Eastbourne Ridge Loop

The beech forest along the eastern hills of Wellington harbour is the closest beech forest to Wellington city, as it is not naturally found in the Wellington city area. The open dryer feeling of beech forest makes for a change from Wellington's typical denser broadleaf bush, farmland, or regenerating scrub. The proximity of the whole route to the water offers fantastic views over Wellington Harbour with Matiu-Somes and Ward Islands in the foreground and Wellington City in the distance. As well as the beech trees, rata and rimu are relatively common along with bird life of kakariki, kereru, riflemen, tui and bellbird.

A side trip can be taken to Butterfly Creek at the southern section of this route, a popular picnic spot about 6km from Williams Park heading in the clockwise direction. More information can be found here about the history of Butterfly Creek: http://www.gw.govt.nz/Butterfly-Creek/

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

There are several options for transport: 1) drive and park at Williams Park which has a reasonably safe and busy car park or out on the main road where there are a number of parks available, 2) catch the East by West Ferry to Days Bay ($11 one way - 30 mins trip) from Queens Wharf area in Wellington, 3) or catch the Eastbourne bus from Wellington. Bus stops right out front of Williams Park.

10 km

15 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

The whole route is straight forward EXCEPT the Hawtrey Route between the MacKenzie Track and Main Ridge Track. This is a route only but is well marked with orange disks. Be careful not to follow one of the many trap lines that run off this route though. If you don't see the next orange marker, stop and look around.

Apart from the Hawtrey Route section, the first part from the Bus Depot is wide and gravelled, and the Main Ridge Track is wide and well signposted.

Generally good.

Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map

Fill up at Williams Park with the intention of carrying all your water, There is water available from the Butterfly Creek stream but unsure how safe it is. Apart from that there is no other water until you hit Lowry Bay.

Hot and dry in the summer, can be cold, muddy and slippery in the winter.

Pay extra attention on the Hawtrey Route for navigation and to the roughness of the terrain.

Days Bay Pavillion
Williams Park
http://daysbaypavilion.co.nz/
Right at the start/finish with good pizza, ice creams and good coffee.

Chocolate Dayz Cafe
614 Marine Drive, Days Bay
http://www.chocolatedayzcafe.co.nz/
Just outside Williams Park, Chocolate Dayz Cafe is a popular destination for those coming over from Wellington, especially on the ferry. Hands down the best coffee and food in Days Bay.