Sabik 5-Tier LED 350H Lights the Way at Historic Godley Head, New Zealand
When the iconic lighthouse at Godley Head was decommissioned following earthquake damage, a critical aid to navigation was lost. Thanks to local advocacy and modern technology, a Sabik 5-tier LED 350H lantern now shines from the headland once more—providing powerful, long-range guidance for vessels approaching Lyttelton Harbour.
Background & Challenge
The Banks Peninsula in New Zealand is home to Godley Head, a historically significant maritime landmark at the northern entrance to Lyttelton Harbour. The site has long served as a navigational beacon for vessels approaching the port—a key gateway to the Canterbury region. The original lighthouse at Godley Head, first proposed in 1849, was the second ever erected in New Zealand and operated for nearly 150 years.
However, the structure ultimately succumbed to time and nature. Harsh coastal storms had eroded the cliffs beneath it, and a series of powerful earthquakes—including the devastating 22 February 2011 quake—sealed its fate. While the historic lighthouse was salvaged for preservation, its guiding light was lost, leaving a critical gap in the port’s approach navigation.
In a time when GPS and digital charts dominate maritime navigation, the absence of a visual landmark was still keenly felt. Local mariners, including Captain Dave McLoughlin, emphasized the enduring value of visual aids:
“Even in these modern days of GPS and electronic charts, there’s something quite reassuring about seeing the light as you approach a port—where would we be without these lights if the ship’s electronics fail?”
Solution for Long-Range Port Guidance – High-Powered 5-Tier LED 350H
Following sustained efforts by three concerned individuals—Bill Oliver, Bryce Gordon, and Dave McLoughlin—the Environment Canterbury Regional Council (ECan) took on the task of reinstating the light at Godley Head. Their goal: to deliver a durable, low-maintenance, long-range light source that could serve mariners for years to come.
The chosen solution was the Sabik 5-tier LED 350H, a high-performance marine lantern known for its exceptional visibility and reliability. Key features of the 5-tier configuration include:
- Intense, focused LED output, suitable for demanding coastal sites
- Nominal range up to 36 nautical miles in favourable conditions
- Solar compatibility for autonomous operation in remote locations
- Rugged, tiered modular design for scalable optical performance
The lantern was installed at the redesigned lighthouse tower and officially began operation at dusk on 7 December 2015, marking a new era for safe entry into Lyttelton Harbour.
Outcome: A Modern Light Restores a Legacy – 36NM Visibility from Godley Head
The reactivation of the Godley Head light represents both a technical success and a symbolic return of a treasured maritime guide. The Sabik 5-tier LED 350H not only restored a crucial point of visual navigation, but also did so with modern, efficient, and low-maintenance technology.
In clear conditions, the lantern’s powerful beam has been detected from up to 36 nautical miles offshore, offering reassurance to mariners and honoring the historic role of Godley Head as a welcoming landmark.
Sabik’s contribution to this project reflects its continued global presence in harsh and high-visibility applications—from historic ports to remote coastal installations.
Featured Marine Products
LED 350 H
