East Cape Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse on Otiki Hill, East Cape, New Zealand.
The East Cape Lighthouse is a white cast-iron cylindrical tower, 15 metres tall, standing on a small plateau at the 144-metre summit of Otiki Hill. A circular gallery with a white metal railing and vertical slats rings the top below the dark glazed lantern room. A rectangular window with a narrow red sill sits midway up the tower.
The structure was first built in 1900 on East Island and relocated to the mainland in 1922 because of accessibility challenges and earthquake threats. This move secured the navigation aid at this exposed coastline.
The lighthouse stands within the 70-hectare Lighthouse Reserve, designated by the Gisborne District Council in June 2017 under the Tairāwhiti Management Plan. The reserve protects pūriri and tawa trees, mānuka and kānuka scrub, and the threatened plantain species Plantago picta.
Reaching the lighthouse requires climbing around 700 steps from the parking area, so appropriate footwear and fitness preparation help. Weather at this exposed location can change quickly, so windproof clothing is recommended.
The original lamp, replaced in February 2002 by a rotating 50-watt tungsten-halogen light, is displayed beside the tower. The current beacon flashes white every 10 seconds and reaches 19 nautical miles (35 km) out to sea.
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