Waipapa Point Lighthouse. © Anke Ruwette

Waipapā Point: wild and windy

TAP FOR MORE INFO:

Right at the bottom of the South Island, the remote and rugged coastline at Waipapā Point is home to one of the last wooden lighthouses built in New Zealand.

Originally known in Māori as Waipapapa, which means shallow waters, this is also the site of New Zealand’s worst civilian shipwreck in 1881.

The photogenic lighthouse was built shortly after on the edge of Foveaux Strait, and was first lit on New Year’s Day, 1884. 

Today, you can visit Waipapā Point for lighthouse photo ops and the chance to spot local wildlife. 

Sea lions whakahao and hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguins, are regularly in residence here. 

While there are no formed walking tracks around the lighthouse, you can wander the sandy beach at this curious corner of The Catlins. 



Explore more…

More stories like this

Find out more

Get outdoors

Head offshore to Ulva Island

Ulva Island, a 266-hectare island sanctuary is set in Paterson Inlet, just off the north-eastern coast of Stewart Island. Read the story . . . 

Find out more

Road trips

Experience the natural highlights of the Catlins

The remote and rugged corner of the South Island’s south-eastern coast, known as the Catlins, is like a highlight reel of all the best bits nature has to offer. Read the story . . . 

Find out more

Get outdoors

Walk, ride or drive along Ōreti Beach

Ōreti Beach runs for 26 kilometres along the southern coast of the South Island.  Read the story . . . 

Find out more

Get outdoors

Loved by the locals: Southland

From Great Walks and day trips to remote and beautiful beaches and Must-Do Stewart Island, check out a local's picks for the Southern part of New Zealand. Read the story . . .