Baring Head Lighthouse

Highlights: Lighthouse, sea views, sheep, farmland, river

Length: 3 hours

Where: Wainuiomata, 40 min from Wellington CBD

What to take: Active wear, water, windproof clothing, camera, a torch (if you'll be there for sunset)

A little known treasure, the Baring Head Lighthouse walk is one of the few spots in Wellington that you can see the sun setting over the South Island.

Getting there: The Baring Head Lighthouse is short drive beyond Wainuiomata. Take the Hutt motorway out to Petone and follow the Esplanade. Take a left onto Randwick and then a right into Whites Line East. Continue on Wainui Rd and over the Wainuiomata hill. Once in Wainuiomata the main road will take you through a series of roundabouts directing you to Coast Rd. The Baring Head Lighthouse car park can be found on your right 10 minutes from Wainuiomata.

Leaving your car, cross the bridge over the river and turn left. The track winds its way along in between the river and the golden fields. Continue along around the side of the steep cliff to your left, over the slips, and up the side of the hill.

Reaching the top, you will be treated to spectacular views along the coast, where the river meets the sea. Continue along to the right, winding your way as you please across the field (just make sure you follow the posts with the arrows). Veering left, the track then runs along the edge of the cliff before heading back in towards the lighthouse. From the lighthouse, you can see all the way from Wellington City to Cape Palliser, with extensive views of the South Island.

To return, you can either continue around to the left and come back over the hill (make sure you take a map if you take that way), or go back the way you came. More info is available here.