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.
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Things We Did

  • Food & Drink
  • Beach
  • Bike
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    Eastbourne Fruit Supply can be found in the very heart of the village and offers an abundance of local produce, from fresh fruit and vegetables to handpicked flowers....
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      Fill the picnic basket from the Beachfront Cottage with your favourite nibbles and spend the day lolling at the beach (and if you forget anything, you can just stroll across the path to the cottage kitchen)....
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        Walk or ride the Pencarrow Coastal Trail. There is a bike shed at the beginning of the trail, where you can rent bikes or head off on foot. The trail winds its way along the coastline for 7km to Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of the Cook Strait. You can choose to explore the lighthouse or continue on for 2km to Lake Kohangatera (or both). While on the trail, you will encounter native seabirds and wild goats on the hilltops....
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          Marmalade Deli is also found in the heart of Eastbourne Village, offering an array of homemade marmalade, jam, chutneys, and a whole lot more. Stop in for a 'Cheesy Cheesy Scone' and a freshly ground coffee....
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            Stop by the local butchers for delicious, fresh meat for the BBQ....
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              Days Bay is the perfect spot for ice cream on the beach. Choose from their range of delicious ice cream and gelato flavours....

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