Isolated on the Edge of New Zealand…
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 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.
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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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.com9. 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
10. 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
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Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
About The Author
Laura S.
This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.