Name and Location

The Farewell Spit Lighthouse is located at F235+HQ, Farewell Spit, Tasman Region, New Zealand (-40.5460979° S, 173.009405° E).

2. Construction and History

Construction on the lighthouse began in 1877, with the official opening taking place on March 4, 1879. The tower was designed by George Troup and stands at an impressive 30 meters (100 feet) tall, with a focal height of 37 meters (121 feet). Initially, the lighthouse was intended to mark the entrance to Tasman Bay and serve as a beacon for ships navigating the treacherous coastline.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Farewell Spit Lighthouse is a striking example of Victorian-era architecture. Its tower is constructed from local limestone and features a distinctive red-and-white striped pattern, with four floors of accommodation for the lighthouse keepers and their families. The lantern room, situated at the very top of the tower, houses a first-order Fresnel lens, which was installed in 1881.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's light is characterized by a unique sequence: Fl (0.1 + 14.9) s, with four sectors:

• Sector Start: 297°
• Sector End: 336.8°
• Sector Start: 117°
• Sector End: 89.5°

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can explore the lighthouse, which is now managed by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Open hours vary depending on the season, but guided tours are available upon request. The surrounding area offers stunning coastal views and opportunities to spot marine wildlife, including seals, penguins, and dolphins.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From the lighthouse's vantage point, visitors can take in breathtaking views of Tasman Bay, with the distant peaks of the Kahurangi National Park visible on a clear day. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and dense native forests.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in the early 1990s, marking the end of an era for the dedicated keepers who once tended to it. Today, the Farewell Spit Lighthouse remains an important aid to navigation, with its light still functioning as a vital beacon for mariners.

9. Further Information

For further reading, consult the relevant Wikipedia link or explore online archives for more information on this remarkable lighthouse.