Tuhawaiki Point Lighthouse facts for kids
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Tuhawaiki Point light house at Jack's Point, Timaru, NZ, approx. 1904 | |
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Location | Jack's Point Timaru New Zealand |
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Coordinates | 44°26′34.8″S 171°15′38.0″E / 44.443000°S 171.260556°E |
Year first constructed | 1866 (first) |
Year first lit | 1903 (current) |
Automated | 1930 |
Construction | cast iron tower |
Tower shape | octagonal tower with balcony and lantern |
Markings / pattern | white tower and lantern |
Height | 9 metres (30 ft) |
Focal height | 29 metres (95 ft) above sea level |
Range | 9 nautical miles (17 km; 10 mi) |
Characteristic | Fl W 10s. |
Admiralty number | K4340 |
NGA number | 5344 |
ARLHS number | NZL-028 |
The Tuhawaiki Point Lighthouse, also known as Jack's Point Lighthouse, is an important building on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island. You can find it close to the city of Timaru. Lighthouses like this one help guide ships safely along the coast, especially at night or in bad weather.
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Where is the Tuhawaiki Point Lighthouse?
This lighthouse is located at a spot called Jack's Point. It's about 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Timaru. You can get there by driving on New Zealand State Highway 1, passing through a small place called Scarborough. Just about 40 meters (130 feet) behind the lighthouse, the South Island Main Trunk Railway tracks run past the building.
What's in a Name?
The area where the lighthouse stands is named after a very important Māori chief. His name was Hone (Jack) Tūhawaiki. He belonged to the Ngāi Tahu tribe, which is a major Māori iwi (tribe) in the South Island.
History of the Lighthouse
The Tuhawaiki Point Lighthouse has an interesting past. It was first built in 1866 using strong cast iron. For many years, until 1900, it stood on Somes Island in Wellington Harbour. It helped guide ships there.
Moving to Jack's Point
In 1903, the lighthouse was moved to its current home at Jack's Point. It was needed there because the old beacon (a simpler light) at Timaru harbour wasn't good enough anymore. The lighthouse was a big improvement for guiding ships near Timaru.
Automated Operation
Just one year after it was moved, in 1904, the lighthouse became "automated." This means it could work by itself without people needing to be there all the time. By 1930, it was fully operated without any staff. The Tuhawaiki Point Lighthouse is still working today, helping ships navigate the coast of New Zealand.