Manukau Heads Lighthouse

Manukau Heads Lighthouse is a white timber structure on Āwhitu Peninsula with a height of 66 feet and a lantern room at the top. The light signals can be seen from approximately 25 nautical miles away at sea.

The structure was first put into service in 1874 and became the first lighthouse facility in New Zealand to use kerosene fuel for its navigation system. This innovation was an important step forward for the country's maritime technology.

The lighthouse stands near where the HMS Orpheus sank in 1863, one of New Zealand's most significant maritime disasters. This connection makes the location meaningful to locals as a reminder of the sea's dangers.

The location is reached via a narrow peninsula and can be difficult to access in windy conditions. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and prepare for changing weather.

The building retains its original prisms from the third order dioptric lens system, which can be viewed up close. These optical components from the 1800s are rare examples of historic lens technology.