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Everything you need to know about Point Halswell Lighthouse
Stay at The Cove at Point Halswell, a boutique seaside retreat nestled just steps from the lighthouse. This eco-chic property features private ocean-view terraces and lighthouse-facing rooms, offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline and passing ships. The property blends native stone, timber, and sustainable design, creating a serene retreat ideal for photographers and nature lovers.
A short 5-minute walk leads to the historic Point Halswell Lighthouse, while nearby trails connect to Cape Campbell, perfect for sunrise hikes with dramatic seabird sightings. Located about 40 minutes from Wellington City, renting a car is recommended to enjoy scenic coastal drives along the South Island’s edge. The lodge also provides complimentary shuttle service to the lighthouse trailhead, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
The most convenient option is driving, taking about 40 minutes from Wellington City via State Highway 1, then turning onto Rangitikei Road and following signs to the lighthouse area. Public transport options are limited—Wairarapa Bus runs occasional weekend services, but schedules are infrequent; advance HopeGoo is essential. Alternatively, book a private transfer or join a guided half-day eco-tour offered by local operators.
The site has a small parking lot with limited spaces, so arriving early is advised. Several guided tours include lighthouse access and coastal walking trails to Cape Campbell, providing both historical context and immersive natural experiences. These tours are ideal for visitors seeking a seamless, informative visit without navigating public transit.
Beyond viewing the lighthouse itself, try a sunrise ascent—the tower glows golden in morning light, with waves sparkling below and albatrosses soaring overhead. The surrounding coastal walking trails lead to Cape Campbell, where interpretive signs detail geological formations and wildlife habitats, including rare rocky intertidal zones and nesting seabird colonies.
Though the interior isn’t open to the public, the exterior showcases exceptional 19th-century colonial masonry craftsmanship, praised by architectural historians as a benchmark of early New Zealand fortification design. During spring, the site hosts an annual lighthouse light show, featuring projection art and storytelling that brings the tower’s century-long history to life. Additionally, visitors can join the community-led Coastal Clean-Up Day, contributing to environmental conservation efforts while gaining deeper insight into local stewardship values.
The Moa Hotel is a top choice, located just a 15-minute walk from Point Halswell Lighthouse, offering sea-view rooms and distinctive local artwork throughout its interiors. Its rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of Cook Strait, ideal for sunset photography and coastal strolls. The hotel also offers free bicycle rentals, enabling easy access to nearby walking trails.
For a more secluded experience, consider Cape Palliser Lodge, slightly farther but nestled in pristine natural surroundings. This eco-friendly lodge features sustainably built rooms using reclaimed materials and serves fresh seafood dishes paired with local wines, showcasing Wellington’s culinary identity. Both properties provide 24-hour shuttle services to major attractions, ensuring convenient access for travelers seeking comfort and connection with nature.
The most convenient option from Wellington City is taking bus routes 903 or 904, which run along North Shore Highway and reach the Point Halswell Lighthouse car park in about 30 minutes. For greater flexibility, renting an electric bike is ideal—ride along the South Island Coastal Walkway, a scenic 10-kilometer trail offering stunning ocean views and opportunities to spot native birds.
Alternatively, taxis or ride-hailing services (e.g., Uber) take around 25 minutes and cost approximately $60–$80 NZD, perfect for families or travelers with heavy luggage. Early morning departure is recommended to avoid afternoon sun, and visitors should bring sunscreen, water, and appropriate footwear for a safe and enjoyable visit.
Near Point Halswell Lighthouse, don’t miss coastal rock pool exploration during low tide—discover vibrant marine life like starfish, hermit crabs, and sea anemones, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts. Follow the South Island Coastal Walkway, a 3-km trail offering dramatic sea cliffs, turquoise waters, and sightings of albatross and gulls.
Visit early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and cooler temperatures, ideal for capturing the lighthouse silhouette against the sunset. Interpretive signs along the path provide insights into local ecology and history. Additionally, this area is excellent for stargazing, with minimal light pollution allowing clear views of the night sky—great for small outdoor astronomy gatherings. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Yes, Point Halswell Lighthouse is highly family-friendly. The area features safe walking paths and child-friendly viewing platforms, where kids can explore tidal pools under adult supervision. Interactive nature displays provide engaging, educational content about local marine life and lighthouse history, captivating young minds.
A nearby free-access sandy beach offers safe play for children—ideal for sandcastles and shallow water fun, with no strong currents. Bring a picnic blanket and snacks to enjoy a relaxed family lunch at the designated rest area. During summer months, the "Lighthouse Discovery Day" offers guided tours with special activity sheets for children, turning the visit into an interactive learning adventure. The peaceful, clean environment makes it a perfect destination for family outings.
See what other travelers say about Point Halswell Lighthouse
Staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington was an absolutely delightful experience. The hotel has a rich history and timeless charm that truly sets it apart—there’s something special about staying in a place with such character and tradition. While the room doesn’t have windows or views, it’s surprisingly peaceful and well-designed for comfort. The bed is huge and incredibly comfortable, making for a restful night’s sleep. Location-wise, it’s perfect—just a short walk from downtown and nearby attractions. If you’re looking for a quiet, cozy retreat with a touch of heritage, this is a top choice. Definitely worth every penny.
Staying at Ascot Motor Lodge was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The moment we arrived, we were relieved to find ample parking—perfect for our 5-meter-long ute, which fit comfortably on the property without any hassle. The lodge itself was spotless, well-maintained, and warmly welcoming thanks to the incredibly friendly owners who went out of their way to make us feel at home. Our room was quiet, cozy, and inviting—ideal for a restful night’s sleep. Location-wise, it’s a breeze to get into Wellington city or explore nearby attractions, whether by car or public transport. Everything we needed was right there, and the attention to detail made all the difference. A truly great stay with excellent value—definitely coming back.
I absolutely loved my stay at Ohtel Wellington! The team went above and beyond—so warm, welcoming, and helpful. My flight got cancelled due to bad weather, but instead of stress, I was quickly rebooked with zero hassle. Now I'm enjoying a gorgeous room with stunning sea views, and it’s such a peaceful escape. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the city center and easy access to everything. It's rare to find such a thoughtful, friendly hotel with such a great vibe. I’ll definitely be back.
Staying at Richmond Guest House was an absolute delight. The accommodation is incredibly cozy and spotlessly clean—every detail feels thoughtfully taken care of. The host was warm and welcoming, offering helpful tips on local transport and great dining spots nearby. I felt like a guest in a friend’s home rather than just another traveler. Located just minutes from the city center via public transit, it's super convenient for exploring Wellington. With such a friendly vibe, top-notch cleanliness, and unbeatable value, this place easily earns my highest recommendation. I’ll definitely be back!
Staying at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers in Wellington was a fantastic experience. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and even helped me check in ahead of time, which made my arrival so much smoother. The room was spotless and well-maintained, with excellent privacy—perfect for a good night's sleep without any disturbances. Location-wise, it can't get much better: right across from the train station and just a short walk from the Bluebridge ferry terminal. Getting around town is super easy, whether you're heading downtown or exploring nearby attractions. I especially appreciated how quiet and clean the space felt, all while being in such a central spot. For budget-conscious travelers who value comfort and convenience, this place is a real gem. Would definitely come back.
Absolutely perfect stay! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to downtown Wellington, with everything you need within easy reach. The apartment is spacious, well-equipped, and even comes with a washer and dryer—huge plus for longer trips. At such a reasonable price, this is hands-down the best choice for visiting Wellington. The host was incredibly friendly and helpful, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. I’d definitely book again—highly recommend!
Staying at Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay was a highlight of my trip to Wellington. The room layout is smart and spacious, with a clean, well-maintained feel from top to bottom—every corner looked fresh and cared for. The view from the window? Absolutely stunning. Waking up to the ocean breeze and sunlight reflecting off the water was pure magic. Breakfast was excellent—plenty of variety, fresh ingredients, and hot options that hit the spot. The only minor note: the front desk staff were polite but slightly reserved, which I guess comes with being in a capital city vibe. Not cold, just more formal—nothing personal! Parking is pricey both across the street and at the hotel, but honestly, it’s expected in a central CBD area like Wellington. It’s not unique to this hotel—it’s just how things work in major urban centers. Still, I’d gladly pay extra for such a prime location and quality stay. Overall, an outstanding experience with great value for money. Would book again without hesitation.
Staying at WQ Wellington Quarter Hotel was a fantastic experience. The location is unbeatable—just a short 8-minute walk from the bus interchange, making it super convenient to catch the airport express bus. I appreciated how close it was to downtown Wellington, and having a New World supermarket nearby made grocery shopping a breeze. The hotel itself was spotless, with a clean and welcoming atmosphere. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay. Everything about this place felt well thought out, from the comfort of the room to the thoughtful touches around the property. If you're visiting Wellington and want a hassle-free, centrally located base, this is an excellent choice. Highly recommended!
I stayed in Wellington for a week to support my son as he started his new school life here, and I chose this hotel because it’s just a short walk from his school. From day one, the front desk manager and housekeeping staff went above and beyond—genuine warmth, thoughtful service, and attention to detail that you rarely get at big chain hotels where everything feels automated. The room itself is well-maintained, with excellent soundproofing so I could sleep peacefully even during noisy city nights. The hot water heater works perfectly, and the shower was truly refreshing—great for unwinding after a long day. I also loved how spacious and functional the room layout was, with modern amenities that work flawlessly. Even though it’s not a brand-new property, the atmosphere feels more personal, human, and welcoming. It’s clear the team cares about guest comfort beyond just checking boxes. If you’re visiting Wellington with family or need a reliable, friendly base near schools or downtown, this place is a real gem. Highly recommend.
I stayed at Naumi Hotel Wellington and was genuinely impressed from start to finish. The room was spacious, immaculately clean, and the bed was incredibly comfortable—perfect for a good night’s sleep. Located right on Cuba Street, it’s an ideal spot for exploring local dining and nightlife. I could walk to so many great restaurants, cafes, and shops in just a few minutes. The lobby has a modern, relaxed vibe with great attention to detail—very welcoming and stylish. Everything about this stay felt thoughtfully designed, and the value for money is outstanding. I’d absolutely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Wellington.
Staying at Wellesley Boutique Hotel was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the city center, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions within easy reach. My room was spotless and meticulously clean, with a comfortable bed and excellent air conditioning that kept the room just right throughout the night. The bathroom was fresh and dry, with high-quality toiletries. Everything felt thoughtfully designed, from the lighting to the little touches in the room. It’s rare to find such a well-maintained boutique hotel with this level of comfort and convenience. I’d absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Wellington.
We never actually got to stay here, which is a real shame. We booked a night in June for early March, but received a call on May 22nd informing us that our reservation had been canceled because the motel had been sold—and the new owners planned to demolish it. After emailing to confirm the call was legitimate and expressing how disappointed we were at having to pay significantly more for last-minute accommodation, we were told that the staff had all lost their jobs too. The owners reportedly didn’t plan this sale—apparently strangers walked in off the street and made an offer the owners couldn’t refuse. Still, despite the disruption to guests and employees alike, they’ve refused to provide any compensation. It’s incredibly frustrating and shows zero regard for customers. Honestly, I’m glad we didn’t end up staying. This kind of sudden closure, with no support or transparency, should be a red flag for anyone considering booking through the platform.
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