Tuhawaiki - Jacks Point Lighthouse

On the way south towards Pareora from the pretty city of Timaru are long low plains stretching out towards the sea, filled with crops for the markets, like grains and the famous Makihikihi potatoes from which millions of potato chips are formed.

The low lie of the land led to the need for a lighthouse off this coast, to guide ships towards Port Timaru in the days of coastal shipping, on an outcrop called Tuhawaiki, or Jack's Point. The districts here are officially named 'Scarborough, and 'Normanby' after far-away European places which they do not resemble, but this was originally Ngai Tahu country.

So, unlike most New Zealand places with a double barreled name, here "Jack' and "Tuhawaiki" are actually the same name, the point having been named for Ngai Tahu chief Hone (Jack/John) Tuhawaiki. His fame spread far and wide throughout the South Island in the 19th Century, and so did he, being one of few Ngai Tahu Chiefs to sign the Treaty of Waitangi, at that time on Ruapuke Island, and under yet another title as "John Touwaick". The chief even has an island, bay and blowhole in The Catlins named for him, after an interesting southern exploit featuring Te Rauparaha.

The lighthouse itself however, does not have the same solid history as the ground it was built upon. It was actually stationed at Somes Island in Wellington Harbour in 1866, moving here by barge in 1903. It is a relative short structure, apparently fashioned of cast iron and prefabricated in England for the Somes Island station. Several different types of lighting were used here over the years. By 1930, it was attached to mains power with battery backup and was automated to the extent that the lighthouse keeping position was no longer needed.

For visitors, a very easy stroll from the end of Ellis Road, also accessible by bicycle. With the usual coastal ruggedness of New Zealand Lighthouse locations, and plenty of coastal birds and a few seals upon occasion. The next point to the north (end of Scarborough Road) is Jack's Point surf spot, or Mutumutu Point popular with the locals in their thick wetsuits. It's original name was Te Motumotu and was a a gathering point for pipi, paua, kina and kaeo.

Image Credit: Reproduction of a historic photograph courtesy of Steven McLachlan, SHADES STAMP SHOP LTD, 108 HEREFORD ST, CHRISTCHURCH