Waipapa (1884)
Postcard (date unknown) courtesy John Elsbury http://www.nzpostcard.co.nz/
Waipapa Point lighthouse, ca 1950s
Reference Number: 1/4-018157
Photographer unidentified. http://mp.natlib.govt.nz/detail/?id=37740&l=en
The scene of New Zealand's worst ship wreck, the Waipapa Reef claimed 131 lives when the S S Tararua run aground in the early hours of April 29th 1881. After nine hours of pounding by heavy surf the steamer broke up and sunk leaving only 20 survivors. 65 of those lost were buried at the Tararua Acre near the present day lighthouse. The remaining were buried at Fortrose Cemetery.
To prevent further tragedies a lighthouse was erected and on 1 January 1884 the light was lit by the first keeper Arthur Ericson.
Originally a 2 keeper light station.
This would be the last wooden lighthouse built.
As the lighthouse was situated near the town of Fortrose, the lighthouse families attended church, bought their supplies and their children were able to attend school in the town.
In 1903, a 25 year veteran of the lighthouse service took his on life at the lighthouse.
1911-12, an incandescent light was installed. Porches added to the lighthouse keepers houses.
On 25 June, 1943 the lighthouse was the first lighthouse to be connected to the the national electricity grid. Reduced to 1 keeper.
But due to salt spray, lines buries underground 1959.
Road built 1949.
1965 new relieving keepers house built.
The lighthouse was automated in 1976 and the keepers houses and out buildings were demolished
In 1988, a solar powered filament lamp was installed.
In December, 2008, an LED beacon powered by batteries charged by solar panels was installed on the balcony of the lantern room. Also during 2008 a major restoration project was undertaken on the lighthouse.
DIRECTIONS:
A good way to see both Nugget Point and Waipapa Point lighthouses is to follow the "Southern Scenic Route" and "Heritage Trails" from Balclutha to Invercargill through the Catlins area..
From the town of Otara, Waipapa Point lighthouse can be reached by following Waipapa Lighthouse Road for about 5km. The road is sealed/gravel.
| Island | South |
| Province | Southland |
| Location | Catlins |
| Number | K4384 |
| Date Commissioned | January 1884 |
| Date Decommissioned | |
| Automated | September 1976 (1975 Maritime NZ) |
| Latitude | 46° 40' South |
| Longitude | 168° 51' East |
| Elevation Above Sea Level | 21m |
| Height | 13m |
| Character | White light flashes five times every 20 seconds. LED Beacon. |
| Range | 9 N. miles (11 km) |
| Made | Lantern made in England |
| Construction | White wooden tower |
| Converted Kerosene To Diesel | |
| Converted Diesel To Mains Electricity | Converted to solar power 1988 |
| Wattage | |
| Present Tower | Original |
| Authority | Owned and operated by Maritime Safety Authority |
| Date Visited | 5 January, 2000 |
| Head Keeper | From | To |
| Arthur Ericson | 1 January 1884 | |
| George Gwynne | ||
| Assistant Keeper (1st) | From | To |
Additional Sources:
a.
b.
Text and photographs. Copyright © 1999-2010 Mark Phillips. All rights reserved.
If anyone has any information on this light please contact me. thekiwimark@msn.com
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