Godley Head Lighthouse

The Godley Head Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on Awaroa-Godley Head Loop Track in New Zealand.

History

• The Godley Head Lighthouse was constructed in 1895 by the Lyttelton Harbour Board, with the primary purpose of guiding mariners into Lyttelton Harbour.
• The lighthouse has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years, including a major reconstruction in 1968.

Architecture

The Godley Head Lighthouse is a 127-meter-tall (417 ft) tower, with a focal height of approximately 150 meters (492 ft).

The lighthouse features a distinctive octagonal shape and is constructed from limestone.

The light source is a first-order Fresnel lens, which emits a white beam with a range of 17 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

The Godley Head Lighthouse emits a distinctive LFl (Lateral Flashing) pattern, with a period of 26 seconds.

The lighthouse is reportedly visible from a distance of several kilometers on clear days.

Current Status

The Godley Head Lighthouse is currently disused and no longer operational.

However, it remains an important part of New Zealand's maritime heritage.

Location and Accessibility

The Godley Head Lighthouse is situated on Awaroa-Godley Head Loop Track, approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) south of Lyttelton Harbour.

The track is accessible by car or on foot, with several parking areas available along the route.

Heritage Status

The Godley Head Lighthouse has been listed as a Category I heritage site under New Zealand's Historic Places Act 1993.

This designation recognizes the lighthouse's significant cultural and historical importance.

Notable Historical Events

• In 2010, the Lyttelton Harbour Board published a new nautical chart (US NGA Pub. 111) which included the Godley Head Lighthouse.
• The lighthouse has also been featured in several media outlets, including Stuff.co.nz, which reported on its restoration and preservation efforts.