Stephens Island
Stephens Island has a focal height of 183 metres, a tower height of 15 metres and a range of 18 nautical miles. It was built in 1894.
- Focal height
- 183 metres
- Tower height
- 15 metres
- Range
- 18 nautical miles
- Built
- 1894
- First lit
- 1894
- Automated
- 1989
- Light characteristic
- Flashes white once every six seconds
- Status
- Active
- Coordinates
- -40.66667, 174
The Stephens Island lighthouse, also known as Takapourewa lighthouse, is located on Stephens Island, northeast of D'Urville Island, South Island, New Zealand. It was built in 1894 and is one of New Zealand's most powerful lights, with a range of 18 nautical miles. The lighthouse is 15 meters tall and is constructed from a white cast iron tower, with a focal height of 183 meters.
The light flashes white once every six seconds and is operated remotely from Maritime New Zealand's Wellington office. It was first lit on January 29, 1894, and did not become automated until March 31, 1989, making it one of the last lighthouses in New Zealand to be automated. The lighthouse is part of the Stephens Island Nature Reserve, managed by the Department of Conservation, and entry to the site and tower is by permit only.
The island has an interesting history, with the Maori name Takapourewa originating from the island once being covered in takapou trees, which gave the effect that the island floated in the sea. The island was named by Captain James Cook in 1770, after Sir Philip Stephens. Today, the island is home to tuatara and is known for an urban myth about a cat named Tibbles. The lighthouse is still in operation and is an important aid to navigation in the Cook Strait and Tasman Bay area.
Light and tower
The tower is built of white cast iron. The light has a focal height of 183 metres. The light has a range of 18 nautical miles. Its light characteristic is Flashes white once every six seconds. It was first lit in 1894. It was automated in 1989. Its recorded status is active.
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Details
- Name
- Stephens Island / Takapourewa Lighthouse
- Status
- Active
- Range Nm
- 18
- Year Built
- 1894
- Description
- In 1770, Captain James Cook sailed past, and named the island after Sir Philip Stephens, the Secretary of the British Admiralty Board.
- Light Source
- 50 watt tungsten halogen bulb
- Location Text
- Northeast of the much larger D'Urville Island
- Focal Height M
- 183
- Tower Height M
- 15
- Year Automated
- 1989
- Year First Lit
- 1894
- Light Characteristic
- Flashes white once every six seconds
- Construction Material
- White cast iron tower