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Square & Landmark

Waipapa Point Lighthouse

📍 Waipapa Point, Catlins, Southland, New Zealand
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★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
New Zealand
Category
Square & Landmark
Duration
1 hour
Address
Waipapa Point, Catlins, Southland, New Zealand
Coordinates
-46.6600, 169.0300

Introduction

Waipapa Point Lighthouse stands on the Catlins coast of Southland and is among the last wooden lighthouses built in New Zealand, first lit in 1884. Its construction is tied to a grim disaster: in 1881 the SS Tararua struck a reef nearby and more than a hundred people died, one of the worst shipwrecks in New Zealand history, and the light was raised to mark this dangerous stretch of coast. The wooden tower with its red trim is modest in form, set against open grassland and the South Pacific. Fur seals and sea lions are often seen here, making it a good stop alongside the other natural sights of the Catlins.

✨ Highlights

01
Historic wooden lighthouse
First lit in 1884, one of the last wooden lighthouses built in New Zealand.
02
SS Tararua memorial
The 1881 shipwreck, one of the country's deadliest, led to the lighthouse being built.
03
Seals and sea lions
Fur seals are often seen along the coast here, with sea lions occasionally resting on the grass and rocks.
04
Catlins coastal scenery
Open grassland meeting the South Pacific, easy to combine with other Catlins sights.

🛈 Practical Info

→Time needed：About 30–45 minutes
→Notes：The coast is windy and changeable; bring a windproof jacket and grippy shoes
→Opening Hours：Open outdoor site, accessible all day; the tower itself is not open to the public
→Ticket Information：Free
→Transportation：Drive the Catlins coastal route from Invercargill or Dunedin; parking available on site

💡 Tips

• Catlins weather turns fast — check road and weather conditions before setting out.
• Seals often lie on the rocks and grass; keep your distance and never approach pups.
• Mobile signal is patchy here, so download offline maps in advance.
• Late-afternoon light brings out the best colour in the lighthouse and grassland.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Waipapa Point Lighthouse?

Open outdoor site, accessible all day; the tower itself is not open to the public

How much is the admission for Waipapa Point Lighthouse?

Free

Any practical tips for visiting Waipapa Point Lighthouse?

Catlins weather turns fast — check road and weather conditions before setting out. Seals often lie on the rocks and grass; keep your distance and never approach pups.

How long should I spend at Waipapa Point Lighthouse?

A typical visit takes 1 hour.