Cape Campbell

Cape Campbell marks the southern approaches to Cook Strait and was named by Captain James Cook after Vice Admiral John Campbell who sponsored Cook.

The light was first lit on the 1st of August 1870 and is one of three that are painted in black and white stripes to make them stand out from the background. The Cape was also the sight of a Radar station during the war. Cape Campbell and the lighthouse are a difficult place to access but the walk is well worth it. Head to Marfell's beach turnoff which is 36km south of Blenheim, and the camping area is a further 8km down the road. There is no road access to the Cape Campbell lighthouse. From Marfells beach  walk south along the beach. Allow a full day for the walk and be aware that spring high tides can block access around the foot of the Bluffs. Alternatively you could walk the Cape Campbell walkway. www.capecampbelltrack.co.nz

The Kiwi beach hut. Something I think every NZ child gets taught to do when they're down the beach. We've certainly built a few in our time.

Some old rusted tractor wheels provide great material for foreground interest and a chance to duck down out of the wind.

 The wind out on this point can be extremely blustery and can make climbing these steps a real challenge. Not too mention the sheer noise it makes as it whistles around the lighthouse.

The keepers used to drive a horse and cart along the base of these cliffs to go for any supplies that were needed.

This is the view back along the track from the lighthouse. The Blffs along here were blasted to provide a track for keepers to go for supplies.

This wide angle view of the lighthouse shows one of the cottages below where the keepers lived.

The lonely grave of Rose Anna McGahey. Born 12th March 1887 at Cape Campbell where her father was a lighthouse keeper. At the age of 7 months she took ill and died after 7 days.  Rose was buried here at the Cape in October 1887.

Looking along the ridge towards the lighthouse and out to Clifford Bay. Holding onto the camera tripod in the strong winds made the day challenging.

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