In 1954 the oil lamp was replaced with an electric one powered by a local diesel generator.

This was subsequently replaced by a connection to the mains grid in 1967, although a diesel generator is retained for emergency power.

The light was fully automated in 1986 and is now managed from a control room in Wellington.

The base of the lighthouse is reached via a staircase with 258 steps, up a 58-metre-high cliff.

This staircase – built in 1912 – replaced a dangerous dirt track.