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Farewell Spit Lighthouse

Fl WR 15s🇳🇿South Island (Cook Strait), NZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Farewell Spit Lighthouse

A tower stands 34.4 meters tall on Farewell Spit, with its light positioned 30 meters above sea level. The lighthouse was first lit in 1870, initially using an oil lamp. By 1891, the original timber structure showed signs of decay, leading to its replacement by a steel lattice tower that began operation in January 1897. The light characteristic consists of a white or red flash every 15 seconds. The lighthouse was electrified in the 1930s, initially powered by a diesel generator, and later connected to the national power grid in the 1960s. Automation of the tower occurred in 1984.

Why it matters: The lighthouse was built on Farewell Spit due to the area's history of shipwrecks. Its significant height was necessary because the spit is low-lying.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl WR 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
WR
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl.W.R. period 15s
Focal Height
30m

Construction & History

Year Built
1870

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
K4182
NGA No.
K 4182
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q112845558 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
34.4m

Location

City
South Island (Cook Strait)
Country
🇳🇿NZ
Latitude
-40.5462°
Longitude
173.0093°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Farewell Spit Lighthouse at night?+
Farewell Spit displays the characteristic Fl WR 15s — 1 wr flash every 15 seconds. 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 wr color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Farewell Spit Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Farewell Spit Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Tarakohe at 17.4 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Maari (37 NM NNE), Nelson (44.5 NM SSE), Port Nelson (44.8 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Farewell Spit Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Farewell Spit 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 Farewell Spit Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Farewell Spit 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.