This iconic lighthouse was built in 1941 and first lit in May that same year. It was the last manned lighthouse in NZ and it replaced the Cape Maria Van Diemen lighthouse located on nearby Motuopao Island which had been built in 1879. Accessing that lighthouse had been difficult due to rough seas so in 1938 it was decided to move it to Cape Reinga for safety reason.
The complete lantern fittings were reused though the new lighthouse was fitted with a 1000 watt electrical lamp instead that could be seen for 26 nautical miles and the lamp was powered with a diesel generator.
In 1987 the lighthouse was fully automated and keepers were no longer needed. It is now monitored remotely from Wellington. To get here from where we live it is about 3 hours drive north through a long isolated main state highway where there is the occasional farm and shop but it s a very popular tourist attraction.
Linking up with Skywatch Friday.
11 comments:
Now that is a small lighthouse but a very cute one
I like it.
Interesting shape. Reminds of a rocket ship.
I found the most fascinating things the confluence of the currents of the two seas and the distances on the signposts.
Assume it is so high up on the cliffs it doesn't need to be high. Lighthouses seem to attract the tourists.
Wish I could visit again. magnificent setting.
That's a beautiful little light house!
I love the lighthouses all around NZ and this one is so cool!
It was many years after I moved to NZ before I ventured up North to see the lighthouse. Definitely worth the trip.
Not surprised it’s a popular tourist destination! A lot of people over here seem to “collect” lighthouses...I’ve talked to several who keep scrapbooks and albums and who are trying to visit every one they’ve ever heard of. I think they are interesting and will visit if we happen to be in an area anyway, but we’ve never made one our primary destination.
It's a gem of a lighthouse Amy, I would definitely make that trip to see it 💙
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