Waipapa (1884)
The scene of New Zealand's worst ship wreck, the Waipapa Reef claimed 131 lives when the S S Tararua run aground in the early hours of April 29th 1881. After nine hours of pounding by heavy surf the steamer broke up and sunk leaving only 20 survivors. 65 of those lost were buried at the Tararua Acre near the present day lighthouse. The remaining were buried at Fortrose Cemetery.
To prevent further tragedies a lighthouse was erected and on 1 January 1884 the light was lit by the first keeper Arthur Ericson.
This would be the last wooden lighthouse built.
The lighthouse was automated in 1976.
DIRECTIONS:
A good way to see both Nugget Point and Waipapa Point lighthouses is to follow the "Southern Scenic Route" and "Heritage Trails" from Balclutha to Invercargill through the Catlins area..
From the town of Otara, Waipapa Point lighthouse can be reached by following Waipapa Lighthouse Road for about 5km. The road is sealed/gravel.
| Island | South |
| Province | Southland |
| Location | Catlins |
| Number | K4384 |
| Date Commissioned | January 1884 |
| Date Decommissioned | |
| Automated | September 1976 |
| Latitude | 46° 40' South |
| Longitude | 168° 51' East |
| Elevation Above Sea Level | 21m |
| Height | 13m |
| Character | White light flashes five times every 20 seconds |
| Range | 9 N. miles (11 km) |
| Made | Lantern made in England |
| Construction | White wooden tower |
| Converted Kerosene To Diesel | |
| Converted Diesel To Mains Electricity | Converted to solar power 1988 |
| Wattage | |
| Present Tower | Original |
| Authority | |
| Date Visited | 5 January, 2000 |
| Head Keeper | From | To |
| Assistant Keeper (1st) | From | To |
Text and photographs. Copyright © 1999-2005 Mark Phillips. All rights reserved.