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