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Steep Head Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇳🇿Banks Peninsula Community, NZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Steep Head Lighthouse

The Steep Head light structure consists of a 4-meter tall, round concrete tower, painted white and set on a concrete pad. Its focal plane is 156 meters above sea level. The light displays a white flash every 5 seconds and has a visible distance of 30.2 nautical miles. Located at the eastern edge of Banks Peninsula in New Zealand's Canterbury region, it is 8.5 kilometers from Akaroa.

Why it matters: This navigation aid marks the easternmost point of Banks Peninsula, aiding ships in traversing this rocky coastline.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
156m
Geographic Range
30.2NM

Location

City
Banks Peninsula Community
Country
🇳🇿New Zealand
Region
Canterbury
Sea Region
eastern tip of the rugged Banks Peninsula
Latitude
-43.7454°
Longitude
173.1281°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
3.9624m
Tower Shape
round
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: A 4m round lantern mounted on a concrete pad, painted white.

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Akaroa(8.5 km)
Admiralty No.
K4310
NGA No.
5280
ARLHS No.
NZL-086
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Steep Head Lighthouse at night?+
Steep Head displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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 Steep Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Steep Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Akaroa at 8.2 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Lyttelton (19.6 NM WNW), Rolleston (33.8 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Steep Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Steep Head 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 Steep Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Steep Head 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.