0207. New Zealand (North Island) - Castle Point Lighthouse

Due to countless twists and turns, the exact length of the New Zealand's coastline is impossible to measure.  But, it's estimated to be between 15000 and 18000 kilometers.  Although the North Island is smaller than the South Island, it has a longer coastline due to numerous inlets, bays, harbors, flords and estuaries.

The New Zealand's coastline has numerous lighthouse(s) that play a key role in keeping the ships safe from harm.  The year 2013 marks the 100 years of the development of New Zealand's Maritime Radio Service.  And, also, the year marks the centenary of the Castle Point Lighthouse on the Wairarapa coast.  

New Zealand Post commemorated the Castle Point Lighthouse with the release of a 70 cents stamp on 4-Sep-2013 in its New Zealand Coastlines Stamp Issue.   The New Zealand Coastline Stamp Issue celebrates five areas of New Zealand's Coast and the lighthouse(s) that monitor them.

The detail(s) about the Castle Point Lighthouse is available in my earlier post #0181...

0182. New Zealand (South Island) - Taiaroa Head Lighthouse (Tiki Tour-2)...

Taiaroa Head Lighthouse is one of the New Zealand's Dunedin Area Lighthouse in the Otago Region of the New Zealand's South-East coast.  The area surrounding the Lighthouse is a Natural Reserve, the site of a large nesting colony of Royal Albatross (This is the only place in the World where Albatross nest near civilization).

The Lighthouse is located at the North-Eastern tip of the Otago Peninsula about 32 km North-East of Dunedin, marking the entrance to Otago Harbour.  The Lighthouse viewing is closed during the Albatross nesting period from mid September to late November.

Taiaroa Head was named after the leader of the Ngai Tahu Maori tribe, Te Matenga Taiaroa.

Taiaroa Head Lighthouse was highlighted in the Tiki Tour of New Zealand No.2 stamp sheet released by New Zealand Post on 4-Jul-2012.

Built in the year 1865, the TAIAROA HEAD Lighthouse:

• Tower is ROUND stone
• Tower painted WHITE
• Lantern roof painted RED
• 1-storey signal building painted white with red roof
• Height is 12 metres
• Colour scheme of the LIGHT is WHITE 
• LIGHT character is TWO LONG (2 seconds) WHITE FLASH every 18 seconds

0181. New Zealand (North Island) - Castle Point Lighthouse (Tiki Tour-2)...

Castle Point Lighthouse is one of the New Zealand's Eastern Coast Lighthouses in the Wellington region.  Castle Point Lighthouse is located at the end of Castlepoint road South-East of Masterton.  The Lighthouse was pre-fabricated in Wellington.  The causeway connecting the Lighthouse station to the mainland was demolished in 2008 because it had become unsafe, but it is still possible to reach the lighthouse on foot except during the high tides.

The Lighthouse built in 1913 was originally fueled by oil.  In 1954, the oil lamp was replaced with electric powered by diesel generator.  In 1961, this was replaced by a connection to the electrical mains grid.  The Lighthouse and the Castle Point beach were popular tourist attraction and acquired the nickname The Holiday Light.  The light was fully automated in 1988 and it is owned and operated by Maritime New Zealand.

Castle Point Lighthouse was highlighted in the Tiki Tour of New Zealand No.2 stamp sheet released by New Zealand Post on 4-Jul-2012.

Built in the year 1913, the CASTLE POINT Lighthouse:

• Tower is ROUND cast-iron
• Tower painted WHITE
• Lantern roof painted GRAY
• Height is 23 metres
• Colour scheme of the LIGHT is WHITE
• LIGHT character is THREE FLASHES every 30 seconds

0154. New Zealand (North Island) - Cape Reinga Lighthouse (Tiki Tour-2)...

The Tiki Tour of New Zealand No.2 takes another fascinating road trip around Aotearoa (a Maori name for New Zealand).  As we go around the country with caravan in tow, one can explore the landmarks, activities, culture and history that make Aotearoa such a great place to explore.

The 2nd edition of New Zealand Posts' Tiki Tour stamp album has 20 stamps holding a sign that says "Go"... 

The tour starts from the great Kauri forests and the picturesque Bay of Islands.  Then it takes to some history at Pakeha and Maori peoples and sails through at Cape Brett.  As the tour reaches the City of Sails, then comes the iconic Harbour Bridge and Coromandel, known for its beaches as well as its pottery.  As well as where equestrian activities take pride of place.

Then, Taranaki, is dairy country and spot a surfing cow !  A trout fishing at Taupo and thermal wonderland of Rotorua before the tour reaches the East Coast, an area that combines architecture with fabulous vineyards and orchards.   The beehive cannot be missed in the country's capital.   One can experience the Wellington prides like cafe culture and fine dining.  Upon crossing the Cook Strait to the fantastic scuba diving spots of the Abel Tasman region before immersing in the Marlborough Wine country. The little adventure(s) like bungy jumping or jet boating can be experienced in the Queenstown.

Traveling further South, the tour takes to the Dunedin's new stadium and to the country music in Gore.  Seal-spotting may be even venture over the Stewart Island.  Then, comes the sign that says "Stop", but the journey's not over !  When the tour is taken again, one can discover even more unique sights that make up the land of Kiwis.  

On 4-Jul-2012, New Zealand Post released the Tiki Tour of New Zealand No.2 stamp sheet which had 20 gummed stamp(s), with each of them denominated 70 cents.  The Cape Reinga Lighthouse was commemorated on this Tiki Tour stamp sheet.

The details about the Lighthouse is available in my earlier post #0033...

0143. New Zealand (North Island) - Cape Reinga Lighthouse (Tiki Tour)...

The Tiki Tour termed in New Zealand,  is known as "roundabout way" or "scenic route" in other countries.  Tiki Tour is all about enjoying the journey as much as the destination, and checking out as many national icons as you can along the way.

Tiki Tour stamp album is the new edition of 24 stamps designed to capture the "get up and go" spirit of the classic Kiwi Tiki Tour, celebrating so many of the New Zealand's home-grown fascination(s) across the land.  The unique Wildlife, Landscapes, Buildings, Statues and Industries are all there in the Tiki Tour stamp sheet.

On 5-Aug-2009, New Zealand Post released the Tiki Tour of New Zealand No.1 stamp sheet which had 24 gummed stamp(s), with each of them denominated 50 cents.  The Cape Reinga Lighthouse was commemorated on this Tiki Tour stamp sheet.

The details about the Lighthouse is available in my earlier post #0033...

0139. New Zealand (South Island) - Farewell Spit Lighthouse

Farewell Spit is a narrow sand spit at the Northern end of the South Island of New Zealand.  It is the South Island's northernmost point and is the longest sandspit in New Zealand.  Farewell Spit Lighthouse is located at Bush End Point near the end of the spit.  The area is critically important bird nesting area and is closed to the general public.

Farewell Spit Lighthouse was commemorated in 1976 series of New Zealand Government Life Insurance Office 10c stamp released on 17-Nov-1976. 

Built in the year 1897, the FAREWELL SPIT Lighthouse:

• Tower is SQUARE PYRAMIDAL steel
• Tower legs painted WHITE
•  Lantern and Watch room painted ORANGE
• Gallery rail painted WHITE; Lantern dome is GREY
• Height is 27 metres
• Colour scheme of the LIGHT is WHITE or RED
• LIGHT character is a FLASH every 15 seconds

0138. New Zealand (South Island) - Moeraki Point Lighthouse

In New Zealand, over the years the stamps were limited to the pre-payment of postage on correspondence posted by the Government Life Insurance Office for delivery within the country. But, on 27-Mar-1969, this condition was relaxed and the stamps could be used on mail to both inland and overseas addresses. 

1969, marked the centenary of the founding of the Government Life Insurance Office and a new series of stamps was issued to mark this occasion.  Lighthouses, the symbol of the New Zealand Government Life Insurance Department, were again the subject depicted on the stamps.

Moeraki Point Lighthouse was commemorated in the 1969 series of New Zealand Government Life Insurance Office ½c stamp released on 27-Mar-1969. 

The change in the name of the business from "Government Life Insurance Department" to "Government Life Insurance Office" was also marked from the 1969 stamp series.

Moeraki Point also known as Katiki Point Lighthouse is situated between the settlements of Moeraki and Katiki, on the tip of the Moeraki Peninsula, which is known as Katiki Point or Moeraki Point.  The point has a long history of wrecks.  Tthe Moeraki Point Lighthouse was built, following several accidents on the dangerous reefs around the area, to make the area safer for ships that sailed past on their way to Port Chalmers, Dunedin.

Built in the year 1878, the MOERAKI POINT Lighthouse:

• Tower is HEXAGONAL wood
• Tower painted WHITE
• Height is 8.5 metres
• Colour scheme of the LIGHT is WHITE
• LIGHT character FLASHES 6 seconds ON ; 6 seconds OFF

0137. New Zealand (North Island) - Cape Reinga Lighthouse

A popular spot for tourists, Cape Reinga is as far North in New Zealand's North Island.  Cape Reinga marks the point where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. 

The Cape Reinga Lighthouse was commemorated by New Zealand Post with the release of $1.40 stamp on 23-May-2012 under the "Scenic Definitives Series 2012".

The details about the Lighthouse is available in my earlier post #0033...

0059. New Zealand - Cape Egmont Lighthouse (Government Life Insurance Office)

In New Zealand, over the years the stamps were limited to the pre-payment of postage on correspondence posted by the Government Life Insurance Office for delivery within the country.  But, on 27-Mar-1969, this condition was relaxed and the stamps could be used on mail to both inland and overseas addresses. 

1969, marked the centenary of the founding of the Government Life Insurance Office and a new series of stamps was issued to mark this occasion.  Lighthouses, the symbol of the New Zealand Government Life Insurance Department, were again the subject depicted on the stamps.

Cape Egmont Lighthouse was commemorated in the 1969 series of New Zealand Government Life Insurance Office 4c stamp released on 27-Mar-1969. 

The change in the name of the business from "Government Life Insurance Department" to "Government Life Insurance Office" was also marked from the 1969 stamp series.

0057. New Zealand - Government Life Insurance Office

New Zealand Government Life Insurance Department in 1890 was allowed to use a distinctive stamp of its own.  This made the office unique in-so-far as no other Life Insurance Institution in the World enjoyed such a privilege. 

Over the years the stamps were limited to the prepayment of postage on correspondence posted by the Government Life Insurance office for delivery within New Zealand but on 27 March 1969 this condition was relaxed and the stamps could be used on mail to both inland and overseas addresses. 

1969 marked the centenary of the founding of the Government Life Insurance Office and a new series of stamps was issued to mark this occasion. Lighthouses, the symbol of the New Zealand Government Life Insurance Department, were the subject depicted in the stamps.

The 1981 series of Government Life Insurance Stamp Issue was released on 3-Jun-1981 with different denomination and colours:

5c - Pastel blue, light blue and mauve

10c - Light grey, light blue and red
20c - Cerise, yellow and brown
30c - Pastel brown, light blue and military grey
40c - Orange, yellow and dark grey
50c - Pastel green, light green and brown

0040. New Zealand (North Island) - Cape Egmont Lighthouse

Cape Egmont Lighthouse was first constructed on Mana Island near Wellington.  But, its light was confused with that of the Pencarrow Head Light.  In 1877, the tower was relocated to Cape Egmont and activated in 1881.

The Lighthouse marks the South-Westernmost point of North Island and North-Western entrance to Cook Strait.   The Taranaki Volcano stands behind the Lighthouse. 

New Zealand Post commemorated the Cape Egmont Lighthouse in its 2009 Scenic Lighthouses of New Zealand Stamp Set released on 7-Jan-2009.

Built in the year 1865, the CAPE EGMONT Lighthouse:

• Tower is ROUND cast iron
• Tower painted WHITE
• Lantern Roof is BLACK
• Height is 20 metres
• Colour scheme of the LIGHT is WHITE
• LIGHT character is a FLASH every 8 seconds

0039. New Zealand (North Island) - Cape Brett Lighthouse

Cape Brett Lighthouse is situated at the entrance to the Bay of Islands and overlooks Piercy Island better known as the Hole in the Rock.  Cape Brett was named after the Rear-Admiral Sir Piercy Brett, the Lord of the Admiralty.

Cape Brett was also the first of the three lighthouses in New Zealand to float the rotating light on a bed of Mercury.  Previously lights had been supported by wheels.

New Zealand Post commemorated the Cape Brett Lighthouse in its 2009 Scenic Lighthouses of New Zealand Stamp Set released on 7-Jan-2009.

Built in the year 1910, the CAPE BRETT Lighthouse:

• Tower is ROUND cast iron
• Tower painted WHITE
• Height is 15 metres
• Colour scheme of the LIGHT is WHITE
• LIGHT character is a FLASH every 15 seconds

0038. New Zealand (South Island) - Dog Island Lighthouse

The Dog Island Lighthouse is located at the Eastern approches to Faveaux Straint off the entrance to Bluff Harbour, at the Southern tip of New Zealand's South Island.  Dog Island Lighthouse is on a low flat island which only rises a couple of metres above sea level.

The Lighthouse is the Tallest Lighthouse in New Zealand.  Due to the poor soil condition of the island, the tower has had slight lean soon after it was built.

The Dog Island Lighthouse had the first revolving light in New Zealand, consisting of 16 individual oil lamps rotating inside a single lantern.  The Lighthouse was automated in 1989. 

This is one of the three Lighthouses of New Zealand which have stripes in the Tower.  The other two Lighthouses being Cape Campbell (South Island) and Cape Palliser (North Island).

New Zealand Post commemorated the Dog Island Lighthouse in its 2009 Scenic Lighthouses of New Zealand Stamp Set released on 7-Jan-2009.

Built in the year 1865, the DOG ISLAND Lighthouse:

• Tower is ROUND concrete-clad stone
• Tower painted WHITE with TWO BLACK HORIZONTAL bands
• Height is 36 metres
• Colour scheme of the LIGHT is WHITE
• LIGHT character is a FLASH every 10 seconds 

0037. New Zealand (North Island) - Pencarrow Lighthouse

New Zealand's first Lighthouse, the Pencarrow, marks the Eastern entrance to Wellington Harbour.  The make-shift beacon made of Wood was blown away in 1841.  In June 1858, the iron tower from England arrived in the Pencarrow beach and then assembled on the cliffs.

The Light was first lit in 1-Jan-1859.  As the light was often shrouded by low fog, a new tower was constructed on the beach in 1906.   But, the Baring Head Lighthouse built in 1935 replaced both the Old and New Pencarrow Lighthouse(s).

New Zealand Post commemorated the Pencarrow Lighthouse in its 2009 Scenic Lighthouses of New Zealand Stamp Set released on 7-Jan-2009.

Built in the year 1859, New Zealand's Oldest Lighthouse, the PENCARROW Lighthouse:

• Tower is tapered OCTAGONAL cast iron
• Tower painted WHITE
• Latern roof is BLACK
• Height is 12 metres
• LIGHT is IN-ACTIVE

0033. New Zealand (North Island) - Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Cape Reinga is the North-Westernmost tip of the North Island of New Zealand.  Cape Reinga is considered the seperation market between the Tasman Sea to the West and the Pacific Ocean to the East.  From the Lighthouse it is possible to watch the tidal race as the two seas clash to create unsettled waters just off the coast.

The Lighthouse at Cape Reinga was built in 1941, replacing Cape Maria van Diemen Lighthouse located on nearby Motuopao Island, which has been built 1879.   The Lighthouse was fully automated.

New Zealand commemorated this Lighthouse with the release of:

a) 20c stamp in 1996 and

b) $2.50 stamp under the 2009 Scenic Lighthouses of New Zealand Stamp

          Set released on 7-Jan-2009

The CAPE REINGA Lighthouse:

• Tower is OCTAGONAL concrete with eight ribs
• Tower is painted WHITE
• Lantern roof is BLACK
• Height is 10 meters
• Colour scheme of the LIGHT is WHITE
• LIGHT character is a FLASH every 12 seconds