Timaru Lighthouse - Blackett's Lighthouse

Blackett's Lighthouse, also known as Timaru Lighthouse, is a historic wooden lighthouse located in Timaru, New Zealand.

It was designed by John Blackett, a marine engineer, and constructed in 1878. The lighthouse is one of the few remaining timber lighthouses in New Zealand and has historical significance due to its association with the early development of the country's maritime navigation system.

The lighthouse stands at 26 meters tall and is made of native wood Kauri. It is located on a hill in Maori Hill, overlooking Caroline Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse has a classic design, with a white tower and a red lantern room at the top. The light is visible from a distance of 19 nautical miles and has a focal plane of 35 meters above sea level.

Visitors can access the lighthouse by walking up the hill to the entrance. The lighthouse is open to the public and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Inside, visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the lantern room and see the original lens and mechanism used to operate the light. The lighthouse is also home to a small museum that showcases the history of the lighthouse and its importance to the maritime industry in New Zealand.

Blackett's Lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction in Timaru and is often included in travel itineraries for the area. Visitors can enjoy the short walk up the hill to the lighthouse and take in the stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. The lighthouse is also a popular spot for photographers, who come to capture the beauty of the structure and its surroundings.