Lighthouse
Cape Palliser Lighthouse
31 locals recommend
Tips from locals
Ondy
May 26, 2020
Seals, stunning walks, and the spiffiest lighthouse in the country - you'll find them all at Cape Palliser. It's just an hour's drive from Martinborough, with unforgettable sea views along the way. A grand old lady of a lighthouse cast iron Cape Palliser lighthouse has stood on the cliffs here since 1897 - and she's still shining strong. Climb the 253 steps to see her up close. And spare a thought for the early lighthouse keepers who had to haul oil and kerosene cans up a dirt track before the steps went in! The Cape is also home to the North Island's largest fur seal colony. If you're here November to January you might just spot some pups.
Seals, stunning walks, and the spiffiest lighthouse in the country - you'll find them all at Cape Palliser. It's just an hour's drive from Martinborough, with unforgettable sea views along the way. A grand old lady of a lighthouse cast iron Cape Palliser lighthouse has stood on the cliffs here sinc…
Pete & Shelley
July 20, 2016
Long-ish drive out there but worth it for the views. Google map the directions and take a picnic and a full tank of gas. About an hour's drive away. Once you get out there, watch out for fur seals which congregate on the rocks (don't get between them and the sea) or else they just lie along the side of the road! Can be windy but also incredibly beautiful. The lighthouse is a steep climb (a few hundred steps) but has spectacular views. Definitely worth the effort.
Long-ish drive out there but worth it for the views. Google map the directions and take a picnic and a full tank of gas. About an hour's drive away. Once you get out there, watch out for fur seals which congregate on the rocks (don't get between them and the sea) or else they just lie along the side…
Alison
May 10, 2022
"The steep climb up to the Cape Palliser lighthouse, which has clung to the cliffs since 1897, is a hefty 253 step trip. The Cape is infamous for maritime disasters, and when you make it to the lighthouse, it’s pretty easy to see why. Like many lighthouses in New Zealand, this one boasts a rich and interesting history. In the 19th century, 20 ships were wrecked around Palliser Bay. The light first went on in 1897, but nearly 100 years later in 1986, it became automated. For all the lighthouse geeks out there, it’s still fitted with the original Fresnel lens light, and the light flashes twice every 20 seconds. From the top, enjoy the stunning views out to sea, across Palliser Bay and the Wairarapa – or, if you’re lucky, across to the South Island of New Zealand. On a still day, it’s a fabulous spot to settle in for a picnic before tackling the climb down."
"The steep climb up to the Cape Palliser lighthouse, which has clung to the cliffs since 1897, is a hefty 253 step trip. The Cape is infamous for maritime disasters, and when you make it to the lighthouse, it’s pretty easy to see why. Like many lighthouses in New Zealand, this one boasts a rich and…
Jen
July 27, 2022
The Cape Palliser lighthouse is the Final stop of your coastal day trip. You have walked up the Pinnacles, driven through Ngawi and taken crazy photos of the line up of enormous tractors on the beach and driven through the largest North Island seal colony to get to the lighthouse at the end of the road. Park at the bottom, then crunch the 258 steps to the lighthouse - built in 1897.
The Cape Palliser lighthouse is the Final stop of your coastal day trip. You have walked up the Pinnacles, driven through Ngawi and taken crazy photos of the line up of enormous tractors on the beach and driven through the largest North Island seal colony to get to the lighthouse at the end of the r…
Angela
June 28, 2020
Seals, stunning walks, and great climb to the lighthouse - just an hour's drive from Martinborough, with unforgettable sea views along the way.
Location
Cape Palliser, Wellington