NEW ZEALAND LIGHTHOUSES

 

 

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Centre Island (1878)

Photo courtesy of MSA.

 

 

Marking the western approach to Foveaux Strait between the South Island and Stewart Island, Centre Island Lighthouse was first lit on 16 September, 1878.

Originally a three keeper station, it was reduced to two keepers in 1955 when the light was converted to diesel-generated electricity. By 1977 there was only one keeper at the light.

As a way of supplementing there food supply early keepers often took fishing trips from the island. In 1943 unfortunately two keepers drowned on one of these fishing trips.

As the island is surrounded by dangerous rocks, a red sector shines over the area to be avoided.

The light was one of the last to automated in 1987.

 

DIRECTIONS:

Inaccessible to the public.

The lighthouse is however observable from the mainland.

From Invercargill drive west on Hwy 99, past Riverton to Colac Bay. Better views are from Wakaputa Beach just off Hwy 99.

 

Island South
Province Southland
Location Foveaux Strait
Number K4438
Date Commissioned 16 September, 1878
Date Decommissioned
Automated 1987 Maritime Safety Authority, 1990 Leading Lights
Latitude 46 28' South
Longitude 167 51' East
Elevation Above Sea Level 81m
Height 12m
Character White light flashes every 15 seconds
Range White 19 N. miles (35 km), Red 15 N. miles (28 km)
Made Built on site
Construction White wooden tower (Kauri) New Zealand timber
Converted Kerosene To Diesel 1955
Converted Diesel To Mains Electricity 1990 (Solar Powered)
Wattage
Present Tower Original
Authority
Date Visited 5 January, 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.