Cape Palliser is the most southern point of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s a decent 2 hour drive from Wellington, so you need at least a full day to make the most of the area. We left Wellington after a quick coffee and breakfast, road tripped to the cape, did a few short day hikes and then visited Martinborough to do a tasting at one of the areas many beautiful wineries before heading back to Wellington.
Putangirua Pinnacles
One of Wellington’s many interesting rock formations, Purangirua Pinnacles are most famous for their performance in Lord of the Rings, return of the king. They’re actually the best example in New Zealand of what’s called “badlands erosion” which is when softer sedimentary rock or clay soils have been eroded over time by wind and water. (And remember this when you’re heading out because it can be super windy!). The erosion has left the pillars, known as hoodoos, which make for an impressive landscape.
It was really hard to capture in photos the magnitude of these beauties. It felt like walking among gentle giants, or in a natural open roofed cathedral surrounded by organ pipes.
You have a couple of options when exploring the Pinnacles. You can head to the viewing platform for a great view of the formation, or, like us, walk up the river bed to walk through the Pinnacles themselves. I wish we had had time to do both, but we were short on time so did the option that appealed most to our group. I think we were there for about 30-40mins all up.
Cape Palliser Lighthouse
Standing Staunchly on the southern most top of the north island is the most beautiful Lighthouse. The cast iron red and white stripes guarding the rugged Wellington coastline, where she has been since 1897, makes this grand lady a classic New Zealand sight.
Walk the 253 steps to the base of the lighthouse (and then think of the poor souls that needed to haul kerosene all the way to the top) for beautiful views that stretch all the way to the South Island on a good day.
Keep an eye out for fur seals (we spotted some jumping in rock pools) as you drive along the dirt road-the cape is home to the North Islands largest colony!
⬆️ a pic of Mikey and Michelle (in the middle) with a selection of Mikey’s family who (like us) believe that hiking is the best holiday activity. We had gathered in Wellington for the wedding of one of Mikey’s 7 brothers and took the opportunity to explore with the South Island and UK members of the fam.
Happy exploring and happy hiking
Moochelle