Boulder Bank Lighthouse

The Boulder Bank Lighthouse was constructed in 1862 and served as New Zealand's second permanent lighthouse.

History

• The octagonal cast-iron tower, manufactured by Stothert & Pitt of Bath, England, was erected on the natural breakwater near the Port Nelson end of the Boulder Bank.
• The lighthouse was initially lit to aid navigation in the challenging harbour entrance.

Architecture

The Boulder Bank Lighthouse features an octagonal cast-iron tower with five levels.

• It stands at a height of 22 metres above sea level, and its focal height is 33 metres.
• The lighthouse has two main lights: one red light with a period of 12 seconds, visible from a range of 17 nautical miles; and one white light also with a period of 12 seconds, visible from a range of 20 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

The Boulder Bank Lighthouse emits a distinctive Fl (first order) signal, which can be seen from the specified ranges.

• Red light: 22 metres above sea level, period of 12 seconds, visible from 17 nautical miles
• White light: 22 metres above sea level, period of 12 seconds, visible from 20 nautical miles

Current Status

The Boulder Bank Lighthouse is no longer an active aid to navigation.

It was decommissioned in 1982 and has since been preserved as a historic landmark.

Location and Accessibility

The lighthouse is located at the Boulder Bank Walk, near Port Nelson, New Zealand.

Visitors can access the site by walking along the Boulder Bank Walkway, which offers stunning views of the harbour entrance and surrounding landscape.

Heritage Status

The Boulder Bank Lighthouse is registered with Heritage New Zealand as a category I structure, with registration number 41.

This designation acknowledges its historical significance and importance to New Zealand's maritime heritage.

Notable Historical Events

The Boulder Bank Lighthouse played an important role in the early history of navigation in New Zealand's harbour entrance.

Its construction and operation helped to reduce the risk of shipwrecks and improve safety for mariners.

Today, the lighthouse remains a popular tourist destination and a testament to the country's rich maritime heritage.