When can you see seals at Cape Palliser?
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.
How many steps at Cape Palliser?
Climb the 253 steps to see her up close. And spare a thought for the early lighthouse keepers who had to haul oil and kerosene cans up a dirt track before the steps went in! The Cape is also home to the North Island’s largest fur seal colony. If you’re here November to January you might just spot some pups.
What is the road like to Cape Palliser?
It’s truly a ridiculously scenic drive with steep cliffs on one side and an endless ocean with black-sand beaches on the other. The road is threatened by erosion below the cliffs at Whatarangi, so drive with caution. It includes several one lane bridges.
Where is Cape Palliser?
Cape Palliser is a promontory on the southern coast of New Zealand’s North Island and is the southernmost point of the North Island; it is in fact considerably farther south than Nelson or Blenheim in the South Island.
Can you swim at Palliser Bay?
Just half an hour’s drive from Martinborough is Lake Ferry, a sleepy beach village on the shores of Lake Onoke where it empties into rugged Palliser Bay. Swimming in Lake Onoke or from the beach is not recommended.
Who owns Lake Wairarapa?
The Liberal government
The Liberal government purchased over 2 million acres (800,000 hectares) of Māori land to sell to settlers. They also purchased Lake Wairarapa because European farmers had complained that it periodically flooded their lands.
How many wineries are in Martinborough?
Martinborough is the most prominent of the three Wairarapa sub-regions. Small in size, but big in character, it is home to around 30 wineries that are mostly family owned. The wineries are within walking distance from Martinborough’s picturesque colonial town centre.
Who was Cape Palliser named after?
Sir Hugh Palliser
Cook named the cape after Sir Hugh Palliser, an admiral in the British navy and Cook’s ‘worthy friend’. Cook had a long association with Palliser.
Is Lake Ferry freshwater?
It’s been said that Lake Ferry feels like the edge of the world. Lake Onoke is a 1,557-acre brackish coastal lake that combines saltwater from Palliser Bay with freshwater inflows from the Ruamahanga River and Pounui Lagoon.
Can you swim in Lake Wairarapa?
CAN i swim here? Lake Wairarapa is shallow and contains a lot of sediment making it look muddy, so swimming here doesn’t appeal to most of us. However, the water is usually safe to swim in.
What wine is Martinborough known for?
Pinot Noir wines
“Martinborough is still widely considered to be one of the country’s prime wine regions. Its claim to fame is the exceptional quality of its Pinot Noir wines, produced by some of the most highly regarded wineries in New Zealand.”
How much is wine tasting in Martinborough?
We get incredibly busy and do not wish to disappoint! Phone 06-306 8473 for detailed information. We do charge a small fee of $10 for wine tasting however this is absolutely refundable if you decide to purchase any of our wines. Wines can be purchased and sent throughout NZ & overseas below.