Puysegur Point facts for kids
Puysegur Point is a special place located at the very southwest tip of the South Island in New Zealand. It's part of the beautiful Fiordland National Park. This point sits at the southern entrance of Preservation Inlet. It is about 145 kilometers (90 miles) west-northwest of Invercargill.
For many years, Puysegur Point was home to a lighthouse that helped ships navigate safely. Today, the lighthouse is automated, meaning it works by itself without people living there all the time.
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History of the Lighthouse
The first lighthouse at Puysegur Point was made of wood. Sadly, it was burned down in 1943. A man, who believed the light was bothering him, held the lighthouse keepers hostage with a rifle. He then destroyed their radio and set the lighthouse on fire.
After this, a new lighthouse made of concrete was built. This concrete lighthouse has also been replaced. Now, there are two smaller, automated beacons that guide ships.
How Puysegur Point Got Its Name
The name 'Puysegur' was given by French explorers. It was named by either Lieutenant Jules Dumont d'Urville or Midshipman Jules de Blosseville. They were on a South Pacific trip aboard the French ship La Coquille. The name likely honors a French naval officer named Antoine-Hyacinthe-Anne de Chastenet de Puységur.
Geological Changes and Wildlife
Puysegur Point is an active area for geological changes. On July 15, 2009, a large earthquake happened nearby. This powerful earthquake actually pushed Puysegur Point about 30 centimeters (12 inches) closer to Australia.
The waters around Puysegur Point are also important for wildlife. Humpback whales swim past the point every year during their long migrations. They travel through these waters as part of their natural journey.
See also
In Spanish: Punta Puysegur para niños
