Archives for July 2019

NEW ZEALAND’S TALLEST LIGHTHOUSE

Warren Russell was the last permanent lighthouse keeper in New Zealand. He moved to Dog Island in 1980 and was made redundant in 1989 when his lighthouse became the last major one in New Zealand to be automated.

Beginning operation in August 1865, the Dog Island lighthouse was the first in New Zealand to have a revolving beam and is just one of three New Zealand lighthouses to be painted in black and white stripes to allow for better daytime visibility (the others are at Cape Campbell and Cape Palliser, which has red and white stripes) Because of the soft subsoil, the Dog Island structure took on a slight lean and has made it the talking point of the district ever since. Located in the tempestuous waters of Foveaux Strait, Dog Island, so named because it resembles the shape of a dog, is 4.8 km (three miles) from Bluff and is just half a mile long and a quarter of a mile wide. Its highest point is only 15 metres (49 feet) above sea level. The lighthouse tower is 36 metres (118 feet) high and is New Zealand’s tallest lighthouse. It was originally built of rock quarried on the island. In 1871, a crack appeared in the base of the structure and this was repaired with steel bands and thick hardwood. The repairs were only partially successful so in 1916, the tower was encased in concrete. Since then, it has stood the ravages of time to remain a distinctive landmark in this blustery coastal region of Southland where gale force winds often sweep across the area. read more