“Slope Point” is the southernmost point of New Zealand’s South Island. It lies 4803 km (2984 mi) from the South Pole and 5140 km (3194 mi) from the equator. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding ocean and coastline.
The place is regularly exposed to extreme weather conditions including heavy winds. The fierce and cold Antarctic winds can uninterruptedly travel over the Southern Ocean for 3,200 km (2,000 miles) and turn trees into strange but somehow beautiful statues.
Slope Point: the southernmost point of New Zealand
Slope Point is about 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the small settlement of Waikawa, a small settlement at the mouth of the Waikawa River in Southland, New Zealand, at the southwestern edge of The Catlins. The Catlins (sometimes referred to as The Catlins Coast) comprise an area in the southeastern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. Its latitude, longitude is approximately 46.67 S, 169.00 E. There is no public access during the lambing season (September – November). “The Official Website of The Catlins” warns: “Please respect the animals and do not disturb the livestock (sheep and/or cattle) if present.”
The location is continuously exposed to intense and often fierce westerly winds blowing in from the Southern Ocean. Because of these winds, the trees in the area are notably windswept, growing at unique angles that are almost horizontal to the ground, a testament to the force of nature in this region.
Today, Slope Point is predominantly used for sheep farming. Due to the lack of shelter from the cold winds, there are no permanent residential structures. Farmers from neighboring areas bring their sheep to graze in this region.
While it’s not a major tourist spot due to its remote location, visitors to Slope Point can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and coastline. To get to Slope Point, one has to drive and then walk a 20-minute path through farmland. There’s a signpost at Slope Point indicating the distance to the Equator and the South Pole.
I read these words below on a cyclist’s blog:
“…this was a long day and the last 10 or so kilometers were on a hilly gravel road. When we arrived at Slope Point Backpackers (see notes 1), the owner was great and sent us down the road to an old three-bedroom farmhouse they’d recently purchased. She even sold Eric a few bottles of beer.”
So, it seems the land (or a piece of it) has an owner? and there is a farmhouse nearby.
There is also a solar-powered lighthouse located nearby, serving as an essential navigation point for vessels in the surrounding waters.
Overall, Slope Point is a testament to the wild, rugged beauty that characterizes much of New Zealand’s landscape. For those willing to venture off the beaten path, it offers a serene and picturesque view of the vastness of the Southern Ocean and a genuine feel of nature’s raw power.
Notes
- Slope Point Backpackers is an accommodation near Slope Point. Their website says that it is only minutes away from forest walks, the Haldane Estuary, Slope Point, Curio Bay, Waipapa Point, and walks along the rugged Catlin’s coast. It’s all here ready to be explored.
Sources
- Slope Point on Wikipedia
- Slope Point on catlinz.org.nz
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