Rangitoto (1905)
Rangitoto was first built in 1882, but because of disagreements between the Auckland Harbour Board and the Marine Department, the light was not lit until 1905.
The lighthouses was first illuminated by a gas light supplied by the Railways Department, in 1925 the light was replaced with an incandescent lamp. This in turn was replaced in 1926 with a acetone acetylene light. In 1929 a underwater cable was installed and the light was electrified. After a cable fault in 1982 the lighthouse is now powered by solar power.
The concrete tower was the first lighthouse to be built using Wilson's Portland cement.
DIRECTIONS:
Fullers have tours to the island. It's a 30 minute ferry ride from Auckland. Take the 4 wheel drive tour of island to summit which includes good views of harbour and lighthouse, the driver will stop close to the lighthouse for photos on way back.
Alternately, hike 2 hours to the light but there is no water or food on the island and it is always hot, dry and dusty.
Fullers has 3 trips per day in summer and the ferry passes close to Bean Rock Lighthouse on the way back.
Fullers http://www.fullers.co.nz
See reference page for more details.
| Island | North |
| Province | Auckland |
| Location | Hauraki Gulf, Rongitoto Channel |
| Number | K3744 |
| Date Commissioned | 1905 |
| Date Decommissioned | |
| Automated | |
| Latitude | 36° 47' South |
| Longitude | 174° 49' East |
| Elevation Above Sea Level | 21m |
| Height | 21m |
| Character | Flashes red every 12 seconds |
| Range | 7 N. miles |
| Made | |
| Construction | Red concrete tower with white bands |
| Converted Kerosene To Diesel | |
| Converted Diesel To Mains Electricity | 1929 |
| Wattage | |
| Present Tower | Original |
| Authority | |
| Date Visited | 3 February, 2000 |
| Head Keeper | From | To |
| Assistant Keeper (1st) | From | To |
Text and photographs. Copyright © 1999-2005 Mark Phillips. All rights reserved.