East Cape Lighthouse

The lighthouse is 154 metres above the sea on a site affording splendid views out to East Island. Originally built in 1906 on East Island the 15 metre cast iron lighthouse was moved to the present site in 1922 due to erosion on the island. The East Island position had long been considered bad luck because during the construction of the lighthouse, four seamen died when a supplies ship sunk. Life for the keepers had been hard there as it was not possible to grow vegetables in the poor soil.

After the removal of all the buildings and the lighthouse itself to the current position, the problems were fewer. Automation took place in 1985 and the houses removed. The lighthouse is reached by a walking track with approximately 500 steps but the climb is justified by the view. The track commences behind the unused keepers' houses. Visiting the lighthouse involves a diversion from the main road (SH 35) at Te Araroha. (21 km each way)