Waipapa Point

BY NICK MORTIMER (GNS)
Accessibility: EASY
Wind-bent macrocarpa hedge, Waipapa Point (Nick Mortimer/GNS Science)
Middle Jurassic conglomerates and sandstones are exposed here on the back beach and in reefs. Silicified logs and wood can be seen here, but are not as common as at Curio Bay. There are also expansive views of the area.
Silicified logs near the lighthouse (Nick Mortimer/GNS Science)
On the Catlins coast between Fortrose and Papatowai, subhorizontal, cross-bedded fluvial to shallow marine sandstones, pebbly sandstones and grits of Temaikan (Middle Jurassic) Ferndale Group are exposed. These are the youngest Murihiku rocks in Southland. It is interesting to reflect that at the same time in the Median Batholith, molten granites were being intruded at 1000 deg C and also at the same time, Otago Schist rocks were being squeezed and deformed at depth at temperatures of 400 deg C.
Close-up of silicified wood at Waipapa Point (Nick Mortimer/GNS Science)
Very gently dipping complexly interbedded sandstone, pebble sandstone and conglomerate are exposed in the beach platform and run out to sea to the SSE in reefs. The reefs define the horizontal strike of the beds which dip 150/5NE. White, flattened, silicified logs and broken branches are most common immediately south of the lighthouse. These are not in 'Curio Bay concentrations', and neither are any stumps visible. The association with gravel deposits suggests destruction of a forest in a flooding event.

On a clear day there are views of Ruapuke Island (27 km at 244), Bluff Hill (40 km at 277) and the Three Sisters Hill near Omaui (47 km at 287).
Directions/Advisory

Take the Catlins coastal route between Fortrose and Waikawa. About 11 km from Fortrose, at Otara Community Hall, turn south on Waipapa Otara Road (gravel). Drive for another 4.6 km and park in the Waipapa Point car park at -46.6593, 168.8502. There is a small information booth and a toilet.

Geologically, culturally and scenically, Waipapa Point offers much more than Slope Point (12 km east). Slope Point is the southernmost point of the South Island but there is no beach access and the only rocks are indifferently exposed conglomerates, poking out of the topsoil near the lighthouse.

Watch for seals and sealions on the beach, they are quire common. Give them a wide berth. Also watch for large waves. The rocks at Waipapa Point are best viewed at mid tide or lower but (unlike Curio bay) it is still possible to see something above mid tide.

Google Directions

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Accessibility: EASY

From the carpark walk towards the lighthouse and head to the rocks on the beach beyond.

Features
Sedimentary Fossils
Geological Age
Jurassic, Murihiku Terrane.
Zealandia Evolution Sequence
Eastern Province (Mesozoic growth): 300 – 110 million years ago