A helicopter has successfully removed the two-tonne copper roof from the Godley Heads lighthouse near Christchurch.
The lighthouse, which is situated at Godley Head, was left clinging to the cliff after being damaged in the February and June earthquakes in 2011.
After an unsuccessful attempt last week, all extra weight - including steel bolts - was removed.
The Department of Conservation said a helicopter was able to winch the roof off on Thursday in two separate one-tonne pieces.
Spokesperson Grant Campbell said the interior workings of the lighthouse are in storage until a decision is made about its rebuild.