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Farewell Spit Lighthouse
New Zealand
The lighthouse is situated at the end of New Zealand's longest sand spit. It guides vessels entering Cook Strait from the west and south.
The lighthouse is constructed of open steel lattice to withstand abrasive sand and salt laden winds. Initially a wooden structure was built in 1870 but that was short-lived due to the harsh environment and was replaced in 1897 with the present structure.
The original oil burning lamp was converted to a 1000 watt electric lamp in 1954 and electricity was first supplied in 1966 but this was superseded by solar power in 2019.
The original optic made by Chance Brothers of Smethwick near Birmingham was replaced in 1999 with a modern rotating 50 watt tungsten halogen bulb. The original apparatus can be viewed in a hut at the base of the tower.
From 1984 the light became unmanned and is now remotely monitored from Maritime New Zealand's Wellington office.
The keepers houses are now used by the Department of Conservation and tour groups.
| Manufacture Date | 1869 |
|---|---|
| Lighthouse Construction | 1870 |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Commissioning Body | Maritime New Zealand. |
| Lens Order | 2nd order |
| Lens Type | Revolving |
| Status | publish |
| Light Character | White light with red sectors flashing once every 15 seconds. |
| Lighthouse Markings | 89 metre tall steel lattice frame with stairway running through the centre up to a floor then balcony and lantern. The steel lattice is grey and the centre floor and lantern are orange. |
| Lighthouse Parts | None |
| Management Body Ports Authority | Maritime New Zealand |
| Preserver | Maritime New Zealand. |
| Coastal Erosion Vulnerability | |
| Condition Observations | The lighthouse appears in good condition. |
| Open Status (Site) | Open |
| Open Status (Tower) | Closed |
| Coordinates | -40.5461134429,173.0094069941 |
| Other | The site is closed to casual visitors as the area is a wildlife sanctuary run by the Department of Conservation. However, the spit can be visited on organised tours. ARLHS NZL-022; Admiralty K4182; NGA 4920. |