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Centre Island Lighthouse

Fl Red or White 15s🇳🇿NZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Centre Island Lighthouse

Also known as: Centre Island (Raratoka Island)

The Centre Island Lighthouse, an octagonal wooden tower standing 12 meters tall, was constructed in 1878. Painted white with red trim and a black lantern roof, it is situated on a small island at the western entrance to Foveaux Strait. Its light, visible for 22.8 nautical miles, emits either a red or white flash every 15 seconds. The focal height of the light is 81 meters. Originally equipped with an early lens, it was replaced in the 1990s, with the historic lens later reassembled for display at the Bluff Maritime Museum.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for safe passage through the western entrance of Foveaux Strait, a busy shipping lane. Its directional light helps mariners navigate the complex currents and potential hazards of the strait.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red or White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red or White
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl R or W 15s
Focal Height
81m
Geographic Range
22.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1878

Significant events: original lens replaced in 1990s, original lens reassembled for display at Bluff Maritime Museum in 2012

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Riverton(9.3 km)
Admiralty No.
K4438
NGA No.
5536
ARLHS No.
NZL-017

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white with red trim
Material
wood

Structure: octagonal wood tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with red trim; lantern roof is black

Location

Country
🇳🇿New Zealand
Region
Southland
Sea Region
southern tip of a small island in the western entrance to Foveaux Strait, visible from beaches in the Wakapatu area, off NZ 99 about 55 km west of Invercargill
Latitude
-46.4551°
Longitude
167.8457°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Centre Island Lighthouse at night?+
Centre Island displays the characteristic Fl Red or White 15s. 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 red or white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Centre Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Centre Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is RIVERTON at 9.2 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Bluff (22.1 NM ESE), Tiwai Point-Bluff Port (22.2 NM ESE), STEWART ISLAND (29.1 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Centre Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Centre Island 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 Centre Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Centre Island 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.