There’s something a bit special about watching the sunrise. It’s even more special if you’re one of the first people in the world to see it.
The East Cape Lighthouse on Ōtiki Hill marks the easternmost point of New Zealand, so it’s officially the first bit of the country to see each new day.
Climb the 800 steps to the lighthouse, sitting 154 metres above sea level to drink in spectacular views, with an eye on the horizon so you catch the first rays of the morning.
Originally manned by three lighthouse keepers when it was constructed in the 1920s, staffing was reduced until it became fully automated in 1985. Today, the lighthouse is controlled from the Maritime New Zealand headquarters in Wellington.
