Boulder Bank Lighthouse facts for kids
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The Boulder Bank Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse in Nelson, New Zealand. It is located near the Port Nelson end of the Boulder Bank. This lighthouse was the second permanent lighthouse ever built in New Zealand.
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About the Boulder Bank Lighthouse
This special lighthouse was built in the 1800s. It is no longer used to guide ships. It stands on the Boulder Bank, which is a natural wall of rocks. This bank helps protect Nelson Harbour.
Why Was It Built?
Before the lighthouse was built, the entrance to Nelson Harbour was tricky. Ships faced a four-metre difference between high and low tide. The channel was also narrow and curved. This made it hard for ship captains to navigate safely. The lighthouse was needed to make the harbour safer for ships.
How Was It Made?
The Boulder Bank Lighthouse was made in England. It was built in sections by a company called Stothert & Pitt. They were engineers from Bath, England. The lighthouse is made of cast-iron and has eight sides.
It cost about £2,824 in 1859. This amount would be worth a lot more money today. The lighthouse parts were then shipped all the way to New Zealand. They arrived on a ship called the Glenshee. The lighthouse was put together and finished in 1862.
Its History and Importance
The lighthouse started shining its light in 1862. It kept working for 120 years. It was finally turned off in 1982.
Today, the lighthouse is a protected building. It is listed with Heritage New Zealand. This means it is an important historical structure. Its special registration number is 41.
In October 2018, the lighthouse got a fresh coat of white paint. It is a popular spot for tourists to visit. It stands alone now, but it wasn't always like that. When lighthouse keepers lived there, there were homes and other buildings around its base. There was even a radio mast.
