Cape Palliser
Regional Ride
Wairarapa, North Island
Beside the steps to the Cape Palliser lighthouse is a small carpark, and a 4WD track leading north along the coastline. This is through private land to a DOC reserve (Ngapotiki block). Public access is allowed provided you stay on the track.
Note that this area is isolated. No cellphone coverage. No phones, no houses. Nearest settlement is Ngawihi on the road to Cape Palliser. Be self-sufficient. (That said, there always seems to be surfers, quad bikers or farmers around!).
From Cape Palliser carpark the rough 4WD farm track proceeds along the coastline for about 3.5 km, where there is a gate at the entrance to the DOC Ngapotiki reserve. Walking access only through the reserve - if you did take a bike there is about 1 km of sandy area and a short sharp hill which you'd be pushing your bike on anyway. That said, quad bikes and cyclists do follow the road.
After descending the short, sharp hill there is a locked gate, and then the flat again as you enter the White Rock bay area. About 3 km further on there is another locked gate, the DOC entrance from White Rock side to the Ngapotiki block.
