Cape Palliser Lighthouse
The red-and-white striped lighthouse at the southernmost tip of the North Island. Climb about 250 steps for views over the Southern Ocean, with coastline along the way that is the North Island's largest seal colony.
The lighthouse began operating in 1897 and stands on a steep slope by the sea. The steps are steep, but the views are wide open.
On the coast road to the lighthouse, New Zealand fur seals often bask on the rocks. Keep your distance, and never stand between the seals and the sea. Along the way, the fishing village of Ngawi is unique for its tractors that push fishing boats down into the sea. The final stretch is gravel. It's about 2 hours' drive from Wellington, and it is usually visited on the same day as the Pūtangirua Pinnacles.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Pūtangirua Pinnacles
- Martinborough
- Days Bay
- Pencarrow Head Lighthouse
- Kaitoke Regional Park
- Matiu / Somes Island
- Wētā Workshop
- Lyall Bay