One of Wairoa's most unusual attractions is the solid kauri Portland Island lighthouse originally built in 1877 by English engineers, now reconstructed on the banks of the river near the business centre. The lantern was shipped from London and the lens built by a Paris firm. Thanks to Wairoa's enthusiastic Mayor at the time and voluteers, the lighthouse was rebuilt in June 1961 when its life off Mahia Peninsula was doomed