description Pencarrow Lighthouse Overview
Pencarrow Lighthouse, located at the entrance to Wellington Harbour in New Zealand, holds the distinction of being the country's first permanent lighthouse. First lit in 1859, the cast-iron structure was initially operated by Mary Jane Bennett, the only woman to serve as a lighthouse keeper in New Zealand. It was constructed to safely guide ships through the treacherous waters of the Cook Strait. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1935 and replaced by the Baring Head Lighthouse, but the historic structure remains standing today.
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What is historically important about Pencarrow Lighthouse?
Pencarrow Lighthouse was New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse. It was first lit in 1859 at the entrance to Wellington Harbour.
Who operated Pencarrow Lighthouse?
Mary Jane Bennett became the lighthouse keeper after her husband, George Bennett, died in 1855. She is remembered as New Zealand’s first and only female lighthouse keeper.
What was Pencarrow Lighthouse made from?
The original tower was made from cast iron sections imported from England. It was replaced by the higher Upper Pencarrow Lighthouse in 1906.
Where can visitors find Pencarrow Lighthouse?
The lighthouse is on Wellington’s rugged eastern harbour entrance, within the Wellington region. The site is reached by walking or cycling along the Pencarrow Coast Track, with access affected by weather and track conditions.
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