NEW ZEALAND LIGHTHOUSES

Cape Saunders (1880)

Cape Saunders on the Otago Peninsula, was named by Captain James Cook after Sir Charles Saunders, the First Lord of the Admiralty, the commander of the fleet which captured Quebec in 1759.

In 1862 a lighthouse was planned for the Otago Harbour at Cape Saunders by the Otago Provincial Council, but a lack of funds halted the project even after the lantern had been ordered. The lantern arrived in 1863 with the newly appointed Provincial Marine Engineer from Scotland, James Balfour. He also arrived with the lantern for the Taiaroa Head lighthouse. Balfour would be appointed Colonial Marine Engineer in 1866.

In 1865 a temporary beacon was erected on the Cape but was totally inadequate for the job as ships often steamed pass the harbour entrance not having seen the beacon.

In 1875, the Marine Department led by John Blackett and Captain Johnson, decided to build a new light at nearby Matakitaki Point which had easier access and was not so exposed to fog. This wooden tower was constructed in 1878 and the lantern that had arrived in 1863 was first lit on 1 January, 1880. The first Head Keeper was James Nelson, who was transferred from The Brothers lighthouse.

The wooden tower was replaced in 1954 by a steel latticework tower and a new mains powered electric beacon. This tower didn't however last and was replaced again in 1967 due to salt water corrosion.

The light was fully automated in April 1980.

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Situated on the Otago Peninsula. Currently a restricted area.