#GreatHarbourWay #Pencarrow #gravelbike
Watch the full adventure https://youtu.be/1J2bKzwYl50
Embark on a gravel bike return ride on a picturesque spring afternoon, journeying from Eastbourne’s waterfront to the historic Baring Head. Along the way, marvel at the iconic landmarks that grace part of the Great Harbour Way.
The Pencarrow Sector Light stands sentry below the towering cliffs of Pencarrow Head, where the Pencarrow Upper Lighthouse looks out to sea. Dating back to 1859, this lighthouse holds the distinction of being Aotearoa New Zealand’s first permanent beacon. A fascinating history includes its tenure under the stewardship of the widow Mary Bennett, the nation’s pioneering female lighthouse keeper, who admirably raised her five children while tending to the light.
The journey continues, passing the serene estuaries of Lake Kohangapiripiri and Lake Kohangatera, and the rusting skeleton of the iron-hulled steamer, the SS Paiaka, wrecked by a severe storm in 1906, a haunting testament to the region’s maritime heritage.
Winding through Fitzroy Bay, ascend to the majestic Baring Head Lighthouse, a beacon of hope since its inaugural lighting on the 18th of June, 1935. From this vantage point, be captivated by the breathtaking vistas of Wainuiomata Beach and beyond, stretching across the expanse of Cook Strait.
Join us on this unforgettable gravel bike adventure along the Great Harbour Way, where every pedal turn unveils a new chapter in the rich tapestry of New Zealand’s coastal heritage.
Music attribution: ‘Childhood’ by Scott Buckley – released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
ID 082 | Record Date 29–OCT–2023