kids encyclopedia robot

Tuhawaiki Point Lighthouse facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Tuhawaiki Point Lighthouse
Jack's Point Lighthouse
Light house at Jack's Point, Timaru, NZ (approx. 1904).jpg
Tuhawaiki Point light house at Jack's Point, Timaru, NZ, approx. 1904
Tuhawaiki Point LighthouseJack's Point Lighthouse is located in New Zealand
Tuhawaiki Point LighthouseJack's Point Lighthouse
Tuhawaiki Point Lighthouse
Jack's Point Lighthouse
Location in New Zealand
Location Jack's Point
Timaru
New Zealand
Coordinates 44°26′34.8″S 171°15′38.0″E / 44.443000°S 171.260556°E / -44.443000; 171.260556
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.

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.

kids search engine
Tuhawaiki Point Lighthouse Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.