When we make the effort and take the time to go for a ride with kids, we want it to be an enjoyable experience. To have a ‘great day’ on the bike with kids there are simple things to think about, plan and do. In this story I am going to introduce you to riding with kids to the Pencarrow Lighthouse near Eastbourne, Wellington, North island, NZ,
This a great family riding trip to New Zealands first permanent lighthouse and the only lighthouse run by a female lighthouse keeper.
Where is it?
The start and finish is located just south of Eastbourne Wellington. Eastbourne is located 40 minutes drive from downtown Wellington or 30 minutes aboard the East By West Ferry.
The ride – is it doable for you?
Biking Distance? The length of ride to Pencarrow Lighthouse is 8km one way . It is an out and back ride making it 16km return trip.
You have options to make your trip longer.:
- You can park in Eastbourne Village and ride some of the coastal path and road to the start of the lighthouse ride making it a 22km return trip
- You can continue to ride beyond the lighthouse to Baron Head lighthouse ( the current operational lighthouse) and to the Parangarahu Lakes
- This trail does to continue as part of the coastal ride in the Remutaka incline and Coastal RideÂ
Parangarahu Lakes and the 2 lighthouses – Pencarrow and Baron Head.
Biking Surface? The surface is flat, wide and well compacted gravel . it is the width of a road.
Biking Skills required? This is NOT a technical ride. It is a flat ride to the lighthouse and the trail is wide. This can be quite a busy trail with other bikers and walkers.
Level of biking fitness? Allow 2 hours to complete this ride with kids. The biggest challenge can be the wind which is often present due to the rides location – coastal and near Wellington. Read how Sam ( 10 year old boy) managed the wind on his ride to the lighthouse. I had to learn to tuck in behind Mum to shelter from the wind and to catch my breath. I also slowed to have a breather in the more secluded bays before I took on biking around the exposed headlands. I quickly learnt that I needed to save my energy when I had the chance.
Can you ride with Kids Attached? This is a ride that you can enjoy with kids attached.
- Kids riding their own bike. The Towhee Tow Rope could be the asset you need to get some younger kids riding on their own bike on this ride… and necessary if it is windy
- Kids Attached or Towed – This trail is wide and off road making all kids attached or towed options suitable for this ride. Full range of Kids Bike Seats Attached or Towed
The wide flat gravel surface.
Safety
It is best to take a bike locks with you to keep the bikes safe as you walk up the trail to Pencarrow Lighthouse.
Enjoy the experience and have fun
If you have worked through the points above then you will be more likely to enjoy and have fun on your ride.
There is so much fun to be had when out exploring on a bike
Some things you could plan to enjoy on Pencarrow Lighthouse Ride
- It was great to see all the ferries as they pass going into and out of Wellington Harbour.
- You get to walk up a bit of a hill to Pencarrow Lighthouse. There is a whole lot of information and history about the lighthouse and the lighthouse keepers.
- The views from the lighthouse are pretty awesome. Wellington and the harbour, and you get great views all the way across to the South Island but only if you manage to pick a good clear Wellington day.
- If you choose to go a little further you can see the Barron Head Lighthouse the current lighthouse in operation and a couple of lakes
- Icecreams/ Hot Chocolates at Eastbourne Village are always an option after the ride.Â
Ferries entering/exiting Wellington harbour
Start of the trail to Pencarrow Lighthouse on the hill
Suitable trail to ride with kids attached or towed.
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