Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse, Maritime beacon in Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand.
Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse is a white cast iron tower on an island in the Hauraki Gulf. The structure stands about 20 meters tall with a black lantern roof and once served as the most powerful beacon in the Southern Hemisphere.
Construction began in 1864 and the lighthouse began operating on January 1, 1865. It marked the start of modern maritime safety in this busy sea route.
The lighthouse stands on land significant to the Kawerau-a-Maki tribes, who established early settlements here. Visitors can experience this connection to the region's past and understand how the sea shaped life in this area.
Ferry services from Auckland transport visitors to the island, where the lighthouse and surrounding grounds can be explored. Visit conditions depend on weather for the crossing, so flexibility and appropriate clothing are recommended.
It holds the title of New Zealand's longest-operating lighthouse, having guided generations of sailors. This remarkable longevity makes it a symbol of reliable maritime tradition in the region.
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