Located along the South Coast of New Zealands South Coast it has some great views. It was built not because of the views but to highlight the area to passing boats.
It was after the sinking of the Steamer Penguin in February 1909 that it was decided that a lighthouse was needed along this section of the coast. Yet it took a further 4 years before construction was started. This started in the June of 1913.
It was no easy task to construct with only around 6 men working at any time on the rock. A base of concrete had to be poured into the rock to give the main structure a base to be built on.
As it was the southern hemispheres winter the conditions were not ideal. On at least one occasion one of the attempts was washed away in a storm, A reminder if needed of the conditions this coast line has to contend with.
A lot of the work was started on shore before being boated out to the rock, and most of the supplies were brought round by boat.
In the end it was almost 2.5 years when it was finished.It was commission on October 20th 1915 when the light was first turned on.
In the May of 1996 the light house was replaced by a new light situated now on shore at Tongue Point.
It gets its name from Karori, which is a suburb of Wellington.
The total height is 79 feet, and yes it does slope to the east. This is to give the structure more strength from the winds that can blow along this area.
You can walk to Tongue Point. It is a good walk which would take most of the day.Starting point would be the Car park at Owhiro Bay. The walk itself takes you pass Red Rocks and Devil Gate where if you are lucky get to see the seals.Also you could get to see some seals at Tongue Point.
The walk although is on the level it can be tough underfoot with a lot of rocks and soft gravel as well a fast moving stream that needs to be crossed.
If walking is not your thing then there are a couple of companies that offer 4×4 tours from Wellington that head along this area.Well worth checking out.
A good day tou will be able to see it in the distance if you decide to travel the Cook Straits using a ferry. Its almost the point that the ferries turn to head over to the South Island or back along the coast of the Nth Island to Wellington.
WildBay 