Puysegur Point

Lighthouse overview 

Puysegur Point is on the south‑west extremity of Fiordland in the South Island. It was known as an isolated and desolate station. 

Access to Puysegur Lighthouse

Puysegur Point Lighthouse station is accessible to the public, but its remote location makes access difficult. The lighthouse is not open to visitors. 

History of Puysegur Point Lighthouse 

Construction of the wooden lighthouse was difficult because there was no suitable landing area near the site. All materials and equipment were delivered about three kilometres away and a track cut through bush to transport everything to the site.  This access route was used until 1977, when a helicopter began bringing in supplies. 

The Puysegur Point Lighthouse was completed in 1879. The light was first lit in March that year. 

In 1942, the tower at Puysegur Point burnt to the ground. According to the official report, the fire was lit “by a demented person, a hermit of the area”.  A fire also lit in one of the keeper's houses was put out before much damage was done. 

In 1943, the lantern room from Godley Head was installed to replace the wooden one. A light powered by diesel-generated electricity replaced the original oil-powered light. 

Operation of the light 

In 1980, the lighthouse was replaced by two automatic lights at Cape Providence and Windsor Point. In 1987, the Windsor Point light was shut down and the Puysegur Point light re-established. 

Puysegur Point Lighthouse was one of the last to be automated. The last keepers left in 1990. 

In 1996, Maritime NZ removed the existing light and installed a modern rotating light within the original tower. 

The current light has a 35-watt tungsten halogen bulb, powered by battery banks (charged by solar panels). 

In 2022, the light was upgraded to an LED flashing beacon with a 24-volt power system. 

Life at Puysegur Point Lighthouse 

After only a year of operation, the principal keeper noted that working at Puysegur Point was harder than at most lighthouses: 

“We often have to work in very bad weather, besides being tormented with thousands of sand flies while working. Therefore, I hope, Sir, you will grant us a rise in salary for each of us is doing our best to deserve it!” 

Instead of a pay rise, all government salaries were reduced shortly afterwards. 

Hard work and poor health were often part of life at Puysegur Point. In 1933, the assistant keeper requested a transfer because of his and his wife’s deteriorating health. 

“Both my wife’s complaint and the pains in my shoulder blades, I think, are forms of rheumatism. As neither of us have had anything like it before, we attribute it to the very damp climate here, together with the absence of fresh fruit and vegetables, milk and meat. And I think that the climate at Puysegur Point is seriously endangering our health.” 

A couple of months later he reported further health concerns.  

“About a month ago I was informed by a man here that I was suffering from a rupture and should receive medical attention. He said he had been ruptured himself and knew a rupture when he saw one!”