Lawyers Head facts for kids
Lawyers Head is a well-known rocky point on the coast of Otago, New Zealand. It's located in the city of Dunedin. This headland sticks out into the Pacific Ocean at the eastern end of the city's main beach, Saint Kilda Beach. It got its name because the cliff face looks like the side view of a lawyer wearing a traditional wig.
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What is Lawyers Head?
Lawyers Head is a piece of land that reaches out into the sea. It is about 34 meters (112 feet) high. A road called John Wilson Ocean Drive connects it to the city. This road runs right next to the beach. From Lawyers Head, you can see across Dunedin's southern suburbs. You can also see along the Otago coast for more than 80 kilometers (50 miles) to the southwest. On a clear day, you might even spot Nugget Point in The Catlins. At night, you can sometimes see the lighthouse beam from Nugget Point. To the east, you'll find the suburb of Ocean Grove and Tomahawk Lagoon below the headland.
Road Access and Safety
The John Wilson Ocean Drive was closed for a while starting in August 2006. This was to allow for construction work on a wastewater treatment plant. Access to Lawyers Head was briefly opened again in October 2009. However, it was closed again very soon after due to public safety concerns.
How Lawyers Head Was Formed
Lawyers Head is one of several rocky points along the Otago coast. It's special because it's close to the city and has a unique shape. Other nearby headlands include Maori Head, which is taller at 75 meters (246 feet) and about one kilometer (0.6 miles) to the east. There are also cliffs along Forbury Hill, three kilometers (1.9 miles) to the west. Further along, you'll find the natural arch of Tunnel Beach, and Blackhead, two kilometers (1.2 miles) southwest of Tunnel Beach.
These rocky areas are made of basalt. They were all created when the Dunedin Volcano erupted. This happened about 12 to 15 million years ago. This volcano is now extinct, meaning it won't erupt again. Its crater now forms Otago Harbour. The hills that surround Dunedin and form the ridge of the Otago Peninsula are actually the rim of this ancient volcano.
Lawyers Head and Golf
Lawyers Head is an important part of the Chisholm Park Golf Links. The city of Dunedin built this golf course in 1933. The Links has hosted many important golf events. These include the New Zealand amateur championship and the New Zealand Masters teams event. It has also hosted many Australasian Tour events and Pro-ams.
The golf course has several holes that are considered among the best in Otago. One of these is the ninth hole, which is also called "Lawyers Head." Many people think this is one of the best golf holes in New Zealand. This hole follows the curve of the cliffs. This means that if you hit the ball directly from the tee to the cup, it would fly over the ocean below!
Lawyers Head is also located very close to Anderson's Bay Cemetery. This cemetery is just inland from the headland.
