit

The site is exposed to the elements, so it is best visited during clear weather. Because it is located on a headland, wind speeds can be high regardless of the season. It does not typically experience the same level of crowding as city-centre attractions.

Nearby Attractions

The lighthouse can be combined with other coastal and maritime sites in the region:

  • Lake Kohangapiripiri: 0.6km away
  • Worser Bay: 5km away
  • HMNZS Wellington: 5.9km away
  • Evans Bay: 6.7km away

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Pencarrow Head Lighthouse

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Pencarrow Head Lighthouse Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Lake Kohangapiripiri

Nature

Lake Kohangapiripiri

A freshwater lake in East Harbour Regional Park east of Wellington Harbour, formed when an earthquake reshaped the land. Fed by Cameron Stream, it sits alongside a larger neighboring lake and makes for a peaceful spot to enjoy nature.

0.6 km away
Worser Bay

Nature

Worser Bay

A quiet sandy beach near Seatoun on Wellington's Miramar Peninsula. A road and beachside facilities line the hill, making it a pleasant spot for a walk or a rest.

5.0 km away
HMNZS Wellington

Nature

HMNZS Wellington

A frigate originally belonging to the British Royal Navy, transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1982. After decommissioning, it was scuttled in 2005 and now attracts many divers as a wreck site.

5.9 km away
Evans Bay

Nature

Evans Bay

Evans Bay is a bay in Wellington Harbour, located between the Miramar Peninsula and Hataitai. Once home to an international flying boat terminal, it's now a great spot for a peaceful waterfront walk.

6.7 km away
Wellington Zoo

Zoos & aquariums

Wellington Zoo

A zoo set in the green hills above downtown Wellington, opened in 1906. With its long history, it's a favorite among families.

6.8 km away
Mākaro / Ward Island

Nature

Mākaro / Ward Island

One of the small islands in Wellington Harbour, located at the southern tip of the North Island. It's a great spot to enjoy the scenery while sailing across the harbour.

7.5 km away