Beachfront Bliss

On the picturesque coastline of the capital, nestled between the rolling hills of the Pencarrow Coast and the wild waters of the Cook Straight, sits the quaint village of Eastbourne. The winding coastal road to Eastbourne Beachfront Cottage was lined with brightly painted boat sheds, turquoise bays, and scenic swim spots. Upon arriving at the Beachfront Cottage, we instantly slipped into slow living, the cottage just oozes tranquillity and relaxation.

We started our days by waking to the sound of the ocean lapping on the shoreline and breathing in the fresh sea air as we admired the breathtaking views of the rippling waves. We ate breakfast in the garden with the ocean outlook, lolled on the beach with a picnic and spent the afternoons with sandy toes and salty skin. As the evenings drew in, we washed away the sand under the outdoor shower and sat on the front porch with a glass or two while watching the tide roll in under the soft glow of golden hour. We cooked dinner on the BBQ and soaked in the outdoor candlelit bathtub at sunset (which is an absolute must).

The cottage is just bursting with character and charm, get lost in the romantic decor, feel the warmth of the sun-drenched wooden floorboards beneath your feet and lose the notion of time with its vintage furniture and fascinating history.

In the heart of Eastbourne Village, there is an abundance of fresh local produce to devour, we bought delicious seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh flowers, homemade feijoa jam and steaks from the local butcher.

Wellington boasts limitless stretches of rugged coastline just waiting to be explored. We took the short drive to the bike shed, where we rented mountain bikes and cycled the picturesque Pencarrow Coastal Trail. We spotted wild goats along the hilltop, admired magical views of the snow-capped Kaikōura Ranges, and climbed to the Pencarrow Head Lighthouse to reveal panoramic views of Wellington Harbour and the blue hues of the beaches below. If you’re keen to get out on the water, there are several surf breaks along the coastline that are renowned by Wellingtonian surfers.

The Eastbourne Beachfront Cottage truly is the quintessential Wellington escape and is a must stay on your visit to the coolest little capital in the world.