Pencarrow Head Lighthouse, Lower Hutt

Name: Pencarrow Head Lighthouse
Address: Lower Hutt, New Zealand

#5 among attractions in Lower Hutt

Top attraction, Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture

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Facts and practical information

Pencarrow Head Lighthouse stands as a beacon of maritime history in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. This historic lighthouse, constructed in 1859, holds the distinction of being the first permanent lighthouse to be built in New Zealand. It is uniquely significant as it was also the only lighthouse in the country to have a female lighthouse keeper, Mary Jane Bennett, who operated it from its inception.

Located at the entrance to Wellington Harbour, the Pencarrow Head Lighthouse has been a guiding light for sailors navigating the treacherous waters of Cook Strait. The lighthouse itself is situated on a rugged coastline, offering spectacular views of the surrounding ocean and hills.

The lighthouse's original structure was replaced in 1935 by an automated beacon, but the historic significance of the site remains preserved. The old lighthouse structure still stands as a testament to New Zealand's maritime heritage and is a popular attraction for both local and international visitors.

Access to Pencarrow Head Lighthouse is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts. It involves a scenic hike or bike ride along the coast, which is part of the East Harbour Regional Park. The journey to the lighthouse is an experience in itself, offering panoramic vistas and the chance to encounter the diverse flora and fauna native to the Wellington region.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 41°21'32"S, 174°51'0"E

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PencarrowLower Hutt New Zealand

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Day trips

Pencarrow Head Lighthouse – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Wellington Zoo, Embassy Theatre, Zephyrometer, Lake Kohangapiripiri.

4.3 miNW
Interactive animal encounters since 1906
Wellington Zoo, Wellington
109 min walk • Wellington Zoo, nestled in the green hills of the New Zealand capital, is a cherished sanctuary for wildlife and a favorite destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Opened in 1906, this 13-hectare zoological garden is the oldest in the country and has...
5.6 miNW
Nightlife, Cinema, Cafe
Embassy Theatre, Wellington
144 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand, the Embassy Theatre stands as a historic icon of cinema and entertainment. This classic movie theatre, originally opened in 1924, has been the centerpiece of the city's film culture for nearly a century.
4.3 miNW
Monuments and statues
Zephyrometer, Wellington
109 min walk • The Zephyrometer, an iconic landmark in Wellington, New Zealand, stands as a testament to the city's well-known nickname, "Windy Wellington." This towering kinetic sculpture, resembling a needle or a wind wand, is situated in Evans Bay and has become an integral part...
0.4 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Lake Kohangapiripiri
11 min walk • Lake Kohangapiripiri is one of the two freshwater Pencarrow lakes in Fitzroy Bay – the other being the slightly larger Lake Kohangatera.
3.9 miN
41°18'23"S • 174°49'26"E
The Weta Cave, Wellington
99 min walk • Classes and workshops, Private tours, Tours
3.6 miS
Lighthouse
Baring Head Lighthouse
91 min walk • Baring Head Lighthouse is a concrete lighthouse at Baring Head in the Wellington Region of the North Island of New Zealand, with an LED beacon powered by mains electricity.
5.6 miNW
Theater, Concerts and shows
BATS Theatre, Wellington
144 min walk • BATS Theatre is a theatre venue in Wellington, New Zealand. Initially founded as the Bats Theatre Company in 1976, then established in its current form in 1989. BATS Theatre has seen the development of many performing arts talents of New Zealand.
4.3 miW
Area
Island Bay, Wellington
110 min walk • Island Bay is a coastal suburb of Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, situated 5 km south of the city centre. Island Bay lies on the bay which shares its name, one of numerous small bays off Cook Strait and west of Lyall Bay. 500m offshore in Island Bay lies Tapu Te Ranga...
5.1 miNW
Historical place
Government House, Wellington
130 min walk • Government House, Wellington, is the principal residence of the governor-general of New Zealand, the representative of the New Zealand head of state, Queen Elizabeth II.
4.3 miW
Marine reserve, Nature, Natural attraction
Taputeranga Marine Reserve, Wellington
109 min walk • Taputeranga Marine Reserve is a legally protected area of sea and coast along the southern edge of Wellington, in New Zealand. It was officially opened in September 2008.
1.1 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Lake Kohangatera
28 min walk • Lake Kohangatera is one of two lakes in Fitzroy Bay. It has an open water area of 17 hectares and is fed by Gollans Stream, which has its headwaters on Mount Lowry, 14 km to the north. The drainage basin area is about 1,700 ha.