Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui is one of the most striking coastal landscapes near Wellington, where windswept hills, rocky shorelines and wide views across Cook Strait surround the historic Baring Head Lighthouse. It offers visitors a rugged open-air experience with walking tracks, coastal scenery, heritage features and a strong sense of maritime history, making it a memorable stop on the southern edge of the region.
Why visit Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui
- One of the wildest and most scenic coastal headlands near Wellington
- Home to the historic Baring Head Lighthouse overlooking Cook Strait
- Expansive views across the harbour entrance, coastline and South Island
- A striking landscape of open hills, rocky shores, river mouth and windswept coastal terrain
- Rich in maritime, Māori and wartime history, with walking tracks through a remote and memorable setting
Facilities
- Basic Toilet facilities near the carpark and also at the lighthouse
- Bridge access to numerous walks including the Grand Loop Walk
- On the way to the car park you pass several excellent bakeries, a supermarket and other local shops where you can pick up lunch or snacks for your day out.
What you can experience
- Walking through a rugged coastal landscape of open hills, rocky shorelines and windswept headland scenery
- Visiting the historic Baring Head Lighthouse and nearby heritage buildings overlooking Cook Strait
- Wide views across the harbour entrance, Wellington’s south coast, Cook Strait and, on clear days, the South Island
- Native coastal plants, seabirds and wildlife in one of the region’s most exposed and dramatic coastal environments
- A strong sense of isolation and scale, with walking tracks that showcase both natural beauty and maritime history
Book your return transport
Or give us a call.
- David Johnson
- Mobile: 021 958 988
- International: +64 21 958 988
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