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Nelson Lighthouse

🇳🇿Nelson, NZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Nelson Lighthouse

Also known as: Nelson (Boulder Bank)

The Nelson Lighthouse, built in 1862, stands as an 18-meter octagonal cast iron tower. Its white-painted exterior contrasts with a black lantern roof, and it features a gallery. This operational lighthouse is located just 0.6 kilometers from the port of Nelson. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds of this historic structure. The lighthouse is open to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse aids ships navigating local New Zealand waters, with its long operational history demonstrating consistent utility for maritime traffic.

Tower & Structure

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

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

Location

City
Nelson
Country
🇳🇿New Zealand
Region
Nelson
Latitude
-41.2547°
Longitude
173.2652°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nelson(0.6 km)
ARLHS No.
NZL-004

Construction & History

Year Built
1862

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ports and harbors does Nelson Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Nelson Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nelson at 0.5 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Port Nelson (0.7 NM S), HAVELOCK (22.8 NM E), Tarakohe (30.8 NM NNW), Picton (33.6 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Nelson Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Nelson 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 Nelson Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Nelson 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.