Dog Island
Lighthouse overview
Dog Island Lighthouse lights the eastern approaches to Foveaux Strait, about five kilometres from the entrance to Bluff Harbour.
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Lighthouse feature: |
Details |
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Location: |
latitude 46°39’ south, longitude 168°25’ east |
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Elevation: |
46 metres above sea level |
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Construction: |
white stone tower |
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Tower height: |
36 metres |
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Light configuration: |
24-volt flashing LED beacon |
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Light flash character: |
white light flashing once every 10 seconds |
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Power source: |
batteries charged by solar panels |
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Range: |
19 nautical miles (35 kilometres) |
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Date light first lit: |
1865 |
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Automated: |
1989 |
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Demanned: |
1989 |
History of Dog Island Lighthouse
Dog Island Lighthouse was built to warn mariners of the low, flat, rocky island that is only a couple of metres above sea level.
The lighthouse tower was the first in New Zealand to be designed by James Balfour. He later became the Colonial Marine Engineer, designing many of New Zealand’s lighthouses.
The tower was built from stone quarried on the island. The light began operation in 1865.
The peaty subsoil caused the tower to lean slightly and, over the next 50 years, many temporary repairs were carried out. In 1916, the tower was reported to be unsafe and the entire structure was encased in a concrete shell.
To make the lighthouse stand out, the tower was painted with black and white stripes. Only two other lighthouses in New Zealand have stripes. Dog Island looks similar to Cape Campbell, and Cape Palliser Lighthouse has red and white stripes.
Operation of the light
The original lighting system on Dog Island was the first revolving light in New Zealand.
Sixteen small oil lamps, each with its own lens, turned inside a single lantern. This was different from other early lights, which used a single oil lamp and rotating lens. In 1925, the individual lamps were replaced by a single lamp and rotating lens.
In 1954, the light was converted from oil to diesel-generated electricity.
The original light system created extra work and risks for the early keepers. Every hour they had to wind up the mechanism. In 1883, the principal keeper died after falling down a 23‑metre shaft that ran down the middle of the tower.
The light was automated in 1989 and the keepers left the station that year.
In 2024, the light was upgraded to a modern LED flashing beacon powered by a 24-volt battery bank charged by solar power.
Life at Dog Island Lighthouse
Dog Island Lighthouse was originally occupied by three keepers and their families. By the time the light was automated this had been reduced to one keeper and his family.
Life at Dog Island could be challenging for keepers with families. The island was too isolated for children to attend school on the mainland.
In the early years, supplies were sent out on the government supply ship every three months. The last keeper and his family had an easier time getting supplies. After a landing strip was built on the island, supplies were flown in every fortnight.