NEW ZEALAND LIGHTHOUSES

 

 

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Cape Reinga (1941)

 

 

   

 

Built in 1941, Cape Reinga was the last watched lighthouse built. Using the lantern from nearby Motuopao Island lighthouse which had been decommissioned, the light was powered by diesel generated electricity. 

The light was automated in 1987 and is monitored from Wellington.

New Zealand's most visited lighthouse with tourists and tour busses a daily occurrence. In Spirits Bay, below the lighthouse, Maori legend says that the spirits of the recently deceased climb down the twisted branches of the Pohutukawa trees and depart to the homeland of the original Maori.

 

DIRECTIONS:

New Zealand's most well known lighthouse can be reached by driving north on highway 1 from Kaitaia  116 km (about 2 hours) until you reach the end of the road at the end of the country.

 

Island North
Province Northland
Location Northland
Number K3688
Date Commissioned May, 1941
Date Decommissioned
Automated 1987
Latitude 34° 26' South
Longitude 172° 41' East
Elevation Above Sea Level 165m
Height 10m
Character Flashes white once every 12 seconds
Range 26 N. miles (49 km)   (19 N. miles)
Made On site
Construction Concrete
Converted Kerosene To Diesel Originally diesel generated electricity
Converted Diesel To Mains Electricity Still using diesel generated electricity
Wattage 1000w
Present Tower Original
Authority Owed and operated by Maritime Safety Authority
Date Visited 6 February, 2000
 

 

Head Keeper From To

 

     
     
     

 

Assistant Keeper (1st) From To

 

     
     
     

 

 

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Text and photographs. Copyright © 1999-2005 Mark Phillips. All rights reserved.