Gisborne District, New Zealand
East Cape Lighthouse
Gisborne District, New Zealand
Open to visitors
The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.
Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.
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East Cape Lighthouse stands on Otiki Hill above East Cape, the easternmost point of New Zealand's North Island, marking one of the most strategically significant positions on the country's coastline. Built in 1900 from cast iron and rising 15 meters tall, the lighthouse was originally constructed on nearby East Island, where its construction proved tragic—four men died when their boat capsized during tower work. The exposed island location proved equally problematic, vulnerable to earthquakes and landslips, prompting Maritime New Zealand to relocate the light to the mainland in 1922. The beacon was extinguished in April that year and relit at its current location in December. Originally staffed by three keepers, operations were gradually automated until full automation in 1985, with control now centered at Maritime New Zealand headquarters in Wellington. Though the surrounding area is accessible on foot, the lighthouse itself remains closed to the public.
- Built
- Type
- lighthouse
- Materials
- cast iron
- Height
- 15 m
- Place
- Gisborne District, New Zealand
This building on
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Location