Built in 1897 the lighthouse was fueled by oil, In 1954 was altered to electric after a diesel generator was installed. It is now connected to  the national grid (1967)

During the 19th century approx 20 ships were wrecked on this part of the coast, hence the building of the lighthouse.

A staircase of 258 steps built in 1912 replaced the dangerous dirt track up the 58 meter high cliff.  Cape Palliser is a 92km drive south of Carterton, but worth every moment as it is so scenic. 

On the way you will find heritage sites due to it's rich history of early Maori occupation.

Cape Palliser is home to a permanent fur seal colony. The rookery was found there in 1991, the first one found in the North Island in the 20th century, indicating that the seals are recovering from previous exploitation.

Cape Palliser is also a breeding site for red-billed gulls.

The fur seal colony at the cape is the North Island's largest. New Zealand fur seals have pointy noses, long whiskers, visible external ears and bodies covered with two layers of fur. The breeding season is from mid-November to mid-January. Pups start to feed on solid food before weaning, and spend a large proportion of their day playing with other pups and objects such as seaweed and reef fish.

The  small fishing village of Ngawi is not far away (6km) and  has a camping ground on the beach front. Idea for campervans.