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Mokohinau Islands Lighthouse

Fl W 10s🇳🇿North Island (Auckland Region), NZInactive

Location & Light Range

About Mokohinau Islands Lighthouse

A 14-meter-tall tower was erected in 1883 on Burgess Island, part of the Mokohinau Islands off New Zealand's North Island. First lit in June of that year, its focal height reaches 122 meters, casting a white light visible for 19 nautical miles. The light produces a single white flash every 10 seconds. The lighthouse was deactivated during World War II, with concerns about enemy activity leading to its temporary extinguishment. It resumed operation in 1947 and was automated in 1980, now monitored remotely.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the entrance to the Hauraki Gulf, guiding vessels approaching Auckland from the north and northeast.

Background
Mokohinau Islands Lighthouse is a lighthouse on Burgess Island, one of the Mokohinau Islands, which lie off the northeast coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is owned and operated by Maritime New Zealand. The lighthouse sits at the entrance to the Hauraki Gulf as the landfall light for vessels approaching Auckland from the north and northeast. The lighthouse was built in 1883 and first lit during June of that year. Its isolated position, approximately 50 km northeast of Cape Rodney makes it one of the most distant lighthouses from the mainland. During World War II, the lighthouse was turned off as a German destroyer was suspected to be in the area laying mines. The lighthouse was not relit until 1947. In 1980, the lighthouse was fully automated and the lighthouse keepers were withdrawn. The lighthouse is now monitored remotely from Wellington. The white light flashes every 10 seconds and can be seen for 19 nautical miles (35 km).

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 10s
Focal Height
122m
Geographic Range
19NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1883

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
K3734
NGA No.
3984
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q1943173 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m

Location

City
North Island (Auckland Region)
Country
🇳🇿NZ
Latitude
-35.9045°
Longitude
175.1141°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Mokohinau Islands Lighthouse at night?+
Mokohinau Islands displays the characteristic Fl W 10s — 1 white flash every 10 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.
Which ports and harbors does Mokohinau Islands Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mokohinau Islands Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is PORT FITZROY at 19.6 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Whangaparapara (23.7 NM SSE), MANGAWHAI (27.6 NM WSW), Marsden Point (30.6 NM W), Tryphena (30.8 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mokohinau Islands Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Mokohinau Islands Lighthouse is currently listed as inactive. It may have been decommissioned, replaced by a different navigation aid, or temporarily taken out of service. Mariners should check the latest Notices to Mariners for current status.
How can I track vessels near Mokohinau Islands Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mokohinau Islands 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.