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Steeple Rock Lighthouse

Iso Red/White 6s🇳🇿Wellington, NZOperational

Steeple Rock Lighthouse is an octagonal masonry tower standing 8 meters tall, with its focal plane at 7 meters above sea level. The structure is painted white and features a single narrow red horizontal band around its exterior. This lighthouse emits an isophase white or red light, alternating on a 6-second cycle, visible for 9.3 nautical miles. It is situated on the west side of the channel leading into Wellington Harbour, New Zealand, approximately 3.1 kilometers from the city's nearest port. The site is accessible to visitors, though the tower itself is not open for entry.

Why it matters: This light is essential for guiding vessels through the western side of the channel into Wellington Harbour, clearly delineating the safe passage. Its distinct red or white illumination helps mariners orient themselves and avoid hazards when entering the port.

Characteristic Signature
Iso Red/White 6s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
Red/White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Iso R or W 6s
Focal Height
7m
Geographic Range
9.3NM
City
Wellington
Country
🇳🇿New Zealand
Region
Wellington
Sea Region
west side of the entrance channel to Wellington Harbour, New Zealand
Latitude
-41.3243°
Longitude
174.8376°
Nearest Port
Wellington(3.1 km)
Admiralty No.
K4011
NGA No.
4604
Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white with a narrow red horizontal band
Material
masonry

Structure: octagonal tower colored white with a narrow red horizontal band

Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Steeple Rock Lighthouse at night?+
Steeple Rock displays the characteristic Iso Red/White 6s. 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 red/white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Steeple Rock Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Steeple Rock Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Burnham Wharf at 2.2 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Shelly Bay (2.6 NM NNW), Wellington (3.1 NM N), Lower hutt (5.7 NM NNE), PORIRUA (13.5 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Steeple Rock Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Steeple Rock 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 Steeple Rock Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Steeple Rock 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.