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NEW ZEALAND LIGHTHOUSES
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Cape Maria van Diemen/Motuopao Island (1879)
Photo courtesy of MSA.
Views from Te Werahi Beach
Views from Cape Reinga
Views From Te Warahi gate
Over 120 wrecks have occurred in the waters of Northland with a fair number of those in the waters surrounding Cape Reinga and Cape Maria van Diemen. In 1879 a lighthouse was built on Motuopao Island off Cape Maria van Dieman. As access was a problem and getting a boat across in rough seas difficult, a flying fox was installed in 1886 between the cape and the island. Unfortunately the lights beam was not visible from North Cape so an order was given in 1938 to install a light at Cape Reinga using the lens from Motuopao Island.
A battery powered beacon now stands on Cape Maria van Dieman.
DIRECTIONS: From the Cape Reinga car park, take the track down to Te Werahi beach, walk along the beach to the Cape Maria van Diemen turnoff (1 hr 45 min). The walk out to the cape is another 1 hr 30 min return trip.
* Present tower.
Text and photographs. Copyright © 1999-2005 Mark Phillips. All rights reserved. |