Castlepoint Lighthouse

The Castlepoint Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the Wairarapa coast of New Zealand's Wellington Region.

History

• The lighthouse was built to serve as a navigational aid for mariners approaching the reef near Castle Rock. The construction year and history of the lighthouse are not explicitly stated in available data, but it is believed to have been constructed during the 19th century.

Architecture

The lighthouse stands at a height of 52 meters (170 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of approximately 60 meters (197 feet). The tower is made of stone and features a distinctive architectural style. Unfortunately, no specific details about the architect or construction materials are available.

Light Characteristics

• The Castlepoint Lighthouse emits two distinct light patterns: Fl (first order) at a range of 10 nautical miles and Fl (second order) at a range of 19 nautical miles. The light is reportedly visible from a distance of approximately 30 nautical miles during the day, with an effective range of 60 nautical miles at night.

Current Status

The lighthouse is currently active and operated by Maritime New Zealand. It has been automated since its construction, allowing for remote monitoring and maintenance.

Location and Accessibility

The Castlepoint Lighthouse is located on the northern end of a reef near Castle Rock, approximately one hour's drive from Masterton. The address for the lighthouse is Castlepoint Lighthouse Track. Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the nearby parking area.

Heritage Status

Unfortunately, no specific information about the heritage status of the Castlepoint Lighthouse is available.

Notable Historical Events

• The lighthouse has played an important role in maritime history, serving as a navigational aid for mariners approaching the reef near Castle Rock. The area surrounding the lighthouse is also home to several notable landmarks, including Castle Rock and Mataikona Sand Dunes.