Historic lighthouse has huge appeal

Hundreds of people made the most of an extremely rare opportunity yesterday, attending an open day at the historic Cape Palliser lighthouse.

They scaled the 258 steps from the beachfront to get to the lighthouse, then awaited their turn to go inside the tower itself.

Although the weather was a mixed bag, being clear at times and showery at others, it did not deter the visitors which included pupils from Pirinoa School.

The lighthouse had not been open to the public for decades and the open day was organised by coastal resident Rosemary Rayner in conjunction with Maritime New Zealand.

Brian Simmons, 69, who owns a bach at Mangatoetoe and has been visiting the Wairarapa coast since 1954 had never been inside the lighthouse until yesterday.

Lachie McLeod, who is chairman of the Ngawi Ratepayers Association, described the turnout of people anxious to get a look at the old landmark as being "amazing".

The Cape Palliser lighthouse was first lit in 1897 and in 1954 the light was converted from oil to diesel generated electricity.

It was automated and the lighthouse keepers were withdrawn in 1986.

The 258 steps up to the tower were built in 1912 to give the keeper safer access to the tower.

Up until then the way up was a dirt track up a 58 metre cliff, a dangerous encounter especially in stormy weather.

Photographer LYNDA FERINGA went to the coast to capture the scene on the open day.