East Cape Lighthouse facts for kids
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 East Cape Lighthouse
Location in New Zealand
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| Location | Otiki Hill, East Cape North Island New Zealand |
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| Coordinates | 37°41′20.2″S 178°32′53.3″E / 37.688944°S 178.548139°E |
| Year first constructed | 1900 |
| Year first lit | 1900 |
| Automated | 1985 |
| Construction | cast iron tower |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, black lantern roof |
| Height | 15 metres (49 ft) |
| Focal height | 154 metres (505 ft) |
| Range | 35 kilometres (22 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 10s. |
| Admiralty number | K3932 |
| NGA number | 4436 |
| ARLHS number | NZL-020 |
The East Cape Lighthouse is a famous lighthouse located on Otiki Hill. This spot is right at East Cape, the easternmost point of New Zealand's North Island. It helps guide ships safely along the coast. This important lighthouse is looked after by Maritime New Zealand.
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About the East Cape Lighthouse
The East Cape Lighthouse is a tall, white tower with a black roof. It stands 15 meters (about 49 feet) high. The light itself is 154 meters (about 505 feet) above sea level. This makes it very visible to ships. Its powerful light can be seen from as far as 35 kilometers (about 22 miles) away.
Built for Safety
The lighthouse was first built in the year 1900. It was designed to warn ships about the coastline. It also helped them find their way in the dark. The lighthouse is made from strong cast iron. It has a round shape with a balcony near the top.
A Lighthouse on the Move
Did you know the East Cape Lighthouse wasn't always in its current spot? It was first built on a small island nearby. This island is called East Island.
Why the Move Happened
Building the lighthouse on East Island was very difficult. It was hard to get to the island safely. Sadly, four men lost their lives during the building process when their boat flipped over. The island also had problems with earthquakes. These earthquakes caused dangerous landslides. Because of these dangers, a decision was made in 1920 to move the lighthouse.
Relocating the Light
In April 1922, the light on East Island was turned off. The entire lighthouse was then carefully moved to its current location on the mainland. By December of the same year, the light was shining again from Otiki Hill. This new spot was much safer and easier to reach.
How the Lighthouse Works Today
When the lighthouse first started, three people called lighthouse keepers lived and worked there. They made sure the light was always working. Over time, fewer people were needed.
Becoming Automated
In 1985, the East Cape Lighthouse became fully automated. This means it now works by itself using computers. No one needs to live there anymore. The lighthouse is controlled from the Maritime New Zealand office in Wellington. This shows how technology has changed how lighthouses operate.
Visiting the Lighthouse
While you can walk to the area around the lighthouse, the lighthouse tower itself is not open to visitors. However, the views from Otiki Hill are amazing. It's a great place to see the easternmost part of New Zealand.
