See Rare Sea Lions in the Wild at Waipapa Point, New Zealand

Waipapa Point located in the Catlins area of the South Island of New Zealand, is a not to be missed chance to see rare New Zealand sea lions in the wild and in their natural habitat. There are plenty of opportunities to photogragh the sea lions either sunning themselves on the beach or lying low in the coastal tussock grass. And the best thing people is that the sea lion attraction is an entirely free New Zealand experience and comes without the crowds.

Rare NZ Sea Lions at Waipapa Beach, NZ

Other points of interest at Waipapa Point include the dramatic rocky shore and sandy beach, a lighthouse, and an optional 15 minute cemetery walk to the graves of 131 passengers and crew who perished in the SS Tararua shipwreck in 1881.

The Catlins area lies at the bottom of the South Island of New Zealand and is accessed by car along the “Southern Scenic Route.” It is becoming increasingly popular amongst New Zealand and overseas visitors alike but is still remote enough to be away from the crowds. The Catlins offers unique wildlife along with beaches, streams, lakes, waterfalls, caves and blow holes making it an ideal destination for the travellers looking for dramatic scenery and up close and personal wildlife encounters.

It is a short easy walk to the Waipapa Point Lighthouse

Sea Lions at Waipapa Point

At Waipapa Point visitors are able to view rare New Zealand sea lions in their natural habitat. The sea lions which are mostly male are present most of the year and can be found on the beach and among the coastal tussock. This species, endemic to New Zealand is in the process of recolonising after it was brought close to extinction in the 1800's due to the sealing industry.

Photographing NZ Sea Lions at Waipapa Point

The NZ sea lion is one of the rarest seals in the world with a total population of less than 10000.. It is easily distinguishable from the NZ fur seal as it is larger and has a blunt nose and short whiskers. The male sea lions are brown or black while females are a creamy grey colour. Mature males have a well-developed mane reaching to their shoulders.

New Zealand Sea Lion on the beach at Waipapa Point, NZ

Even though it is easy to get close to the sea lions at Waipapa Point always observe a respectful distance and remember these animals are wild. Do not try to touch them or use an object to poke them. The recommended safe distance from these 300 plus kilo creatures is about 20 metres. Despite their size they can move very quickly on land and are unpredictable if disturbed. They have been known to chase people.

No food of any kind should be given to these sea lions.

Where to View Sea Lions at Waipapa Point
If you look out onto the sandy beach from the sand dunes you are likely to spot sea lions. When I visited Waipapa Point recently (in April)  I came across two males frolicking on the beach close to the lighthouse.at about 1 pm in the afternoon. I saw another in the grass close to the track from the carpark to the lighthouse.

Even at 20 metres away I was easily able to photograph these beautiful creatures. Make sure your camera is set to its highest megapixel rating so that areas of your pictures can be enlarged without too much loss of definition..

New Zealand Sea Lion facts
New Zealand Sea Lion pamphlet

Waipapa Point Lighthouse

The Waipapa Point Lighthouse was the last wooden lighthouse to be built in New Zealand. It is also one of the few to have public access. The lighthouse has been restored and is currently listed as a Category 1 Historic Place with the Historic Places Trust,

Waipapa Point Lighthouse is minutes from the carpark

Waipapa Point is the site of New Zealand’s worst civilian shipwreck in 1881 when the steamship SS Tararua ran aground on the Waipapa Reef killing 131 of 151 passengers and crew. The Waipapa Point Lighthouse which was built following the catastrophe began operation in 1884, The last keepers were withdrawn in 1975 when the station became automated. The lighthouse is still in operation but it is not open for public entry,

SS Tararua Information Sign at Waipapa Point, NZ

Rocky Shore at Waipapa Point

The rocky shore at Waipapa Point is interesting if you have the time to explore. Please help to keep this wonderful place as it is by not removing shells and stones from the rock pools or beach.

Rocky Shore at Waipapa Point, NZ

Tararua Acre Cemetery

It is about 15 minutes from the signpost on the Waipapa Point Lighthouse road. to the Tararua Acre Cemetery where many of the shipwreck victims from the SS Tararau were laid to rest.. The walk is across private property which is closed during lambing (September/October).

What to Take

Warm wind proof jacket
Binoculars
Camera
Snacks and drinks
Sneakers / Cross Trainers if you intend to explore the rocky shore

Time

Allow at least an hour to explore Waipapa Point and photograph its sea lion visitors.

Waipapa Point Facilities

Carparking
Track leading to the lighthouse and around it
Toilet black and shelter
Visitor interpretation signs

Getting to Waipapa Point

Directions from Invercargill to Waipapa Point
If you are travelling from Invercargill allow about an hour driving time, Waipapa Point is likely to be your first stop after Fortrose accessed via the Gorge Road-Invercargill Highway and the Tokanui-Gorge Road Highway - about 40 minutes driving time.

From Fortrose take the Fortrose-Otara Road (6 kms) and then turn right to stay on Fortrose-Otara Road for a further 5.3 kms. Turn right onto Waipapa-Otara Road for a further 2.4 kms and finally continue on to Waipapa Lighthouse Road for just over 2 kms.
Please note that most of the road from Fortrose is unsealed.



Directions from Curio Bay to Waipapa Point
The journey from Curio Bay to Waipapa Point is about 25 kms and takes around 45 minutes to one hour to travel. The road is windy and is largely unsealed.

From Curio Bay head north on the Waikawa-Curio Bay Road for half a kilometre. Then turn left onto the Haldane-Curio Bay Road and continue for 9.2 kms. Continue on to the Tokanui-Haldane Road for about 1.3 kms past the turn off to Slope Point (well worth the 4 km side trip along Slope Point Road). Then continue straight onto the Otara-Haldane Road for another 10.1 kms. Next turn left onto the Waipapa-Otara Road and drive a further 2.4 kms before finally continuing onto the Waipapa Lighthouse Road for 2.1 kms.



Related Links
Selection of Southland's Short Walks Brochure
Waipapa Point Lighthouse
DOC Catlins Brochure - Nugget Point to Waipapa Point
Southern Scenic Route - A Travellers Guide
DOC NZ Sea Lion Facts
New Zealand Sea Lion Pamphlet