Cape Palliser Lighthouse — Attraction in Martinborough Community

One of my favorite spots to take visitors to Wairarapa, as well as a great destination for when you just feel like going for a drive and photography. Awesome views of the ocean from the lighthouse, you can often spot the seals in the water from the lookout. Unfortunately, it's not the most accessible place. It's a beautiful, but long drive out there with some pretty narrow parts of the road. You've got to be a bit careful, but a 4wd isn't required and any car should get there just fine. The road will have you driving along seaside cliffs as well as through small settlements of batches. Make sure to check out all the fishing boats at Ngawi on your way there. The staircase up the the lighthouse is a really long climb and it's pretty narrow. It can be a bit of trouble to get past people going the other way. A lot of seals live in the area and can be found sunbathing on the beaches and rocks. Up the road from the lighthouse is a sheltered rock area where the seals raise their young. Make sure you pick your day when planning to visit. The area is totally exposed to the southern ocean and can have some really wild weather with massive swells, which can be pretty exciting, but will totally ruin any plans of a nice picnic at the lighthouse, other days, it might be dead calm without a breath of wind. Adventurous visitors might have a go at climbing the hill behind the lighthouse for even better views, not that I'd do anything that...

Title: A Beacon of Splendor!

This was my first visit to Cape Palliser Lighthouse in Wellington, New Zealand and it completely stole my breath away. Nestled amid the rugged beauty of the headland, this lighthouse stands as an iconic sentinel overlooking the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

The road to Cape Palliser, though a bit challenging, rewards you with stunning landscapes en-route! Climbing the 250 steps to reach the lighthouse can be quite a workout, but it’s all worth the effort once you stand before its brilliant white structure, dwarfed yet invigorated.

What makes this place memorable is the breathtaking 360-degree view from the top - on one side, you behold the raw beauty of the ocean and on the other, magnificent rolling green hills.

Don't miss out on the nearby seal colony. Seeing these majestic creatures lounging and playing in their natural habitat is an adorable sight that adds to this surreal experience.

In all, Cape Palliser Lighthouse isn't just a destination; it's an adventure that offers an indelible touch with nature’s majestic grandeur. Must-visit for anyone travelling to New...

Cape Palliser lighthouse is about two and a half hours from Wellington and is a must see. The last 5-7km are gravel and one way in some places but it's a spectacular coastline. To reach the lighthouse you climb a narrow staircase with 252 steps. There is a handrail on one side - people who don't like heights may find it a bit intimidating but it's fine to go at your own pace and other people always seem to be fine with that, accepting of different abilities and fitness levels. Once you reach the top of the stairs the views are amazing. We went there on a beautiful summer's day and the colour of the sea was several shades of blue / turquoise. There is a fur seal colony below on the beach and sometimes you may be lucky to see them although you do have to keep your distance. Lake Ferry is well worth a visit on your way back - there are some nice picnic spots or the Lake Ferry hotel for a more formal meal. You can also walk out to see where Lake Onoke empties into the Pacific Ocean. Highly recommended...