Amber-coloured lights which are less likely to scare resident penguins are being installed on one of Wellington's most popular bike paths to improve visibility for cyclists and pedestrians. Photo: 123RF
Penguin-friendly solar lights are being installed across one of Wellington's busiest biking paths to provide better visibility leading into winter.
Thirteen solar lights with an amber glow will brighten up the darkest stretch of Tahitai next to Cobham Drive between Calabar Road and Troy Street.
When no one is around they will produce a dim orange glow but they will illuminate when someone walks or cycles past.
The lights have motion sensors which create a colour and shine that is less likely to scare kororā, the little blue penguins which nest close by.
The aim of the new instalment is to make the path safer and more accessible, especially during the winter season when people are still using the coastal route after sunset or before sunrise.
The gleam will focus on the paths and away from the rock seawall which was built to protect the road and surrounding areas but has space between the rocks the penguins like to hide in.
Ligman, the company that makes the lights said the amber LED was friendlier for nocturnal animals, insects and plants while still providing enough light for safe movement.
Department of Conservation senior biodiversity ranger Brent Tandy said the project was a good example of how to suit all parties.
"It's about finding ways to balance the needs of wildlife with those of people, and making shared routes like this accessible for humans and penguins alike."
The project is set to cost $326,000 and depending on the weather will take around a month to install.
Solar lights were seen as a good alternative because running electricity to the area for standard lights would have been time consuming and involved trenching under State Highway 1.
A shared detour for bikes and foot traffic will be in place around the construction zone. Locals using the path are being advised to take extra care and to follow instructions from staff on site.
The car park area will be out of use while work is underway on the site.
