Cape Palliser facts for kids
Cape Palliser is a special place on the southern coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's the very southernmost tip of the North Island. This means it's even further south than some towns in the South Island, like Nelson or Blenheim.
It's found at the eastern end of Palliser Bay. This spot is about 50 kilometers southeast of Wellington. By road, it's about 100 kilometers away.
Near Cape Palliser, there's a small village called Ngawi. The people there mostly earn their living from fishing for crayfish. These are also known as southern rock lobsters. It's quite unique how they fish here. They use bulldozers to push their fishing boats into the sea on their trailers!
History and Landmarks
Cape Palliser has a rich history, especially for the Māori people. One interesting natural feature here is Kupe's Sail. This is a triangular rock formation that looks just like a sail. It's part of the local Māori stories and the legend of Kupe, a famous explorer.
Captain James Cook named Cape Palliser in 1770. He named it after his friend, Admiral Sir Hugh Palliser. Sir Hugh was an important person in the British Royal Navy.
The Cape Palliser Lighthouse
The Cape Palliser Lighthouse stands tall at the Cape. It first shone its light in 1897. In 1986, it became automated, meaning it runs by itself. The lighthouse flashes twice every 20 seconds, guiding ships safely.
Wildlife at the Cape
Cape Palliser is home to a group of fur seals. They live here all the time. A special place where seals raise their young, called a rookery, was found here in 1991. This was the first one found in the North Island in the 1900s. It shows that the seal population is growing again after being hunted in the past.
You can also find red-billed gulls breeding at Cape Palliser. These birds are considered "Nationally at risk" in New Zealand. In the Wellington area, they are "Regionally Vulnerable." This means they need our help to protect them.
