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