It was the last manned light to be built in New Zealand and replaced the Cape Maria Van Diemen Lighthouse, located on nearby Motuopao Island, which had been built in 1879.The complete lantern fittings from Motuopao Island were reused at Cape Reinga, though the new lighthouse was fitted with a 1000 watt electrical lamp instead that could be seen for 26 nautical miles (48 km).In May 2000 the original lens and lamp were replaced by a 50 watt beacon.The beacon is powered by batteries that are recharged by solar cells.The beacon flashes every 12 seconds and can be seen for 19 nautical miles (35 km).