Baring Head/Ōrua Pouanui

Baring Head

As part of a consortium, Greater Wellington purchased a 284.6 hectare property near the Baring Head lighthouse in June 2010. The purchase was made with financial contributions from the Nature Heritage Fund, Department of Conservation, Hutt City Council and a private benefactor.

The property includes the lower reaches and mouth of the Wainuiomata River, and much of the coastal escarpment around Baring Head/Ōrua Pouanui. It is rugged, yet spectacular land, and is visible from Wellington. A marked route provides people with a walk offering access to the lighthouse reserve and views of the headlands, coastline towards Parangarahu Lakes and Wellington, and wetlands.

Have your say on the Baring Head/Ōrua Pouanui Draft Amendment

Submissions on the Baring Head/Ōrua Pouanui Draft Amendment to Greater Wellington's Parks Network Plan are being received from 17 March to 18 May 2012. Have your say.

Public access and information

The area was officially opened on Sunday 13 February 2011. Everyone is welcome to visit.  Download the Baring Head brochurewith a map and more information.

Baring Head/Ōrua Pouanui tracks

From the Wainuiomata Coast Road entrance, the main route follows the base of the river escarpment towards the coast. At the southern end of the river flats lies the historic pump shed that once took water from the Wainuiomata River to the Baring Head lighthouse cottages. From a junction near the coast a marked route leads to the popular climbing boulders, while the main track heads up the escarpment to the marine terraces. These give access to the lighthouse area, the Para trig and the World War II bunkers. The route follows the ridgeline back to the road and start point.

Walking times from the entrance (one way):

Walking along the escarpment

Old pump shed                                                    20 minutes
Climbing boulders                                              1 hour
Baring Head lighthouse                                     1 hour 15 minutes
Para trig and WWII bunkers                               1 hour 30 minutes
Return walk                                                           3 hours

You are welcome to cycle throughout Baring Head/Ōrua Pouanui . The tracks from the river flats to the top terrace are steep; watch out for pedestrians, other cyclists and vehicles on the road.

Livestock graze the park, and no dogs are permitted.