Baring Head Lighthouse facts for kids
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 Baring Head Lighthouse
Location in New Zealand
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| Location | Baring Head, North Island New Zealand |
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| Coordinates | 41°24′29″S 174°52′16″E / 41.40806°S 174.87111°E |
| Year first constructed | 1935 |
| Year first lit | June 1935 |
| Automated | 1989 |
| Construction | concrete tower |
| Tower shape | octagonal tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower and lantern, greenish lantern dome |
| Height | 12.2 metres (40 ft) |
| Focal height | 87 metres (285 ft) |
| Range | 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi) |
| Characteristic | Oc W 15s |
| Admiralty number | K4004 |
| NGA number | 4584 |
| ARLHS number | NZL-002 |
The Baring Head Lighthouse is a tall, concrete tower that helps guide ships safely. It stands proudly at Baring Head in the Wellington Region of the North Island of New Zealand. This important lighthouse uses a modern LED light, powered by electricity, to shine its beam across the sea.
The lighthouse is looked after by Maritime New Zealand, which is the main group responsible for sea safety in New Zealand. You can visit the lighthouse by walking along special tracks in the southern part of the East Harbour Regional Park, near Wainuiomata.
About Baring Head Lighthouse
The Baring Head Lighthouse is 12.2 m tall (40 ft). Even though the tower itself isn't super tall, it sits on a high hilltop. This high spot means its light shines from 87 m (285 ft) above sea level. This measurement is called its "focal height." The light from the lighthouse can be seen from as far as 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi) away.
Why Was It Built?
The lighthouse was built to be a very important guide for ships. It helps vessels find their way into Wellington Harbour. It also acts as a coastal light, guiding ships through the busy Cook Strait.
Lighthouse History
The Baring Head Lighthouse first shone its light on 18 June 1935. It took over the job from an older lighthouse at Pencarrow Head, which was then closed down later that year.
When it first started, the lighthouse used a diesel generator to power its light. But in 1950, it was connected to the main electricity supply. This made it easier to power the bright 1000 W light.
In 1989, the lighthouse became "automated." This means machines took over the tasks that people used to do. Because of this, the lighthouse no longer needed a human keeper, so it was "demanned."
A big upgrade happened in February 2005. The old lens was replaced with a new, flashing LED beacon. This modern LED light can be seen from up to 18 kilometres (10 nmi; 11 mi) away, making it even more effective for guiding ships.
