The Kātiki Point Lighthouse, also known as Moeraki Lighthouse, shone for the first time in 1878, 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.

Just before the light was to be lit for the first time, a storm shook the tower to the extent that the lamp glass broke.

The light-emitting diode beacon is supplied by mains electricity, with a battery for standby power.

The original lens operated with a 1000-watt lamp supplied by mains electricity, with a diesel generator for standby power.

The operation of the light is now fully automatic and is monitored by a computer and Maritime New Zealand staff in Wellington.