Day by the Bay

Let me just start off with this amazing rainbow over Wellington!

A few weeks ago, I decided to venture across Wellington Harbour and explore the small town of Eastbourne. Ferries run regularly from Wellington to Days Bay, a lovely beach across the harbor, so I decided to take one early on a Saturday. Before the first ferry departed, I had time to explore the waterfront a bit and get some pictures.

The Wellington waterfront truly is beautiful. It reminds me a bit of parts of Boston, but with less high-rises and cleaner water.

Here’s the cute little ferry.

The weather was great, so I got a seat on top to enjoy the view as we crossed the harbor.

We stopped to drop passengers off at Somes Island, a nature sanctuary in the middle of Wellington Harbour, then moved on towards Days Bay.

We disembarked and I spent a little time exploring the dock and beach.

Don’t take those stairs!

I then made my way towards central Eastbourne, which was the beginning of the long trek along the coast to Pencarrow Lighthouse, my destination. From start to finish, the round trip would be about 15 miles, so I wanted to make good time.

The journey started off on roads along the beach.

I love all the decorated bus stops around the Wellington area.

Then, the path turned to gravel and began to wind around the windswept coastline at the outer reaches of the harbor.

While the path was easy, it did get a bit monotonous, and I may opt to rent a bike next time, like all the people that kept passing me.

At last, the twin lighthouses of Pencarrow Head were in sight.

I took a winding path up to the older lighthouse, built in 1859 and active until 1935, when it was replaced by the newer one.

From the top of the hill, I saw the Interislander Ferry heading into the harbor.

I stopped to visit a lonely windswept grave where a former lighthouse keeper’s young daughter rests. Life must have been rough up here.

The road I had just traveled spread out below me, and the views were great in all directions.

As I rounded the next bend in the path, the old lighthouse came into view.

The landscape out here is just unbelievable.

I found a spot to eat my lunch and then took some time to admire the old lighthouse.

I couldn’t help but notice some unexpected art at my feet.

By Wellington standards, the day wasn’t too windy, but it still got to be a bit much after some time spent at the top of Pencarrow Head. I decided to head back down and start the long trek back to Days Bay.

Overall, this was an amazing way to spend a beautiful weekend day, and I will most definitely be back to visit Pencarrow.

Next up, my trip to the Coromandel Peninsula and beyond!