Discover one of New Zealand's most remote and photogenic destinations — from the private farmland road to the iconic black-and-white lighthouse, seal colonies, and breathtaking Coastal Vistas.
- Cape Campbell, Marlborough
- Access via 13.4 km return beach walk or private road through Experience Cape Campbell
- Dark Sky Location
- NZ Fur Seal Colony
Where the South Island Meets Cook Strait
Cape Campbell (Te Karaka) is one of New Zealand's most dramatically situated lighthouses — perched on a windswept headland at the south-eastern extremity of Clifford Bay in the Marlborough region. Named by Captain James Cook in 1770, this remote cape has captivated artists, filmmakers, and photographers for generations.
The iconic black-and-white striped lighthouse, standing 22 metres tall atop brilliant white papa (mudstone) cliffs, was first lit in 1870 using an oil-burning lamp to warn ships off the reef, and replaced with the current cast-iron tower in 1905 due to the decay of the original timber structure. The light was upgraded to electricity in 1938 via diesel generators, later connecting to the mains grid in the 1960s. The station was fully automated in 1986, removing the need for onsite lightkeepers and in August 2024, the light was converted to solar power as part of Maritime NZ’s ongoing sustainability programme. The site gained international fame as the filming location for the 2016 DreamWorks film The Light Between Oceans, starring Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander.
For photographers, Cape Campbell offers an extraordinary combination: dramatic coastal geology, a photogenic heritage lighthouse, resident fur seal colonies, abundant birdlife, and some of the darkest skies in the Marlborough region — making it an exceptional destination for both daytime landscape and night-sky astrophotography.
Cape Campbell (Te Karaka) is one of New Zealand's most dramatically situated lighthouses — perched on a windswept headland at the south-eastern extremity of Clifford Bay in the Marlborough region. Named by Captain James Cook in 1770, this remote cape has captivated artists, filmmakers, and photographers for generations.
The iconic black-and-white striped lighthouse, standing 22 metres tall atop brilliant white papa (mudstone) cliffs, was first lit in 1870 using an oil-burning lamp to warn ships off the reef, and replaced with the current cast-iron tower in 1905 due to the decay of the original timber structure. The light was upgraded to electricity in 1938 via diesel generators, later connecting to the mains grid in the 1960s. The station was fully automated in 1986, removing the need for onsite lightkeepers and in August 2024, the light was converted to solar power as part of Maritime NZ’s ongoing sustainability programme. The site gained international fame as the filming location for the 2016 DreamWorks film The Light Between Oceans, starring Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander.
For photographers, Cape Campbell offers an extraordinary combination: dramatic coastal geology, a photogenic heritage lighthouse, resident fur seal colonies, abundant birdlife, and some of the darkest skies in the Marlborough region — making it an exceptional destination for both daytime landscape and night-sky astrophotography.
GETTING THERE
Access: The Private Farmland Road & Beach Walk
Cape Campbell is accessible via two routes — the private farmland road (with permission through Experience Cape Campbell) and the public beach walk from Marfells Beach. Understanding both is essential for planning your photography expedition.
Route 1: The Private Farmland Road
1 State Highway 1 Turnoff
From Blenheim, head south on SH1 for approximately 50 km. The turnoff for the private Cape Campbell farm road is located near Lake Grassmere (Kapara Te Hau) off the road to Marfells Beach. The last 10 km of this road is on private land. Numerous latched gates will be encountered on the road in to the Lighthouse. Permission from the landowners (the Peter family, Experience Cape Campbell) is required to access this road and to gain entry to the accommodation at the Cape Campbell Lighthouse.
2 Cape Campbell Farm
The farm comprises 3,300 acres of coastal hill country, owned and operated by Rob and Sally Peter. The unsealed road winds through rolling tussock hills with views of the surrounding farmland and coastal strip. The drive itself offers excellent photography opportunities of the farmland landscape, a beachcombers hut and the views as you approach the lighthouse.
Photography Tip: The elevated sections of the road provide sweeping panoramic views across the Pine Nut Plantations that are owned and operated by Pinoli, and both south and north along the coast strip — excellent for wide-angle landscape shots, especially at golden hour.
3 The Beachcomber’s Hut
En route to the lighthouse, a single room corrugated iron shelter/beach hut is found as you exit the farm hills where the farm meets the coast. This historic structure - part of the lighthouse keeper's era - provides a compelling foreground subject with the coastal strip as a backdrop.
Photography Tip: Shoot the beach hut at dawn to capture golden hour colours or at any time of day for dramatic black and white images. Use a wide-angle lens (16–24mm) and position yourself to include the tussock grass in the foreground for dawn capture or take a close up view of the hut for black and white.
4 Lighthouse Area
The farm road terminates at the cluster of historic cottages at the base of the lighthouse hill. From here, a steep stairway leads up to the lighthouse platform. Staying at Experience Cape Campbell's cottages grants vehicle access and extended time for sunrise, sunset, and night photography.
Access: The Private Farmland Road & Beach Walk
Cape Campbell is accessible via two routes — the private farmland road (with permission through Experience Cape Campbell) and the public beach walk from Marfells Beach. Understanding both is essential for planning your photography expedition.
Route 1: The Private Farmland Road
1 State Highway 1 Turnoff
From Blenheim, head south on SH1 for approximately 50 km. The turnoff for the private Cape Campbell farm road is located near Lake Grassmere (Kapara Te Hau) off the road to Marfells Beach. The last 10 km of this road is on private land. Numerous latched gates will be encountered on the road in to the Lighthouse. Permission from the landowners (the Peter family, Experience Cape Campbell) is required to access this road and to gain entry to the accommodation at the Cape Campbell Lighthouse.
2 Cape Campbell Farm
The farm comprises 3,300 acres of coastal hill country, owned and operated by Rob and Sally Peter. The unsealed road winds through rolling tussock hills with views of the surrounding farmland and coastal strip. The drive itself offers excellent photography opportunities of the farmland landscape, a beachcombers hut and the views as you approach the lighthouse.
Photography Tip: The elevated sections of the road provide sweeping panoramic views across the Pine Nut Plantations that are owned and operated by Pinoli, and both south and north along the coast strip — excellent for wide-angle landscape shots, especially at golden hour.
3 The Beachcomber’s Hut
En route to the lighthouse, a single room corrugated iron shelter/beach hut is found as you exit the farm hills where the farm meets the coast. This historic structure - part of the lighthouse keeper's era - provides a compelling foreground subject with the coastal strip as a backdrop.
Photography Tip: Shoot the beach hut at dawn to capture golden hour colours or at any time of day for dramatic black and white images. Use a wide-angle lens (16–24mm) and position yourself to include the tussock grass in the foreground for dawn capture or take a close up view of the hut for black and white.
4 Lighthouse Area
The farm road terminates at the cluster of historic cottages at the base of the lighthouse hill. From here, a steep stairway leads up to the lighthouse platform. Staying at Experience Cape Campbell's cottages grants vehicle access and extended time for sunrise, sunset, and night photography.
Route 2: The Public Beach Walk
1 Marfells Beach DOC Campsite
From SH1, approximately 10 km south of Ward, turn left (coming from the north) onto Marfells Beach Road. Continue to the end - only the last 2 km are gravel. Drive through the DOC campsite to the start of the beach track.
Photography Tip: The Marfells Beach itself offers excellent dawn photography looking back across the bay towards Cape Campbell, with the lighthouse visible as a distant spire on the headland.
2 Mussel Point
The beach walk heads south around the bay, passing around Mussel Point. From Mussel Point, the lighthouse is still approximately 6 km away — a tiny spire on the distant headland.
Tide Warning: Several bluffs along the route can be impassable at high tide. Always check tide times and walk on an outgoing tide. The 2016 Kaikōura earthquake uplifted the seabed by 0.7–0.9m, making access significantly easier than before but the walk should always be completed at low tide
3 The Seaweed Platform
In the eastern corner of Clifford Bay, just before the Cape, ocean currents deposit large piles of seaweed on the papa rock platform. Exercise extreme caution here — wet papa rock is extraordinarily slippery. Walk carefully to avoid falls, especially when carrying camera equipment.
4 Cape Campbell Lighthouse
The lighthouse is reached after approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours of walking. A small shelter at the base contains information boards and historic photographs. The steep stairway leads to the lighthouse platform with panoramic views across Cook Strait towards Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds.
Important Access Note: The only formed road to Cape Campbell is on private land. Public access is only permitted via the beach walk from Marfells Beach. For vehicle access via the farm road, contact Experience Cape Campbell at [email protected] to arrange permission and accommodation.
1 Marfells Beach DOC Campsite
From SH1, approximately 10 km south of Ward, turn left (coming from the north) onto Marfells Beach Road. Continue to the end - only the last 2 km are gravel. Drive through the DOC campsite to the start of the beach track.
Photography Tip: The Marfells Beach itself offers excellent dawn photography looking back across the bay towards Cape Campbell, with the lighthouse visible as a distant spire on the headland.
2 Mussel Point
The beach walk heads south around the bay, passing around Mussel Point. From Mussel Point, the lighthouse is still approximately 6 km away — a tiny spire on the distant headland.
Tide Warning: Several bluffs along the route can be impassable at high tide. Always check tide times and walk on an outgoing tide. The 2016 Kaikōura earthquake uplifted the seabed by 0.7–0.9m, making access significantly easier than before but the walk should always be completed at low tide
3 The Seaweed Platform
In the eastern corner of Clifford Bay, just before the Cape, ocean currents deposit large piles of seaweed on the papa rock platform. Exercise extreme caution here — wet papa rock is extraordinarily slippery. Walk carefully to avoid falls, especially when carrying camera equipment.
4 Cape Campbell Lighthouse
The lighthouse is reached after approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours of walking. A small shelter at the base contains information boards and historic photographs. The steep stairway leads to the lighthouse platform with panoramic views across Cook Strait towards Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds.
Important Access Note: The only formed road to Cape Campbell is on private land. Public access is only permitted via the beach walk from Marfells Beach. For vehicle access via the farm road, contact Experience Cape Campbell at [email protected] to arrange permission and accommodation.
PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS
Best Viewpoints & Shooting Positions
Cape Campbell rewards photographers who explore beyond the obvious. Here are the key locations, each offering distinct compositional opportunities.
Best timing: Dawn and Dusk (dependant on the suns position and time of year - the lighthouse catches the first and last light of day from this eastward-facing position. The low sun angle creates long shadows and illuminates the white cliffs beautifully.
SAFETY – Tide Warning: Several bluffs along the route can be impassable at high tide. Always check tide times and walk on an outgoing tide. The 2016 Kaikōura earthquake uplifted the seabed by 0.7–0.9m, making access significantly easier than before but the walk should always be completed at low tide
Best timing: Mid-morning on a clear day — the cliffs glow white against the blue Pacific. Overcast days create even, diffused light ideal for wildlife photography
Best timing: Any clear day. Particularly spectacular at golden hour when the low sun illuminates the bay and distant mountains.
SAFETY – the reef rock platform is slippery with a multitude of rock pools and water channels. Wear sturdy shoes on this walk and take care to stay well clear of the seals (by law you are not allowed to approach seals within 20m) The seals are numerous and reside both on the reef and in the bracken / thick grass on the shoreline – make sure you are keep a wary eye out for them as they can be well camouflaged – if you trip on one expect to be bitten!
Best timing: Low tide is essential for safe access. Dawn light from the east illuminates the lighthouse face directly. Overcast conditions reduce harsh shadows on the rock pools.
Best Viewpoints & Shooting Positions
Cape Campbell rewards photographers who explore beyond the obvious. Here are the key locations, each offering distinct compositional opportunities.
- Marfells Beach & Mussel Point
Best timing: Dawn and Dusk (dependant on the suns position and time of year - the lighthouse catches the first and last light of day from this eastward-facing position. The low sun angle creates long shadows and illuminates the white cliffs beautifully.
- The Beach Approach & Papa Cliffs
SAFETY – Tide Warning: Several bluffs along the route can be impassable at high tide. Always check tide times and walk on an outgoing tide. The 2016 Kaikōura earthquake uplifted the seabed by 0.7–0.9m, making access significantly easier than before but the walk should always be completed at low tide
Best timing: Mid-morning on a clear day — the cliffs glow white against the blue Pacific. Overcast days create even, diffused light ideal for wildlife photography
- Lighthouse Platform — Top of the Stairs
Best timing: Any clear day. Particularly spectacular at golden hour when the low sun illuminates the bay and distant mountains.
- Mt Tako Summit (194m)
- The Rocky Point Platform
SAFETY – the reef rock platform is slippery with a multitude of rock pools and water channels. Wear sturdy shoes on this walk and take care to stay well clear of the seals (by law you are not allowed to approach seals within 20m) The seals are numerous and reside both on the reef and in the bracken / thick grass on the shoreline – make sure you are keep a wary eye out for them as they can be well camouflaged – if you trip on one expect to be bitten!
Best timing: Low tide is essential for safe access. Dawn light from the east illuminates the lighthouse face directly. Overcast conditions reduce harsh shadows on the rock pools.
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
The Fur Seal Colonies
Cape Campbell is home to a resident population of New Zealand fur seals (kekeno), one of the country's most charismatic and photogenic native marine mammals.
Photographing New Zealand Fur Seals (Kekeno)
New Zealand fur seals are found throughout the Cape Campbell coastline, from solitary individuals resting on the beach during the walk from Marfells Beach, to larger colonies out on the rocky platform directly below the lighthouse.
The seals are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, when they return from feeding at sea. During the middle of the day, they tend to rest on the rocks in large groups — ideal for colony shots. The cold Antarctic current that runs up the east coast of the South Island brings rich nutrients that support the seals' food source.
In addition to fur seals, elephant seals are occasionally sighted at Cape Campbell. The coastline also supports a rich bird community including variable oystercatchers, banded dotterels (endangered), black-backed gulls, and terns.
Primary Colony LocationThe main seal colony is found on the rocky platform directly below and around the lighthouse, accessible at low tide. Additional individuals are found along the beach between Mussel Point and the Cape.
Best Timing Early morning (6–9am) and late afternoon (4–7pm) when seals are most active. Midday for large resting colony shots. Avoid disturbing seals during pupping season (November–January).
Minimum Distance New Zealand law requires a minimum 20-metre distance from fur seals. Use a 100–400mm telephoto lens to fill the frame while maintaining a respectful, non-disruptive distance.
Ideal Conditions Overcast skies provide even, diffused light that eliminates harsh shadows and reduces contrast — ideal for seal photography. Bright sun creates challenging high-contrast situations on the dark fur.
Composition Tips Get low — shoot at eye level with the seals for the most engaging perspective. Use the rocks and kelp as natural framing elements. Include the lighthouse in the background for a sense of place.
The Fur Seal Colonies
Cape Campbell is home to a resident population of New Zealand fur seals (kekeno), one of the country's most charismatic and photogenic native marine mammals.
Photographing New Zealand Fur Seals (Kekeno)
New Zealand fur seals are found throughout the Cape Campbell coastline, from solitary individuals resting on the beach during the walk from Marfells Beach, to larger colonies out on the rocky platform directly below the lighthouse.
The seals are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, when they return from feeding at sea. During the middle of the day, they tend to rest on the rocks in large groups — ideal for colony shots. The cold Antarctic current that runs up the east coast of the South Island brings rich nutrients that support the seals' food source.
In addition to fur seals, elephant seals are occasionally sighted at Cape Campbell. The coastline also supports a rich bird community including variable oystercatchers, banded dotterels (endangered), black-backed gulls, and terns.
Primary Colony LocationThe main seal colony is found on the rocky platform directly below and around the lighthouse, accessible at low tide. Additional individuals are found along the beach between Mussel Point and the Cape.
Best Timing Early morning (6–9am) and late afternoon (4–7pm) when seals are most active. Midday for large resting colony shots. Avoid disturbing seals during pupping season (November–January).
Minimum Distance New Zealand law requires a minimum 20-metre distance from fur seals. Use a 100–400mm telephoto lens to fill the frame while maintaining a respectful, non-disruptive distance.
Ideal Conditions Overcast skies provide even, diffused light that eliminates harsh shadows and reduces contrast — ideal for seal photography. Bright sun creates challenging high-contrast situations on the dark fur.
Composition Tips Get low — shoot at eye level with the seals for the most engaging perspective. Use the rocks and kelp as natural framing elements. Include the lighthouse in the background for a sense of place.
NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
Astrophotography at Cape Campbell
Cape Campbell's remote location, minimal light pollution, and iconic lighthouse make it a compelling astrophotography destination.
The Milky Way & Cape Campbell Lighthouse
The combination of the Cape Campbell lighthouse as a foreground subject and the dark skies above Cook Strait makes this a great astrophotography location in the Marlborough region. The lighthouse's black-and-white striped tower provides a strong vertical element that anchors the composition, while the Milky Way core rises dramatically above the lighthouse.
The Milky Way is visible from Cape Campbell from late February through to October, with the galactic core at its most spectacular during June and July. The best compositions position the lighthouse in the lower third of the frame, with the Milky Way arching overhead or rising to one side.
Moon Phase Planning Plan your visit around the new moon. Even a quarter moon will significantly reduce Milky Way visibility.
Optimal Composition Position Stand approximately 30–50 metres north-west of the lighthouse base, shooting south-east. The Milky Way core rises in the south-east from April to October, placing it directly above or behind the lighthouse tower.
Timing the Shot The galactic core rises approximately one hour before astronomical twilight ends. Arrive at the location well before dark to set up your composition in daylight. The transition from blue hour to full dark is also worth capturing.
Wind Management Cape Campbell is one of Marlborough's windiest locations. Use a heavy tripod, hang your camera bag from the centre column for ballast, and use a remote shutter release or 2-second timer to eliminate camera shake.
Overnight Stay Staying at Experience Cape Campbell's cottages allows you to shoot from dusk to dawn without the 90-minute walk in the dark. The cottages are positioned at the base of the lighthouse hill — ideal for multiple astro compositions throughout the night.
Astrophotography at Cape Campbell
Cape Campbell's remote location, minimal light pollution, and iconic lighthouse make it a compelling astrophotography destination.
The Milky Way & Cape Campbell Lighthouse
The combination of the Cape Campbell lighthouse as a foreground subject and the dark skies above Cook Strait makes this a great astrophotography location in the Marlborough region. The lighthouse's black-and-white striped tower provides a strong vertical element that anchors the composition, while the Milky Way core rises dramatically above the lighthouse.
The Milky Way is visible from Cape Campbell from late February through to October, with the galactic core at its most spectacular during June and July. The best compositions position the lighthouse in the lower third of the frame, with the Milky Way arching overhead or rising to one side.
Moon Phase Planning Plan your visit around the new moon. Even a quarter moon will significantly reduce Milky Way visibility.
Optimal Composition Position Stand approximately 30–50 metres north-west of the lighthouse base, shooting south-east. The Milky Way core rises in the south-east from April to October, placing it directly above or behind the lighthouse tower.
Timing the Shot The galactic core rises approximately one hour before astronomical twilight ends. Arrive at the location well before dark to set up your composition in daylight. The transition from blue hour to full dark is also worth capturing.
Wind Management Cape Campbell is one of Marlborough's windiest locations. Use a heavy tripod, hang your camera bag from the centre column for ballast, and use a remote shutter release or 2-second timer to eliminate camera shake.
Overnight Stay Staying at Experience Cape Campbell's cottages allows you to shoot from dusk to dawn without the 90-minute walk in the dark. The cottages are positioned at the base of the lighthouse hill — ideal for multiple astro compositions throughout the night.
When to Visit Cape Campbell
Each season offers distinct photographic opportunities and challenges. Here is what to expect throughout the year.
Each season offers distinct photographic opportunities and challenges. Here is what to expect throughout the year.
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Summer
DECEMBER – FEBRUARY
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Autumn
MARCH – MAY
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Winter
JUNE – AUGUST
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Spring
SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER
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Essential Tips for Cape Campbell
Respect the Tides
Always check tide times before departing Marfells Beach. Walk on an outgoing tide for the easiest passage. Several bluffs along the route can be impassable at high tide. The DOC website and MetService provide reliable tide predictions for this stretch of coast.
Prepare for Wind
Cape Campbell has mean wind speeds of 29.8 km/h year-round. Bring a windproof jacket, secure all loose gear, and use a heavy tripod with additional ballast for long exposures. A lens hood is essential to prevent flare and protect the front element.
No Cell Coverage on the Walk
There is no cell phone reception for most of the beach walk. Carry a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) for safety. Download offline maps and tide charts before departing.
Power Up Before You Go
Charge all batteries fully. Cold temperatures and long exposures drain batteries quickly. Bring at least two spare batteries for astrophotography sessions.
Salt Spray Protection
The coastal environment is harsh on camera equipment. Use a weather-sealed camera body and lens. Carry a microfibre cloth to wipe salt spray from the front element. A rain cover or dry bag protects gear during the beach walk.
Plan Your Visit
Use PhotoPills or The Photographer's Ephemeris to plan sunrise, sunset, golden hour, and Milky Way positions relative to the lighthouse. Book accommodation at Experience Cape Campbell well in advance
Respect the Tides
Always check tide times before departing Marfells Beach. Walk on an outgoing tide for the easiest passage. Several bluffs along the route can be impassable at high tide. The DOC website and MetService provide reliable tide predictions for this stretch of coast.
Prepare for Wind
Cape Campbell has mean wind speeds of 29.8 km/h year-round. Bring a windproof jacket, secure all loose gear, and use a heavy tripod with additional ballast for long exposures. A lens hood is essential to prevent flare and protect the front element.
No Cell Coverage on the Walk
There is no cell phone reception for most of the beach walk. Carry a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) for safety. Download offline maps and tide charts before departing.
Power Up Before You Go
Charge all batteries fully. Cold temperatures and long exposures drain batteries quickly. Bring at least two spare batteries for astrophotography sessions.
Salt Spray Protection
The coastal environment is harsh on camera equipment. Use a weather-sealed camera body and lens. Carry a microfibre cloth to wipe salt spray from the front element. A rain cover or dry bag protects gear during the beach walk.
Plan Your Visit
Use PhotoPills or The Photographer's Ephemeris to plan sunrise, sunset, golden hour, and Milky Way positions relative to the lighthouse. Book accommodation at Experience Cape Campbell well in advance
The Photographer's Day at Cape Campbell
A suggested schedule for maximising your photographic opportunities during a one-day visit (staying overnight at Experience Cape Campbell).Sample 24-Hour Photography Itinerary (May)
Based on a summer/autumn visit with overnight accommodation at the lighthouse cottages.
5:45 AM
Blue Hour & Sunrise — Lighthouse Base
Capture the lighthouse in the cool blue light before sunrise. As the sun rises over the Pacific Ocean, the lighthouse tower glows warm gold against the brightening sky. The eastern aspect is perfect for sunrise light.
8:00 AM
Seal Colony — Rocky Platform
Seals return from early morning feeding. Position yourself at a respectful distance (20m+) with a 100–400mm telephoto. The low morning sun creates warm, directional light on the seals' dark fur.
10:00 AM
Lighthouse Platform — Panoramic Views
Climb the stairs to the lighthouse platform. Use a telephoto lens to photograph Wellington across Cook Strait, the Marlborough Sounds, and Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku to the south.
12:00 PM
Midday — Mt Tako Summit Hike
Hike to the 194m summit for aerial perspective shots of the entire cape. Midday light is harsh but the elevated viewpoint compensates. Use a polarising filter to deepen the sky and reduce glare off the water.
4:30 PM
Afternoon Golden Hour — West Approach
Position yourself to the west of the lighthouse for the afternoon golden hour. The warm side-lighting creates beautiful texture on the white cliffs and lighthouse tower.
6:30 PM
Sunset & Blue Hour
Capture the sunset over Clifford Bay from the ridge above the lighthouse platform. As the sun sets, move back to the lighthouse base for blue hour long exposures. The lighthouse beam begins to register in long exposures at this stage.
9:00 PM
Astrophotography — Milky Way Setup
Once astronomical twilight ends, set up for the Milky Way sequence. Position 30–50m north-west of the lighthouse, shooting south-east. Begin with test exposures.
11:00 PM
Peak Milky Way — Stacked Exposures
Capture the galactic core in all its glory with the Lighthouse foreground and shoot a series of exposures for stacking if you don’t have a star tracker on board.
A suggested schedule for maximising your photographic opportunities during a one-day visit (staying overnight at Experience Cape Campbell).Sample 24-Hour Photography Itinerary (May)
Based on a summer/autumn visit with overnight accommodation at the lighthouse cottages.
5:45 AM
Blue Hour & Sunrise — Lighthouse Base
Capture the lighthouse in the cool blue light before sunrise. As the sun rises over the Pacific Ocean, the lighthouse tower glows warm gold against the brightening sky. The eastern aspect is perfect for sunrise light.
8:00 AM
Seal Colony — Rocky Platform
Seals return from early morning feeding. Position yourself at a respectful distance (20m+) with a 100–400mm telephoto. The low morning sun creates warm, directional light on the seals' dark fur.
10:00 AM
Lighthouse Platform — Panoramic Views
Climb the stairs to the lighthouse platform. Use a telephoto lens to photograph Wellington across Cook Strait, the Marlborough Sounds, and Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku to the south.
12:00 PM
Midday — Mt Tako Summit Hike
Hike to the 194m summit for aerial perspective shots of the entire cape. Midday light is harsh but the elevated viewpoint compensates. Use a polarising filter to deepen the sky and reduce glare off the water.
4:30 PM
Afternoon Golden Hour — West Approach
Position yourself to the west of the lighthouse for the afternoon golden hour. The warm side-lighting creates beautiful texture on the white cliffs and lighthouse tower.
6:30 PM
Sunset & Blue Hour
Capture the sunset over Clifford Bay from the ridge above the lighthouse platform. As the sun sets, move back to the lighthouse base for blue hour long exposures. The lighthouse beam begins to register in long exposures at this stage.
9:00 PM
Astrophotography — Milky Way Setup
Once astronomical twilight ends, set up for the Milky Way sequence. Position 30–50m north-west of the lighthouse, shooting south-east. Begin with test exposures.
11:00 PM
Peak Milky Way — Stacked Exposures
Capture the galactic core in all its glory with the Lighthouse foreground and shoot a series of exposures for stacking if you don’t have a star tracker on board.
You will love the rugged beauty that is Cape Campbell, together with the Lighthouse, the surrounding coastal landscape and the abundant wildlife. When you're ready to pay this area a visit make contact with Jimmy or Libby at Experience Cape Campbell and book your stay - you will not be disappointed!
Inspired by the experience?
Bring these memories into your home or office space by purchasing a canvas or fine art print from my Online Print Store
Bring these memories into your home or office space by purchasing a canvas or fine art print from my Online Print Store
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