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

Kahurangi Point Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 12s🇳🇿NZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Kahurangi Point Lighthouse

Built in 1903, this lighthouse features a cylindrical cast iron tower, 18 meters in height, painted white with a black lantern roof. The light's characteristic is a 12-second cycle showing a single white flash, providing a geographic range of 18.1 nautical miles. Located approximately 50 km north of Karamea in the Tasman District, it delineates the South Island's northwestern boundary. The tower sustained damage from a 1929 earthquake, with repairs completed by 1931. Automation of the light was completed in 1960.

Why it matters: This navigation aid assists ships traversing the Tasman Sea near New Zealand's northwestern coastline, an area prone to seismic activity.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl W 12s
Focal Height
46m
Geographic Range
18.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1903

Significant events: damaged by earthquake in 1929, repaired in 1931, automated in 1960

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tarakohe(30.8 km)
Admiralty No.
K4506
NGA No.
5640
ARLHS No.
NZL-029

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
cast iron

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

Location

Country
🇳🇿New Zealand
Region
Tasman
Sea Region
northwestern corner of South Island, Tasman District, New Zealand, about 50 km north of Karamea
Latitude
-40.7756°
Longitude
172.2175°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Kahurangi Point 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 Kahurangi Point Lighthouse at night?+
Kahurangi Point displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 12s — 2 white flashes every 12 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Kahurangi Point Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kahurangi Point Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 1 nearby port. The closest is Tarakohe at 31 NM to the E. Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kahurangi Point Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kahurangi Point 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 Kahurangi Point Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kahurangi Point 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.