Cape Campbell is on the east coast of New Zealand, between Blenheim and Kaikoura. The lighthouse was completed in 1870 after numerous ships were wrecked on the rocks that go out from the point. It's wooden construction didn't last and by 1905 it had been replaced by a cast iron one.
It started as an oil burning light, but was converted to electric in 1938. In 1986, it was automated and therefore no longer manned by a lighthouse keeper. It has a range of 19 nautical miles (35kms).
Access to the cape and lighthouse is by walking from Marfells beach at low tide. We attempted it when the tide was starting to go out and had to keep high on the beach. The tiny stones you can see below were quite thick in depth and more tiring to walk on. A lower tide allows you to walk on hard sand. It took about two hours to get there and 1 1/2 on the return when the tide was lower. That was taking our time and enjoying the scenery.
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| Walking from Marfells Beach. The lighthouse is at the end of the peninsula |
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| Nearly there! |
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| An 1885 grave for a 7 month old baby situated by the lighthouse. Poignant |
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| The lighthouse (taken looking south) |
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| This one taken looking toward the west |
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