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Manukau Harbour Lighthouses Lighthouse

F White🇳🇿Franklin, NZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Manukau Harbour Lighthouses Lighthouse

The Manukau Harbour lighthouse stands on the southwest side of Auckland, marking the entrance to Manukau Harbour from the Tasman Sea. This octagonal wooden tower, built in 2006, reaches a height of 9 meters, with its light positioned at 117 meters. It displays a single white flash, visible for 26.6 nautical miles. The structure is a replica of the original 1874 lighthouse and features the preserved cast iron lantern and Fresnel lens from the previous structure. Access to the site was impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, but repairs allowed for its reopening in 2025.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for guiding vessels through the strait that connects Manukau Harbour to the Tasman Sea. Its reconstruction, including the reinstallation of the original Fresnel lens, preserves a link to New Zealand's maritime history and serves as a community landmark.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F White
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
White
Raw Code
F W
Focal Height
117m
Geographic Range
26.6NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2006
First Lit
2008

Significant events: reconstruction by Manukau community, dedicated by Prime Minister Helen Clark in 2006, road closed by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, reopened in 2025

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Onehunga(13.4 km)
ARLHS No.
NZL-033

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white with black lantern
Material
wood

Structure: octagonal wood tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Franklin
Country
🇳🇿New Zealand
Region
Auckland
Sea Region
Tasman Sea, Manukau Harbour, southwest side of Auckland, marks the entrance to Manukau Harbour
Latitude
-37.0507°
Longitude
174.5455°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Manukau Harbour Lighthouses Lighthouse at night?+
Manukau Harbour Lighthouses displays the characteristic F White. 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 Manukau Harbour Lighthouses Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Manukau Harbour Lighthouses Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Onehunga (Manukau Harbour) at 13.4 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Kauri Point (15.5 NM NNE), Chelsea (16.5 NM NNE), Auckland (16.6 NM NE), ORAKEI (17.4 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Manukau Harbour Lighthouses Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Manukau Harbour 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 Manukau Harbour Lighthouses Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Manukau Harbour 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.