Cape Foulwind Lighthouse facts for kids
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 Cape Foulwind Lighthouse
Location in New Zealand
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| Location | Cape Foulwind, New Zealand |
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| Coordinates | 41°45′S 171°28′E / 41.750°S 171.467°E |
| Year first lit | 1876 |
| Automated | 1926 |
| Construction | Concrete tower |
| Height | 9 metres (30 ft) |
| Focal height | 70 metres (230 ft) |
| Range | 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi) |
| Characteristic | Flashes white once every 12 seconds |
| Admiralty number | K4486 |
The Cape Foulwind Lighthouse is a lighthouse found at Cape Foulwind, about 11 kilometers (7 miles) west of Westport. This town is on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The lighthouse stands 70 meters (230 feet) above the Tasman Sea. It helps guide ships safely along the Buller coast. It is also one of the easiest lighthouses to visit in New Zealand. The light flashes white every 12 seconds and can be seen from up to 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers) away. This lighthouse is recognized as a special heritage site.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
Why a Lighthouse Was Needed
During the time of the West Coast Gold Rush, many ships came to the area. People realized a lighthouse was needed to keep these ships safe. However, it took some time to build it. The light was first turned on much later, on September 1, 1876.
The Original and New Towers
The first lighthouse tower was shaped like a hexagon. It was built from a type of wood called rimu. Over time, the wood started to rot. So, in 1926, a new tower was built. This new tower was made of strong concrete. The light in the new tower was also made automatic. This means it could work by itself without someone always being there.
How the Lighthouse is Run Today
Today, the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse is controlled from far away. It is managed by Maritime New Zealand from their office in Wellington. If you visit, you can still see parts of the old tower's foundations. You might also spot where the lighthouse keeper's houses used to be.
Visiting the Lighthouse
Getting There
The lighthouse is about an 11-kilometer (7-mile) drive west from Westport. Once you arrive, it's a short ten-minute walk from the northern end of the Cape Foulwind walkway.
The Walkway and Views
There is a circular walkway that goes right past the lighthouse. This path continues to a colony of New Zealand Fur Seals at Tauranga Bay. From the walkway, you can enjoy amazing views back towards the lighthouse. Please note that you cannot go inside the lighthouse building itself.
How the Light Works
Managing the Light
The Cape Foulwind Lighthouse is looked after by Maritime New Zealand. It has a special international number, K4486, and another identifier, 111–5600.
Light Source and Range
The light is 70 meters (230 feet) above the sea. This high position allows it to be seen from 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers) away. The light flashes white every twelve seconds. It used to have an old type of lens called a Fresnel optic. Now, it uses a modern LED system. This LED light is attached to the railing around the top of the lighthouse.
Images for kids
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An information sign on the walkway.
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The lighthouse at sunset.
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The lighthouse sometime between 1879 and 1929.
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