East Harbour Regional Park is a contrast of native forest and rocky coastline, providing a magnificent backdrop to Wellington Harbour. Greater Wellington manages the park which includes land owned by Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Taranaki Whanui and the Crown.
There are two distinct areas. To the north, the hills between Eastbourne and Wainuiomata are clothed in some of the best beech/rata forest in the Wellington area. In contrast, the damp valley floors contain lush semi-swamp forest including kahikatea, pukatea and nikau palms.
To the south, the Parangarahu Lakes Area and Baring Head, provide sweeping views and diverse geological features. They cradle the nationally significant freshwater wetlands of Kohangatera and Kohangapiripiri and are home to a wealth of native plants and wildlife.
Source: gw.govt.nz/eastharbour