A whole day needs to be allocated for this particular adventure as there is much to cover. Our furthest location at a good 2 hours drive from Wellington city. The Putangirua Pinnacles scenic reserve can either be visited before or after your visit to the lighthouse as its on the same road. The pinnacles car park sits around 1.5 hours drive from Wellington and is well sign posted on your left hand side as you drive down Cape Palliser road. The walk to the pinnacles is short and sharp with an amazing payout for minimal effort. The strange earth pillar formations are some of the best in NZ. Explore a set from the world famous 'lord of the rings' and enjoy endless photo opportunities. The Cape Palliser lighthouse is another 30 minutes drive past the pinnacles turn off. The road shifts to gravel so take caution and be careful with oncoming traffic as stones may flick up, reduce speeds accordingly. There are several car parks located at the end of the road, one for the seal colony and the other the lighthouse. Earn the view by climbing a giant staircase to the base of the lighthouse and be rewarded with spectacular views across the coast and surroundings. Note : Add lighthouse to the maps search to ensure you get directions all the way to the lighthouse.