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.

Built in 1864 from cast iron, the tower was first lit on 1 January 1865, New Zealand's third permanent lighthouse. It was automated with a rotating acetylene burner in 1925, then staffed again from 1947 until full automation in 1984. The last keeper, Ray Walter, stayed on as a Department of Conservation ranger with his wife Barbara until 2006.

The last keeper, Ray Walter, stayed on the island after full automation in 1984 and worked with his wife Barbara as Department of Conservation rangers until their retirement in 2006. The lighthouse and nearby visitor centre are a popular destination, though the tower itself is not open to the public.

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.

The tower was built in 1864 from cast iron and first lit on 1 January 1865, making it the oldest New Zealand lighthouse still in operation. It was once the most powerful light in the Southern Hemisphere. Its last keeper, Ray Walter, stayed on the island as a Department of Conservation ranger with his wife Barbara until 2006.