Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Bluff Harbour Entrance Lighthouse

Fl White/Red 3s🇳🇿Invercargill City, NZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Bluff Harbour Entrance Lighthouse

This square skeletal wood tower stands 6 meters tall and carries a white triangular daymark. Its focal height is 19 meters, and it emits a white or red light with a flash characteristic of one white or red flash every 3 seconds. The Bluff Harbour Entrance light replaced a lightship station that began operating in 1879. It is situated about 1.4 km southwest of Stirling Point, within the Bluff Hill/Motupohue Scenic Reserve. The site is accessible via the Foveau Walkway. The geographic range of the light is 12.9 nautical miles.

Why it matters: The light guides vessels entering and exiting the Bluff Harbour Entrance, a significant gateway for shipping in southern New Zealand. Its directional light aids safe navigation for fishing and cargo vessels calling at the port.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White/Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W R 3s
Focal Height
19m
Geographic Range
12.9NM

Construction & History

Significant events: replaced a lightship station established in 1879

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
wood

Structure: square skeletal wood tower carrying a white triangular daymark

Location

City
Invercargill City
Country
🇳🇿New Zealand
Region
Southland
Sea Region
Bluff Harbour Entrance, about 1.4 km southwest of Stirling Point, accessible by the Foveau Walkway in the Bluff Hill/Motupohue Scenic Reserve
Latitude
-46.6245°
Longitude
168.3423°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Bluff(2.2 km)
Admiralty No.
K4397
NGA No.
5432
ARLHS No.
NZL-073
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Bluff Harbour Entrance Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near New Zealand, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Bluff Harbour Entrance Lighthouse at night?+
Bluff Harbour Entrance displays the characteristic Fl White/Red 3s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white/red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Bluff Harbour Entrance Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Bluff Harbour Entrance Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Bluff at 1.9 NM to the N. Other ports served include Tiwai Point-Bluff Port (2.5 NM N), STEWART ISLAND (18.6 NM SSW), RIVERTON (20.9 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Bluff Harbour Entrance Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Bluff Harbour Entrance Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Bluff Harbour Entrance Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Bluff Harbour Entrance Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.