The road to Cape Palliser Lighthouse is one of NZ's best coastal drives
New Zealand, oceania
35 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the southern coast of New Zealand's North Island, Wellington region bound, for an unforgettable road trip to the iconic Cape Palliser Lighthouse.
This isn't just any lighthouse; this beauty's been standing tall since 1897, perched at the North Island's southernmost tip. Get ready for a mini-workout because you'll need to conquer around 250 steps to reach it. Trust me, the panoramic views from the top of the 18-meter tower are worth every step! It's been automated since '86, but it still flashes its warning twice every 20 seconds.
Cape Palliser Road? It's a 35 km (21-mile) stunner that kicks off from Lake Ferry Road. On one side, you've got dramatic cliffs; on the other, black-sand beaches and endless ocean views that will leave you breathless.
Heads up: while most of the road is paved, the final 7.2 km (4.47 miles) turns to gravel and can get slick after a bit of rain. Take it slow around spots like Whatarangi where erosion can be an issue. Oh, and keep an eye out for the one-lane bridges – they add to the adventure! If you’re rolling in a rental, double-check your insurance covers unsealed roads, especially near the lighthouse.
Once you reach the top, those sweeping vistas of Palliser Bay and the South Island are unreal. And don't forget to visit the nearby shoreline to spot the North Island’s largest fur seal colony. Seriously, this coastal drive is up there with the best in the world.
Where is it?
The road to Cape Palliser Lighthouse is one of NZ's best coastal drives is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.2781, 176.9006
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 35 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -41.2781, 176.9006
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