Waipapa Point Lighthouse

Waipapa Point Lighthouse is a 13 meter tall wooden structure with a white tower, red trim details, and a grey lantern dome. The building features a hexagonal design with a surrounding balcony and has operated on solar power since 1988.

The lighthouse was built in 1883 following the wreck of SS Tararua, which struck the reefs in this area and killed more than 130 people. This disaster prompted authorities to establish a navigation aid at this hazardous location.

The lighthouse serves as a familiar landmark for fishermen and seafarers navigating these remote waters, providing visual bearings during their journeys. Its distinctive red and white colors remain an enduring symbol of maritime life in this southern region.

The lighthouse sits at the southwestern tip of the South Island and is best reached when weather conditions are clear and calm. Visitors should come prepared with warm clothing, as this location experiences strong winds and weather can change rapidly.

This is one of the last two wooden lighthouses ever built in New Zealand, making it a rare example of this construction method. Its hexagonal shape with the surrounding balcony sets it apart from later lighthouses that were primarily built from stone or steel.

Location: Southland Region

Inception: 1883

Height: 13 m

Made from material: lumber

GPS coordinates: -46.66000,168.84700

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:20