Cape Egmont (1881)
Cape Egmont was named by Captain Cook after the First Lord of the Admiralty during that time, the Earl of Egmont.
The lighthouse was originally erected on Mana Island, north of Wellington but was often confused with the Pencarrow Head light so in 1877 the tower and lantern were shipped by the Government steamer Hinemoa to Cape Egmont. Originally costing £5513 to install on Mana Island, it cost an additional £3353 to have it installed on the cape. The tower is the twin to the tower at Tiritiri and was design by McLean and Stilman, civil engineers of Great George Street, London
Due to the Taranaki wars (a land ownership dispute between the European settlers and the native New Zealander's, the Maori), troops were stationed at the lighthouse during construction and for several months afterwards. After the land dispute, the surrounding area was settled by mainly Pakeha dairy farmers and the lighthouse became one of the least isolated stations.
In the late 1950's the light was connected to mains electricity and when the current keeper retired he was not replaced due to staff shortages. A neighbouring farmer was enlisted to check the operation of the light on a daily basis. Unfortunately on 14 July, 1956 during a storm the light was extinguished through a power failure and the vessel Calm run aground. A Marine court of inquiry found the Maine Department negligible and compensated the owners of the vessel £50,000, and ordered a keeper reinstated.
The light was automated in 1986.
DIRECTIONS:
From New Plymouth take the "Surf Highway" Hwy 45 south west to about 45km to Pungarehu. Just south of town, turn right on Cape Road. Drive 5km to the lighthouse which is at the end of the road.
| Island | North |
| Province | Taranaki |
| Location | Taranaki |
| Number | K4088 |
| Date Commissioned | 1 August, 1881 (tower built 1864) |
| Date Decommissioned | |
| Automated | 1986 |
| Latitude | 39° 17' South |
| Longitude | 173° 45' East |
| Elevation Above Sea Level | 33m |
| Height | 20.4m |
| Character | White flash 3 times every 30 seconds |
| Range | 22 N. miles (41km) |
| Made | Simpson & Co, Pimlico, London, England |
| Construction | Cast iron sections |
| Converted Kerosene To Diesel | 1951 |
| Converted Diesel To Mains Electricity | Late 1950's |
| Wattage | |
| Present Tower | Original |
| Authority | Owned and operated by Maritime Safety Authority |
| Date Visited | 16 February, 2000 |
| Head Keeper | From | To |
| Mac Cranston | ||
| Assistant Keeper (1st) | From | To |
Text and photographs. Copyright © 1999-2005 Mark Phillips. All rights reserved.