[2][3] The lighthouse stands at Jack's Point 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south of Timaru.

It can be reached via New Zealand State Highway 1 from the small settlement Scarborough.

Approx 40 metres (130 ft) further landwards passes the South Island Main Trunk Railway the building.

The place is named after the Māori chief Hone (Jack) Tūhawaiki, who belonged to the Ngāi Tahu tribe.

The lighthouse was installed in 1903 at its current location, when it replaced the insufficient beacon of Timaru harbour.