Timeline
06:32
Walk from Scorching Bay Beach up to Fort Ballance. The path is short but steep. Arrive with time to spare and find a good vantage point on the grounds.
07:12
Head to Cog Park. This is your viewing spot. Stand in the park and look toward the east-northeast. Between 6 May and 13 May, and again from 1 August to 8 August, the sun will rise directly behind Fort Ballance in the distance.
07:27
After the light has settled, walk a few minutes to Uncle Leo's Bakery. It is a French bakery and café. It is open on weekends from 08:00, or on weekdays from 07:30. Grab a pastry or coffee to enjoy while you digest the view.
Local tip
The walk from the beach to the fort is steep. Wear sturdy shoes. Check the opening hours for Uncle Leo's Bakery before you go, as they vary between weekdays and weekends.
Check before you go
- Uncle Leo's Bakery opens at 08:00 on Sa, Su and 07:30 on Mo, We-Fr.
Worth knowing
- Sun position is calculated. We have not confirmed the view is unobstructed.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Wellington (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).