While not especially old or tall, this group of Monterey pines is a prominent feature of the Wellington skyline due to its elevated position atop Beacon Hill. The trees are highly visible not only from central Wellington, but also from much farther afield—being clearly seen from Eastbourne (over 6 km away) and Petone (over 12 km).

Historic aerial imagery suggests these trees are the remnant of a larger cluster planted around 1945 [1]. Their exposed ridgetop location gives them visual prominence and makes them a well-known landmark for those familiar with the city’s harbour views.

The trees are accessible via the Eastern Walkway. On clear days, the site also offers views southward to the distant Kaikōura mountains ( Lloyd, M., 2025).

Reference
[1] Wellington City eastern suburbs of Seatoun and the Miramar Peninsula, Whites Aviation Ltd, 1956, WA-41242-F, Alexander Turnbull Library.