A chilling wind whips around Pencarrow Head. The waves crash against the rocks below. This windswept headland guards the entrance to Wellington Harbour a strategic point for centuries.
Pencarrow Head boasts a rich history. Its name a gift from the Cornish language means headland valley. It was named after the family home of Sir William Molesworth a director of the New Zealand Company. This eastern headland marks the entrance to Wellington Harbour.
The most famous landmark is the Pencarrow Head Lighthouse. Built in 1859 it was New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse. It stands proudly on the hill a beacon of hope for sailors navigating the treacherous waters of Cook Strait. Mary Bennett the only female lighthouse keeper in New Zealand history served here. Her story is one of resilience and dedication. She faced harsh conditions and personal tragedy yet kept the light burning.
The area around Pencarrow Head is rugged and hilly. There are no roads. A walking and mountain biking track follows the coast. The headland also marks the northern end of Fitzroy Bay.
Nearby lie Pencarrow Lakes. These freshwater wetlands are a testament to the power of nature. Earthquake activity blocked them from the sea. Stock grazing ceased in 2004 allowing the wetlands to recover. They are now under joint management by the Department of Conservation and the Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Pencarrow Head is also a graveyard of ships. Many vessels met their end on the rocks between the Head and Point Hinds. The Henrietta in 1852 the Hunter in 1876 the Carlotta in 1878 the Magic in 1921 the Admiral in 1960 and the Maria Luisa in 1996 all lie beneath the waves. Their stories are a stark reminder of the dangers of the sea. Treated effluent from Seaview sewage works is even discharged here at the end of an 18 km pipeline built in 1962.
Despite its remote location Pencarrow Head remains a popular destination for hikers and those seeking a connection with history. The lighthouse stands as a symbol of New Zealand’s maritime heritage. The views are breathtaking. The wind whispers tales of shipwrecks and survival. This is Pencarrow Head a place where the past and the present collide.