Baring Head Lighthouse sits in the East Harbour Regional Park, on the Wainuiomata Coast in Lower Hutt. Visitors can book to stay in the renovated Lighthouse Keepers Cottage or the Assistant Lighthouse Keepers Cottage. Access is from the East Harbour Regional Park car park, 18 km south of Wainuiomata along the Coast Road. Walkers cross the bridge on foot, then follow the river track south or the hill road north, which loops back to the lighthouse. Composting toilets are at the car park and at the lighthouse complex. Visitors are asked not to leave valuables in their cars.
A second route starts at Wainuiomata Beach, where the road ends at the sea, and walks along the beach to the rocks at Baring Head. The rocks are a popular climbing spot and a good picnic place, with the lighthouse in view. The river mouth can be open or closed after heavy rain, and it should not be crossed while the river flows into the sea. Eastbourne is an 18 km ride or hike one way. The East by West ferry runs from central Wellington to Days Bay, where Wild Finder rents bikes and e-bikes. Booking is recommended on weekends and fine days. Visitors are asked to respect the private property just north of the lighthouse complex. Our pick in Lower Hutt for a long walk with a lighthouse at the end.