Bean Rock Lighthouse, Wooden cottage lighthouse in Waitematā Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand
Bean Rock Lighthouse is a wooden hexagonal structure rising about 15 meters above the harbor waters, supported by seven cast iron pillars anchored deep into concrete foundations. The design keeps it stable against the movement and forces of the surrounding sea.
The structure was built in 1871 to mark the end of a reef that European settlers named after Lieutenant P.C.D. Bean. It has guided ships through the harbor channels ever since its construction.
The rocks beneath this structure bear the name Te Toka-o-Kapetaua, honoring a Ngāti Pāoa ancestor who was left stranded on these waters long ago. This Māori name reflects how Indigenous history remains woven into the harbor's geography and stories.
The lighthouse is reachable by a short boat ride from the harbor area and welcomes visitors to explore its interior and working spaces. The building contains residential quarters that show how keepers once lived in this isolated location.
Inside the structure sits a large freshwater tank that once provided water for residents living on this isolated rock. This self-contained system was essential because resupply visits depended on weather conditions and could be unpredictable.
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