Tiritiri Light

The Tiritiri Light is a historic lighthouse located on Tiritiri Matangi Island, off the coast of New Zealand's Hauraki Gulf.

History

• The Tiritiri Light was constructed in 1889 and has been an important aid to navigation for mariners ever since. The light was built by the New Zealand Government and was designed to serve as a warning to ships approaching the island.

Architecture

The lighthouse stands at a height of 91 meters (299 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of 95 meters (312 feet). It is constructed from metal and features a distinctive tower shape. The light itself is a white beacon with a characteristic flashing pattern of Fl (first order).

Light Characteristics

• The Tiritiri Light has a range of 18 nautical miles (33 kilometers) and is visible from a distance of over 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). The light is operated by Maritime New Zealand and is currently automated.

Current Status

The Tiritiri Light is no longer an active aid to navigation, but it remains an important part of New Zealand's maritime heritage. It has been converted into a museum and is open to the public for guided tours.

Location and Accessibility

The Tiritiri Light is located on Tiritiri Matangi Island, which can be accessed by boat or kayak from the East Coast Track in Hibiscus and Bays, New Zealand. The island is also accessible by ferry from the nearby town of Rangitoto Island.

Heritage Status

The Tiritiri Light has been recognized as a significant cultural and historical landmark by Heritage New Zealand, with a heritage listing number of 5403.

Notable Historical Events

• The Tiritiri Light played an important role in the early maritime history of New Zealand, serving as a warning to ships approaching the island. The light was also used as a reference point for navigation during World War II, when it was used by Allied forces to guide their ships into the Hauraki Gulf.

References

Note: No references are available for this article.