The assistant lightkeepers house is located on the Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui headland, inside East Harbour Regional Park, so there’s plenty to see and do during your stay. Take a walk or cycle around the network of tracks, stroll along remote unspoilt beaches, hike to the WWII observation post, or stick around the complex to check out the lighthouse and learn about the history of the area in the Story Hub,
Around the complex
Historic lighthouse and views
Just 35 metres from the cottage is Maritime New Zealand’s Baring Head lighthouse, completed in 1935. Perched 87m above Raukawa Moana/Cook Strait, this spot offers epic views of the harbour and across to the South Island. Find out more about the lighthouse’s history.
To the east there are views to the mouth of the Wainuiomata River and Turakirae Head. To the north you can see Fitzroy Bay and the two Parangarahu Lakes. Take care near the cliff edge, there is no fence.
Next to the lighthouse there is NIWA’s Atmospheric Research Station which has been in operation for almost 50 years. For a more immersive look at the history of the NIWA station and lighthouse, check out the Story Hub.
The Story Hub
The Story Hub building next door to the Assistant Lightkeepers Cottage has a wealth of information and interactive displays covering the rich history of the area. From iwi and early settler history to defense history, lighthouse keeping and shipwrecks.
Heritage and restoration work around the complex
In July 2023 the Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui lighthouse complex, WWII remnant structures and the Maritime NZ lighthouse were added to the Heritage New Zealand List/Rārangi Kōrero. Historic heritage and landscape restoration work is ongoing. The main lightkeepers cottage will become available for public overnight stays after restoration work is completed.
The Garage Hut within the lighthouse complex is a conservation volunteer base. Camping associated with volunteer use of the Hut is permitted.
To find out more the amazing restoration work, or volunteer to help with heritage and landscape conservation and restoration activities, contact the Friends of Baring Head or visit the redevelopment page.
Walks and rides in the park
Trig and WWII observation post
Walk up the escarpment hill to enjoy the stunning 360-degree views. From the cottage, it’s 1 km to the top with a 167m elevation climb. It’s hard to stand up on a windy day but well worth the short walk. You can find the remains of the WWII observation post around the Trig point.
Fitzroy Bay
Walk or ride along the coast to the north to Fitzroy Bay – it’s a 2 km walk from the cottage or walk along the fire break track on the ridge from the Trig, over the access road to a knoll with Fitzroy Bay views.
Wainuiomata beach and river circuit
A 1.5 km walk to the east leads you to the Wainuiomata Beach, river mouth and lagoon. This route starts flat but becomes a steep gravel track to the beach.
Walk back via the river track and up the park access road or fire break track.
See the trail information and maps of Baring Head/ Ōrua-pouanui.
Other activities
Fishing and beachcombing
Walking on the beaches is an experience highlight of this area. Fitzroy Bay and Wainuiomata beaches are 30-minute walk from the cottage to the north and east. Caution is required. The sea is hazardous, there are large waves, strong currents and undertows are always present. These beaches are unsafe for swimming.
The areas either side of the Wainuiomata and Orongorongo Rivers are popular spots for fishing. Kahawai, snapper and other fish can be caught. Find out about fishing licences and information.
Surfing
In the right conditions, there is a small surf break east of the Orongorongo River. It's only suitable for experienced surfers.
Rock climbing and bouldering
Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui was the birthplace of bouldering in New Zealand. The bouldering rocks are on the beach 2.5km east of the lighthouse complex on Wainuiomata Beach. You can get there via the track from the car park following the directions for Wainuiomata Beach, then lookout for a steep track to the beach. Find out more about bouldering.
Hang gliding and paragliding
Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui is a popular spot for hang gliders and paragliders. Find out more about hang gliding and paragliding.