Penguin-friendly lights chosen for Wellington waterfront trails

Amber lights illuminate a dark stretch of shared waterfront trails without disturbing the tiny blue penguins that nest in and around Evans Bay.

The Tahita Common Trail from Oriental Bay in Wellington on the coast to Cobham Drive is mostly well lit, except for one section near two large roundabouts.

Earlier this year, Wellington City Council used Milo, the famous penguin sniffer dog, to spot a pair of Corora nesting along the road. The Council chose to use amber solar lights that do not interfere with their nocturnal nature.

Lights make the roads safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists, and as the days get shorter it means people commute in the dark.

Brent Tandy, a senior ranger at the Department of Conservation and a planning and construction advisor, said the project is a good example of how things should be done.

“It’s about finding ways to balance the needs of wildlife with the needs of humans, and making shared routes like this accessible to both humans and penguins.”

Corora (little blue penguins) like to nest in tight spaces in the rocky seawalls that protect public trails and roads.

New lights are directed away from these nests. It also has a motion sensor that lights up when a bicycle or pedestrian approaches.

Amber light has a narrow wavelength that is gentle enough for nocturnal animals but bright enough for humans. They are solar-powered via panels that surround the rows of lights, so they receive plenty of light in the winter.

Lighting will be installed next month, and work to dig the foundation will begin on Monday.

The Cobham Drive parking lot is being used for materials and equipment and will not be available until work is complete.

A shared detour for bicycles and walking will be established around the construction zone. Pass users should exercise extreme caution and follow the instructions of on-site staff.