Cape Egmont Lighthouse
Taranaki
Cape Egmont Lighthouse is a prominent maritime beacon located on Cape Egmont in the Taranaki Region of New Zealand's North Island. Originally manufactured in 1864 by Simpson & Co. in London, the lighthouse was first erected on Mana Island near Porirua in 1865. Due to navigational confusion with the Pencarrow Head light near Wellington Harbour, the lighthouse was dismantled and relocated to its current site at Cape Egmont in 1877. It stands as a symbol of New Zealand's maritime history and coastal safety efforts. The lighthouse was automated in 1986, ending its era of manned operation, and it remains under the care of Maritime New Zealand. Visitors to the site can enjoy scenic coastal views and appreciate the lighthouse's historical significance as part of New Zealand's navigational heritage.
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Tip: The best time to visit Cape Egmont Lighthouse is during clear weather to fully enjoy the panoramic coastal views. As the site is outdoors and exposed, visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions. There are no admission fees, but checking local conditions and accessibility in advance is recommended. Since the lighthouse is automated and unmanned, guided tours are limited, so planning a self-guided visit is advisable.
Interesting facts
- •The lighthouse's original light was manufactured by Simpson & Co., Pimlico, London in 1864.
- •It was first erected on Mana Island in 1865 before being relocated to Cape Egmont in 1877 due to confusion with another lighthouse.
- •The lighthouse was demanned and fully automated in 1986, reflecting advances in maritime technology.
History
The Cape Egmont Lighthouse was originally manufactured in 1864 in London and first installed on Mana Island in 1865.
Due to confusion with another lighthouse at Pencarrow Head, it was dismantled and moved to Cape Egmont in 1877.
It served as a manned lighthouse until it was fully automated in 1986.
Since then, it has operated without a keeper and continues to be maintained by Maritime New Zealand.
Place Guide
Cape Egmont Lighthouse Tower1864
The main lighthouse structure originally built in 1864 and relocated in 1877, serving as an important maritime navigational aid on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island.