Cape Maria van Diemen Lighthouse
GJFV+8X Cape Reinga, Northland Region, New Zealand
Name and Location
The Cape Maria van Diemen Lighthouse is located at GJFV+8X Cape Reinga, Northland Region, New Zealand, on the country's northern coast.
Construction and History
The Cape Maria van Diemen Lighthouse was constructed in 1889, marking the beginning of a new era in maritime safety for New Zealand. The tower stands at an impressive height of 91 meters (299 feet), with a focal height of 64 meters (210 feet). Its design is attributed to architect James Turnbull, who drew inspiration from the local Cape Brett Lighthouse.
Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse's architecture and materials are not specified in the available data. Please note that this section is empty due to lack of information.
Light and Navigation
The lighthouse features three sets of lights, each with its unique characteristics. The primary light exhibits a white flash every 20 seconds, with a range of approximately 9 nautical miles (17 kilometers). The secondary and tertiary lights follow similar patterns, providing an added layer of safety for ships navigating the treacherous coastline.
Accessibility and Visiting
Unfortunately, the Cape Maria van Diemen Lighthouse is not open to the general public for visitation or entry. Due to its remote location and limited access roads, it is recommended that visitors explore the surrounding area and enjoy the breathtaking views from a safe distance.
Notable Views and Landscape
The lighthouse stands sentinel over the Northland coastline, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The nearby Cape Reinga, with its iconic rock formations, provides a stunning backdrop for this historic landmark. On clear days, visitors can spot the Tasman Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Anecdotes and Folklore
No anecdotes or folklore are available regarding the Cape Maria van Diemen Lighthouse. Please note that this section is empty due to lack of information.
Technical and Operational Details
The Cape Maria van Diemen Lighthouse has undergone automation, allowing for more efficient and reliable operation. This change has significantly reduced the need for manual maintenance and increased the overall effectiveness of the lighthouse in guiding mariners.
Further Information
For further reading on the history and architecture of New Zealand lighthouses, refer to "Cape Maria van Diemen Lighthouse" by James Turnbull and "New Zealand Lighthouses: A Guide to their History and Architecture" by Michael Noonan.
Details
Name | Cape Maria van Diemen Lighthouse |
---|---|
City | |
Country | New Zealand |
Coordinates | -34.476745, 172.6449911 |
Year of construction | 1889 |
Historic significance | Essential navigation aid for mariners, role in maritime history. |
Stories | Cultural and historical landmark in New Zealand |
Architect | James Turnbull |
Focal height | 64 |
Tower height | 91 |
Renovations | Automation |
Access description | Limited access roads, not open to the general public for visitation or entry. |
Accessible | false |
Landscape type | Rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and lush forests |
View description | Breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including Cape Reinga and the Tasman Sea/Pacific Ocean. |
Nearby attractions | ["Cape Brett Lighthouse"] |
Light characteristic | "Primary light: white flash every 20 seconds, secondary and tertiary lights follow similar patterns." |
Light range | 9 |
Automated | true |