simonmarkellis

This weekend looks like being a corker in the Waiarapa... seen lots of info about making the trip to Cape Palliser, but has anyone been?

Just wondered how long it takes to get to from Martinborough and if there is anything there other than the lighthouse, seal colony like a cafe or something as i may be making the trip with my elderly parents and they love a cuppa when they get some where...

kenpom

We did the drive about 5 years ago and it was very scenic.
It took quite a while, you head towards a lake ( cant remember it's name) where there is a pub, then from there to the caost and follow it along , mainly unsealed roads. You go through a small settlememnt called Ngaio/Ngawi where there is a cafe and from there on to the light house at Cape Palliser. Theres nothing else there apart form seals lying in the sun smelling of p1ss. Half of the raod had fallen away when we went and at one point it was single lane for about 30 yards, as the outside lane was gone!!

It was worth the trip though and we could see South Island as clear as a bell.

simonmarkellis

Many thanks Kenpom... i'll try and convince them the trip will be worth it....

luvwelly

I don't recommend Cape Palliser for elderly parents...the journey is long with precious few places en route where you can get sustenance (I recall a caravan selling stuff at one point) but that's not the reason....it's when you actually arrive there is nothing there except the view which you can't see until you are up the steps and to get up to the actual lighthouse you have to go up a very long rickety wooden staircase which feels very unsafe...with several loose pieces. You don't even feel safe holding onto the handrail especially on the descent.
Also the road goes round Lake Wairapa but you can only see it for one short stretch and as lakes go it isn't all that scenic. The Wairapa green fields are fab though with their undulating hills.

You would be much better off going to the lighthouse at Castlepoint which is about an hour's drive from Masterton. Also a long drive but lots of stopping off places including at the Castlepoint settlement itself (you could stay there as well or overnight in Masteron where there are loads of cheap motels). Also the lighthouse itself is beautifully situated with easy access - any visitors would always get the Castlepoint option rather than Cape Palliser.

Greytown for lunch/afternoon tea has always been one of our quick day trips for visitors - even that is almost a 4-5 hour round trip.

luvwelly

Think it was Ngawi where the caravan was....didn't see any other options. Apparently its 250 steps. There is some bach accommodation at Ngawi if you look on net.

simonmarkellis

I think at the moment we're going as far as Lake Ferry... Probably have to leave Cape Palliser for another day with slightly younger passengers...

kiwi_allens

we went last november was very windy took our 2 year old she kept getting knocked over by the wind and was very rocky where you have to walk to see most of the seals. didnt really notice anywhere to go for a cup of tea.

cappuccino

Lake Ferry is ok for about 10 mins unless you take your fishing rod

There is lots of driftwood there (as you can see in the pic) and on a clear day you can see to the mountains of Sth Island.

simonmarkellis

Will that strange women be there as well Michelle?

Not expecing much, it's more the tripover the hill as an experience for me Dad, so think we'll hit Lake Ferry, then double back to Martinborough and the vineyards...

cappuccino

That sounds like a better plan Simon. TBH, I went to Lake Ferry at xmas and it was a tad boring (unless you are into fishing and quad biking) and nowhere near as much driftwood - or strange women popping up from behind a giant log! (that pic was taken about a year ago).

This pic is of the public conveniences at Lake Ferry.



If your parents are here on weekend of 6th March, Martinborough is having the second of its annual craft fairs. I went to the first one a couple of weekends ago and it was excellent.