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Tutukaka Head Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇳🇿NZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tutukaka Head Lighthouse

Also known as: Tutukaka Head (South Gable)

A square pyramidal concrete tower, painted white, stands 4 meters tall at Tutukaka Head. Built in 1940, this structure is topped by a mast equipped with wind measuring instruments. The lighthouse emits a single white flash every 10 seconds. Its focal height is 92 meters, providing a geographic range of 24 nautical miles. The tower itself is closed to the public, but the site on Kukutauwhao Island is accessible.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels into Tutukaka harbor, a key entry point for local shipping and recreational craft.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
92m
Geographic Range
24NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1940

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
4m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: square pyramidal concrete tower painted white; the tower is topped by a mast carrying wind measuring instruments

Location

Country
🇳🇿New Zealand
Region
Northland
Sea Region
Kukutauwhao Island, north side of the entrance to Tutukaka harbor northeast of Whangarai, New Zealand
Latitude
-35.6115°
Longitude
174.5462°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Whangarei(12.7 km)
ARLHS No.
NZL-072
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tutukaka Head Lighthouse at night?+
Tutukaka Head displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. 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 Tutukaka Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tutukaka Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Whangarei at 12.8 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Marsden Point (13.6 NM S), Portland (15.9 NM SW), Opua (27.5 NM NW), MANGAWHAI (28.7 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tutukaka Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tutukaka 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 Tutukaka Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tutukaka 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.