With more than 15,000km (9,320 miles) of coastline, it’s no surprise that New Zealand has 40 lighthouses guarding the rocky shores. Most of these historic buildings have been restored and are accessible to visitors but only 23 are still active. But at least visiting some of these isolated lighthouses is a must on a backpacker road trip! At the end of the land where birds dominate and the sea roars, you can really find your inspiration in any creative type’s dream!
The lonely lighthouses are also a reminder of New Zealand’s maritime history, as combined they overlook around 120 shipwreck sites. (I will hope to share more with you all soon more about these as I take you all on a journey around different parts of New Zealand to let you all know what different parts have to offer to you all.)
I have shared with you more in-depth details/information for each of the lighthouses that are still around New Zealand for you all to enjoy and they are all on separate pages for you all to enjoy the read.
1. Waipapa Point
Built after New Zealand’s worst shipwreck that claimed the lives of 131 passengers, Waipapa lighthouse guards the eastern entrance of Foveaux Strait. Pay your respects to half the victims of this tragic shipwreck at the cemetery nearby. It’s also a good place to spot sea lions in The Catlins.
Location: Catlins, Southland, South Island
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Nugget Point
Probably the most spectacular lighthouse of the country, Nugget Point lighthouse is perched high up above its “nuggets” of rock splitting the sea in half. Oh yeah, and this is in The Catlins too.
Location: Catlins, Otago, South Island
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Somes Island
Only accessible by ferry, Somes Island was a quarantine island for newcomers to the country, both humans and animals. The small lighthouse was only used for about 40 years as it was not powerful enough to guide ships. It was replaced by a much bigger brick tower.
Location: Wellington, North Island
© Duane Weller on Flickr4. Cape Reinga
Isolated: yes. Loneliest: not anymore! New Zealand’s most visited lighthouse marks the top of the country. Sit by the lighthouse to witness the continuous battle between the waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean for the control of this legendary Maori landmark.
Location: Northland, North Island
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Cape Campbell
Made challenging to visit by the ever-changing tide, this lighthouse has marked the southern entrance of the Cook Straight since 1870.
Location: Marlborough, South Island
© Zaqrfv on Wikipedia6. Katiki Point
This lighthouse is not hard to find near the famous Moeraki Boulders. Follow Lighthouse Road from the land to reach this white tower. Venture on the path along the cliff nearby to spot rare yellow-eyed penguins and fur seals.
Location: Otago, South Island
© Benchill on Wikipedia7. Cape Palliser
The lighthouse marks the southernmost point of New Zealand’s North Island and guards the site of over 20 ships resting place. It also shelters a fur seal colony and is fully accessible to those that are fit enough to climb 250 steps.
Location: Wellington, North Island
© NZPocketGuide.com8. East Cape
The easternmost point of New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise every morning. This spot is a meeting point for hopeless romantic travellers in search of a unique sunrise experience.
Location: Eastland, North Island
© NZPocketGuide.com
9. Cape Egmont
This tall white structure dropped on the bright green turf and deep blue water is easy to spot even from the top of Mt Taranaki! It is a must-stop during your road trip on Surf Highway 45.
Location: Taranaki, North Island
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Pencarrow Head
New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse is the lonely landmark of the Wellington Harbour entrance. Dropped on rocky coastline and battered by rough waters, the lighthouse is a great day out from Wellington for those in need of a stunning reminder of the power of the sea.
Location: Wellington, North Island
© Phillip Capper on Wikipedia
