Waipapa Point Lighthouse, The Catlins

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Last Updated on January 31, 2022 by Jon Algie

Located (almost) at the tip of the South Island, Waipapa Point Lighthouse is right at the end of the region known as the Catlins, one of New Zealand’s most sight-filled stretches of coastline. It’s a bit out of the way but is definitely worth the gravel road drive to get there.

Visiting Waipapa Point Lighthouse

Waipapa Point Lighthouse was built in 1883, a couple of years after 131 people died in a shipwreck nearby.

From the car park it’s a 5-minute walk to the lighthouse, which towers over scrubby tussock and a rocky bit of coastline. You can’t go inside, but it’s worth walking around a bit to get different views of it. There isn’t much to see at the lighthouse itself, but the surrounds are scenic.

Waipapa Point Lighthouse, the Catlins, New ZealandWaipapa Point Lighthouse walk, the Catlins, New Zealand

You can walk down the beach, where you may spot sea lions or other water-based wildlife. It’s also a good idea to take the coastal path back to the car park. From there you’ll get some views of the beach below and the coastline winding towards Slope Point.

Beach view from Waipapa Point Lighthouse, New Zealand

On the way to the lighthouse we saw Stewart Island in the distance. You can take a ferry from Bluff. I went there a couple of times as a kid then again recently (2021). It’s a really special place and quite unique in New Zealand — get there if you can!

READ MORE: 23 of the best things to do in the Catlins

Getting to Waipapa Point Lighthouse

Waipapa Point Lighthouse is located down a mostly gravel road, around 30 km from Curio Bay. It’s an easy drive which also leads to Slope Point, the most southern point of the South Island. If you’re up for a longer walk you should visit Waipohatu Falls — there are a couple of waterfalls on the track and they’re just as nice as the more iconic waterfalls in the Catlins.

Waipohatu Falls, the Catlins, New Zealand

Are you planning a trip to the Catlins? Check out our Catlins itinerary for lots of inspiration and planning advice.

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Jon Algie

I'm a South Island local -- born in Timaru and raised in Dunedin. I left the island in 2006 and returned 10 years later. Having seen a good chunk of the world I realised how special this place is -- the most beautiful island in the world! Seven years (and almost 400 posts) later I'm still helping locals and tourists alike plan their trips around the South Island.