Cape Brett Lighthouse (1910)
All views from Fullers Cruise
Photo courtesy of MSA.
Cape Brett Lighthouse is situated at the entrance to the Bay of Islands and overlooks Piercy Island (Motukokako) better known as the "Hole in the Rock". Cape Brett was named by Captain Cook in 1769 in honour of a Lord of the Admiralty, Rear-Admiral Sir Piercy Brett.
The site of New Zealand's first shipwreck, in 1808 the crew of the Paramatta had contracted with the local Maoris to load the schooner with cargo, but the crew didn't keep their word and threw the Maoris from the ship without payment and even shot at them wounding three. As the ship left the area for Sydney, Australia they encountered heavy weather and were blown ashore. Those of the crew who did not drown were massacred by the Maoris.
First lit in 1910 the cast iron tower was constructed locally by a company in Thames, barged to a nearby beach then each section was winched up 149 metres and assembled on site. Cape Brett was also the first in New Zealand to float the rotating light on a bed of mercury. Previously lights had been supported by wheels. This enabled a heavier and brighter light could turn faster which meant more variation between the flashes at different stations.
Three identical houses were built for the three keepers and their families. Supplies for the keepers were delivered by launch every two weeks and hauled up a tramway to the houses. The keepers were also responsible for sending daily weather reports to the New Zealand Meteorological Service.
Originally a three keeper station, this was reduced to two in 1958 when the kerosene lamp was converted to diesel powered generators. In 1968, thirty one power poles were erected along the cape to connect the light to the national grid. Automation followed in 1978.
The light now shines from a 4 metre high fiberglass tower built in 1978 and is solar powered.
DIRECTIONS:
A tramping track begins at Oke Bay (Rawhiti), 26 km from Russell. The track is 20 km and takes about 8 hours. Accommodation is available in one of the original keepers houses and sleeps 12 people. DOC fees apply.
For information pick up Department Of Conservation's leaflet "Bay Of Island Walks".
Alternately take the Fullers Hole in the Rock cruise. This is what I did and was able to get good views of the light.
| Island | North |
| Province | Northland |
| Location | Bay of Islands |
| Number | K3709 |
| Date Commissioned | 21 February, 1910 |
| Date Decommissioned | Original tower replaced in 1978 |
| Automated | 6th October, 1978 |
| Latitude | 35° 10' South |
| Longitude | 174° 20' East |
| Elevation Above Sea Level | 149m |
| Height | 14m |
| Character | White light flashes every 30 seconds |
| Range | 29 N. miles (31 km) |
| Made | Judd Engineering Works, Thames, N.Z. |
| Construction | Cast Iron, contains 3000 1 inch bolts |
| Converted Kerosene To Diesel | 1958 |
| Converted Diesel To Mains Electricity | 1968 |
| Wattage | |
| Present Tower | Not in use |
| Authority | Owned and operated by Maritime Safety Authority |
| Date Visited | 8 February, 2000 |
| Head Keeper | From | To |
| Bob Welsh | ||
| Assistant Keeper (1st) | From | To |
Text and photographs. Copyright © 1999-2005 Mark Phillips. All rights reserved.