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Cook Strait Lighthouses Lighthouse

Fl White 6s🇳🇿NZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cook Strait Lighthouses Lighthouse

The lighthouse on Stephens Island (Takapourewa) was constructed in 1894, featuring a 15-meter cylindrical tower made of cast iron, painted white with a gray lantern roof. Its light emits a single white flash every 6 seconds. The focal height of 183 meters makes it the highest light in New Zealand, providing a geographic range of 32.4 nautical miles. This structure is situated at the northwestern entrance to Cook Strait, northeast of D'Urville Island, and approximately 35.5 kilometers from the nearest port. Maritime New Zealand maintains the operational light, while the Department of Conservation manages the surrounding ecological reserve.

Why it matters: As New Zealand's highest light, it offers significant range for vessels navigating the northwestern entrance to Cook Strait, a key shipping lane.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl W 6s
Focal Height
183m
Light Range
27NM (50.0 km)
Geographic Range
32.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1894

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Waikawa(35.5 km)
Admiralty No.
K4236
NGA No.
5044
ARLHS No.
NZL-048

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
cast iron

Structure: round cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, painted white; lantern roof is gray

Location

Country
🇳🇿New Zealand
Region
Marlborough
Sea Region
northwestern entrance to Cook Strait, at the northern end of Stephens Island (Takapourewa), northeast of D'Urville Island
Latitude
-40.6654°
Longitude
174.0001°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Cook Strait Lighthouses Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 183 meters and a nominal range of 27 nautical miles (approximately 50.0 km), Cook Strait Lighthouses is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Cook Strait Lighthouses Lighthouse at night?+
Cook Strait Lighthouses displays the characteristic Fl White 6s. 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Cook Strait Lighthouses Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cook Strait Lighthouses Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is WAIKAWA at 36 NM to the S. Other ports served include Picton (36.9 NM S), HAVELOCK (38.1 NM SSW), PORIRUA (47.2 NM SE), Nelson (48.6 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cook Strait Lighthouses Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cook Strait Lighthouses 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 Cook Strait Lighthouses Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cook Strait Lighthouses 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.