Waipapa Point facts for kids
Waipapa Point is a rocky piece of land that sticks out into the sea on the south coast of Foveaux Strait in New Zealand. It is located on the South Island, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) southeast of the mouth of the Mataura River. This point is at the very southwestern end of an area called the Catlins.
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Waipapa Point: A Special Place
Waipapa Point is a well-known spot in New Zealand. It is a promontory, which means it is a high piece of land that reaches out into the sea. This point is found on the southern coast of the South Island, facing the Foveaux Strait. It marks the edge of a beautiful region known as the Catlins, famous for its rugged coastline and wildlife.
The Dangerous Coastline
The coastline around the Catlins is known for being quite dangerous for ships. Over the years, many ships have been wrecked in this area. This part of the sea can have strong currents and rough weather, making it tricky for boats to navigate safely.
The Tararua Shipwreck
One of the most famous and tragic shipwrecks in New Zealand's history happened near Waipapa Point. This was the wreck of the passenger ship Tararua. On April 29, 1881, the Tararua was traveling from Port Chalmers to Melbourne, stopping in Bluff. Sadly, it hit rocks off Waipapa Point. Out of 151 people on board, only 20 survived. This event was one of New Zealand's worst shipping disasters.
The Waipapa Point Lighthouse
Because of the terrible Tararua shipwreck, a lighthouse was built at Waipapa Point. It started working in 1884. This lighthouse, along with the old Kaipara North Head lighthouse, was one of the last two lighthouses in New Zealand made mostly of wood. The Waipapa Point lighthouse is still working today. It was made automatic in 1976, meaning it no longer needs people to operate it all the time.
See also
In Spanish: Punta Waipapa para niños
