Story: Lighthouses

Wooden lighthouse, Farewell Spit (1st of 2)

Wooden lighthouse, Farewell Spit

Commissioned in 1870, the lighthouse at Farewell Spit was among those promoted by James Balfour in the Marine Department. It was constructed of wood rather than stone or metal because Balfour was determined to build lighthouses quickly and cheaply. The shore was not much above sea level, so the light needed to be set high to warn seafarers of the 25-kilometre sand spit. The photograph was taken by Samuel Hart, one of the keepers there in the early 1890s.

Using this item

Museum of Wellington City and Sea, Hart Collection
Reference: Neg. no. 5109
Photograph by Samuel Hart

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How to cite this page:

Helen Beaglehole, 'Lighthouses - A national system', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/6657/wooden-lighthouse-farewell-spit (accessed 21 April 2024)

Story by Helen Beaglehole, published 12 Jun 2006