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Tuaheni Lighthouse

Q red 8s🇳🇿Gisborne, NZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tuaheni Lighthouse

Also known as: Tuaheni (Tuahine, Tuahene) Point

Constructed in 1911, the Tuaheni Lighthouse stands on a tall concrete pillar supporting an 8-meter octagonal cast iron tower. This structure, which includes a lantern and gallery, now shows signs of ruin. The tower itself reaches a height of 24 meters, with its light positioned at a focal height of 128 meters. Despite its deteriorated state, the lighthouse remains operational, emitting a quick red flash every 43 seconds. The site is accessible to the public, though the tower is closed. The lighthouse is located near Gisborne, New Zealand.

Why it matters: The Tuaheni Lighthouse's continued operation, despite its ruined tower, underscores its practical value for maritime safety along the New Zealand coast. Its distinctive octagonal cast iron tower atop a concrete pillar provides a unique architectural profile.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q red 8s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
red
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Q.R. 43
Focal Height
128m
Geographic Range
27.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1911

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
24m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete, cast iron

Structure: structure, including an 8 m (26 ft) octagonal cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, now in ruins, perched atop a tall concrete pillar

Location

City
Gisborne
Country
🇳🇿New Zealand
Region
Gisborne
Latitude
-38.7078°
Longitude
178.0693°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Gisborne(3.1 km)
Admiralty No.
K3954
NGA No.
4460
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tuaheni Lighthouse at night?+
Tuaheni displays the characteristic Q red 8s. 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tuaheni Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tuaheni Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 1 nearby port. The closest is Gisborne at 3 NM to the NW. Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tuaheni Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tuaheni 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 Tuaheni Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tuaheni 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.