Access the GHW - public transport, entry points etc.
One of the virtues of the Great Harbour Way/ Te Ara o Pōneke is that there are many different ways to access the route. Here are some of main starting points.
Burdan’s Gate, which is 2km south of Eastbourne. Bus service to nearby Eastbourne Bus terminus. Route information from Metlink. There is a bicycle rental service at the carpark. From here, you can walk or cycle the route out to Pencarrow Head and back. Hint: this is best on calm day – if there is a strong wind, it will be a tailwind one way, but a headwind the other!
Day’s Bay, which can be accessed from Wellington City by the East by West Ferry (which carries bicycles but needs to be booked), as well as by bus services from the Hutt Valley. Route information from Metlink. There is a bicycle rental service at the wharf. Several cafes in the vicinity so you can restore your energy levels while waiting for a return ferry. From here you can head north to Eastbourne, or south on the wonderful Tupua Horo Nuku shared path to Seaview and Petone.
Petone Foreshore, which can be accessed from Wellington City by bus and train services (Petone railway station is a short distance north). Route information from Metlink. Lots of shops and cafes a couple of blocks north on Jackson Street, and the Petone Settlers Museum provides an insight into the history of the area. From the foreshore, you can head east on the fantastic Te Ara Tupua path.
Wellington Waterfront offers several starting points: Queen’s Wharf, Frank Kitts Park, Taranaki Street/Te Papa, and Waitangi Park. There are frequent bus services along Wellington’s “Golden Mile” a few blocks from the waterfront. Wellington Railway Station is just north of the waterfront area, and the East by West Ferry service is based at Queens Wharf from where you (and your bicycle) can be taken to Petone, Days Bay, or Seatoun. Route information from Metlink. Inline skate rental from Fergs (who also rent kayaks) at Queens Wharf, where you can also rent electric assist bikes from Switched on Bikes. You can rent four-wheeler bikes from Crocbikes at Waitangi Park. Many cafes along the waterfront. From the Waterfront you can follow Leg 6 around Oriental Bay, Evans Bay, to the Miramar Peninsula and Seatoun.
Oriental Bay has parking at Freyberg Pool; buses run along Oriental Bay from the Courtenay Place Transport hub. Route information from Metlink. Several cafes, and a dairy. From here you can head northwest to the Wellington Waterfront, and east to Evans Bay and on to Miramar.
Cog Park has parking, and buses run along Evans Bay Parade. Route information from Metlink. There are seats for a rest or a picnic. Swimming at nearby Hataitai Beach. Cafes just north at Greta Point. From here you can follow the Evans Bay parade to Oriental Bay, or southeast to Miramar.
Lyall Bay has parking and bus service. Route information from Metlink. Wellington’s prime surfing venue. Maranui Cafe on the seafront, and other cafes nearby, and at the nearby Kilbirnie shopping centre. From Lyall Bay you can carry on along the south coast, east towards Breaker Bay, or west to Owhiro Bay.
Island Bay has parking and bus service and is the end of the Island Bay Cycleway. Route information from Metlink. Cafes and shops on the Cycleway north of the bay. Playground and picnic area at Shorland Park, at the west end of the bay. From Island Bay you can carry on along the south coast, east towards Breaker Bay, or west to Owhiro Bay.
Walking the route
Walking the Great Harbour Way/ Te Aranui o Pōneke is straightforward. Because food, accomodation, and public transport access is available along the route, it is not necessary to carry much. Walking shoes, a wind/rain shell, and a spare warm layer will be sufficient. The route can be walked continuously, or you can choose segments to suit your schedule. Here are some suggestions:
Walking Tour – 2 days
Day 1: Miramar to Petone
Day 2: Petone to Pencarrow Head
Extended Walking Tour – 4 days
Day 1: Red Rocks to Miramar. This is a grunty 35km / 7 hour walk that includes a return trip from Owhiro Bay to Red Rocks.
Day 2: Miramar to Petone
Day 3: Petone to Eastbourne
Day 4: Eastbourne to Pencarrow Lighthouse and back
Note that you can take the #83 bus from Eastbourne or the East by West Ferry from Days Bay back to Wellington.
Enjoy a wonderful walk along the wild coast between Eastbourne and Pencarrow Head
Biking the route
Biking the Great Harbour Way/ Te Aranui o Pōneke is straightforward. A hybrid style bicycle or e-bike is ideal, although a road bike can be used for much of the route. A mountain bike is unnecessary, but can provide a more comfortable ride for the Owhiro Bay - Red Rocks section and the section between Eastbourne - Pencarrow Lighthouse and beyond.
Food, accommodation, and public transport access is available along the route. The trains and buses take bikes for free outside peak hours,
Here are some suggested itineraries.
1 Day Bike Tour
Miramar to Pencarrow Lighthouse. To get back to Wellington you can take the #83 bus from Eastbourne, or the East by West ferry from Days Bay (you need to book in advance to ensure that there is room for your bike).
2 Day Bike Tour
Day 1: Red Rocks or Owhiro Bay to Petone. You will need to bike on the road on the route from Owhiro Bay, Island Bay, Lyall Bay, Seatoun, and around the Miramar Peninsula. This Red Rocks-Miramar is shown in grey in the map above.
Day 2: Petone to the Pencarrow Lighthouse.
Enjoy a bike ride along the Wellington Waterfront, but be courteous to walkers and slow down please.