Cape Campbell Lighthouse facts for kids
 |
|
 Cape Campbell Lighthouse
Location in New Zealand
|
|
| Location | Cape Campbell South Island New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°43′39.37″S 174°16′31.30″E / 41.7276028°S 174.2753611°E |
| Year first constructed | 1870 (first) |
| Year first lit | 1905 (current) |
| Automated | 1986 |
| Construction | cast iron tower |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white and black horizontal bands tower |
| Height | 22 metres (72 ft) |
| Focal height | 47 metres (154 ft) |
| Range | 19 nautical miles (35 km; 22 mi) |
| Characteristic | FL (1) W 15s. |
| Admiralty number | K4274 |
| NGA number | 5188 |
| ARLHS number | NZL-006 |
| New Zealand number | |
The Cape Campbell Lighthouse is a tall, guiding light located at Cape Campbell in the Marlborough area of New Zealand's South Island. This important structure helps ships navigate safely along the coast. It is looked after by Maritime New Zealand, an organization that manages sea safety.
Contents
The Story of Cape Campbell Lighthouse
The very first lighthouse at this spot began shining on August 1, 1870. It was made from wood. However, after some years, the wooden parts started to rot. This meant a new, stronger lighthouse was needed.
Building a New Beacon
Because the old wooden lighthouse was decaying, a new one was built. This time, it was made from strong cast iron. The new iron tower started working in October 1905. This is the lighthouse you see standing there today!
How the Light Has Changed
When the lighthouse first started, its light was powered by oil. Imagine a giant oil lamp! In 1938, this oil lamp was replaced with an electric light. This new electric light got its power from a special diesel generator right there at the lighthouse.
Later, in the 1960s, the lighthouse was connected to the main electricity grid. This meant it got power from the same network that supplies homes and businesses.
Lighthouse Automation
In 1986, the Cape Campbell Lighthouse became fully automated. This means it no longer needs people to live there and operate it all the time. Instead, it is managed remotely from a control room located far away in Wellington.
Cape Campbell Lighthouse on Screen
This famous lighthouse even appeared in a movie! It was featured in the 2016 film The Light Between Oceans.
