Cape Palliser Sunrise

Cape Palliser is the southern-most point of the North Island. Interestingly, it is even further south than the South Island towns of Nelson and Blenheim! The shoreline is rocky and rugged, and an area abundant in wildlife, including the North Island's largest fur seal colony. The lighthouse was built in 1897, and in my opinion is one of the prettiest with its red and white candy stripes. The 253 steep stairs up to the lighthouse are an effort however, and leave your legs wobbling like jelly after the descent. This photo was taken from a spot further up the hill behind the lighthouse, a bit of a nerve-wracking clamber to get to. 

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This sunrise photo was taken on a spur-of-the-moment overnight trip from home. Arriving before sunset the evening before, I was a bit disappointed when the promising clouds came to nothing. I returned from the lighthouse to eat dinner and sleep in my car at the freedom camping spot just down the road. After a really windy night of the car shaking, I was so tired and tempted not to get out of my sleeping bag when the alarm went off at ridiculous o'clock. However, I forced myself to head back to the lighthouse and clamber up the side of the hill again. By the time I got up the steps to the lighthouse, I could see the colour brewing in the sky. Needless to say, I was super glad I had not kept sleeping! I've visited this spot several times, and finally have a photo that I am pleased with.