Palliser Bay

Palliser Bay, at the southern tip of the North Island, is a wild and windswept stretch of coastline that feels a world away from Wellington City. Rugged cliffs, black-sand beaches, and the brooding presence of Cape Palliser's lighthouse define this dramatic landscape. It's a place where nature rules — expect roaring surf, colonies of fur seals, and skies that seem impossibly vast. This is New Zealand at its most elemental.

Highlights & What to See

• Cape Palliser Lighthouse: Climb the 250 steps to this iconic red-and-white lighthouse for panoramic views of the Cook Strait and, on clear days, the Kaikōura Ranges. The wind up here is legendary.
• Fur Seal Colony: Just below the lighthouse, a large colony of New Zealand fur seals lounges on the rocks. Watch them from the designated viewing platform — keep a respectful distance, especially during breeding season.
• Putangirua Pinnacles: A short walk from the carpark leads into a surreal landscape of towering earth pillars formed by ancient erosion. These were a filming location for The Lord of the Rings — the Dimholt Road scene.
• Palliser Bay Beaches: The black-sand beaches, especially around Lake Ferry and Ocean Beach, are perfect for long, solitary walks. Beware of strong currents — swimming is not recommended.
• Lake Ferry & Ngawi: The tiny settlement of Ngawi is famous for its fleet of bulldozers used to haul fishing boats into the surf. Lake Ferry, at the mouth of Lake Ōnoke, is a good spot for birdwatching and a bite at the historic pub.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors explore Palliser Bay as a day trip from Wellington, but to truly soak it in, plan for a full day — leave Wellington by mid-morning, spend the afternoon hiking to the lighthouse and the Pinnacles, and enjoy a late lunch at the Lake Ferry Hotel. If you're keen on photography or birdwatching, consider an overnight stay in a nearby holiday home.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wellington City: The capital's museums, craft beer bars, and waterfront are a perfect counterpoint to the wild south coast.
• Martinborough: Just a 45-minute drive north, this charming village is renowned for its Pinot Noir — a wine trail makes a great day out.
• Kapiti Coast: Heading north from Wellington, the Kapiti Coast offers sandy beaches, the Kapiti Island nature reserve, and relaxed seaside towns.

Please check official sources for current details.