A lot of lighthouses aren’t that accessible. There are 23 active lighthouses in New Zealand. The Waipapa Point Lighthouse looks like it would be accessible from online image searches and The Catlins official website. These sites need to update their photographs. The native bush and trees have grown up around the lighthouse making it difficult to see and photograph. You can follow the path shown here to get closer to the lighthouse but it is surrounded by a wire fence. There’s also a lighthouse keepers cottage next to the lighthouse which is a private residence. So no jumping over the fence for a sneaky close up. It was worth the visit if you find yourself in the Catlins getting bored with waterfalls. The Waipapa Point Coastal walk as less than 15 minutes each way from the carpark. One of the best places on this part of the coast to watch the sea birds and marine mammals.
Taking only photographs – leaving only footprints
