Maori Settlers

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Marlborough Museum - Marlborough Historical Society Inc

European Settlers

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Fishing

The Cape Campbell and East Coast reef systems provide ideal habitat for NZ Rock Lobster and Paua and as a result commercial fishermen have taken advantage of the area to created an inshore fishery.

A small number of recreational fishermen and divers have also taken advantage of the close inshore habitats to gather large amounts of seafood.  The 2016 earthquake increased the number of visitors to the area as access to the entire length of the coastline was  made accessible at all stages of the tide, whereas prior to the earthquake access was limited to a few hours each side of the low tide.

Cape Campbell Lighthouse

The cape has contributed to the wrecking of many ships. It was after the wreck of the Alexander in 1858,  that Cape Campbell was chosen as a suitable site for a lighthouse. It was another 10 years before one was built however. The light was finally lit on 1 August 1870.

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Two years after it was first built, faults were found in the tower’s original wooden construction and it was decided to replace the wooden tower with a new one made of cast iron.

In October 1905 the light began operating from its new site. 

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To make the lighthouse stand out from the white hills behind it, the tower was painted with black and white stripes, rather than the standard plain white. 

Tourists

Marfells Beach Campsite has been a popular camping spot for local Marlborough Families for generations.  However the secret of the area is out and the popularity of the campsite has grown greatly over the last few years.  Semi permanent campsites have established where  campers now operate semi commercial fishing operations using 4WD motorbikes to access the remote areas areas of the coast where crayfish and paua have not been over fished and stocks are still plentiful.   

The increase of foreign minimalist tourists has seen the popularity of the area increase with single night stays utilising the availability of toilets at both Ward Beach and Marfells Beach.  

Movies

The rugged coastline, spectacular scenery and lighthouse have caught the attention of Hollywood movie producers.  The file "Light Between Oceans" was filmed in and around the lighthouse.  This has given the area further exposure and has resulted in an increased in the number of tourists visiting the area.