Boulder Bank Lighthouse

Boulder Bank Lighthouse is an octagonal cast-iron tower with white painted walls that stands on a natural rocky breakwater extending 13 kilometers along the coast. The structure rises about 18 meters tall and once served as an essential navigation aid for ships entering the harbor.

The lighthouse was constructed in 1862 and was New Zealand's second permanent beacon of its kind. It operated continuously until 1982, when it was decommissioned and no longer serves navigational purposes.

The lighthouse marks the entrance to Nelson Harbor and served as a vital reference point for ships navigating the narrow passage. It remains a symbol of the area's maritime past and connection to the sea.

Access to the lighthouse requires a walk from Boulder Bank Drive over rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear is essential for safety. Weather conditions can change quickly in this exposed location, so be prepared for wind and potentially wet surfaces.

The lighthouse rests on a natural spit formed entirely by granite boulders, creating an unusual geological formation along the coast. This rocky spine has been shaped by ocean forces over thousands of years and makes the location geologically distinctive.

Location: Nelson City

GPS coordinates: -41.25468,173.26513

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:41