Waipapa Point lighthouse, near Invercargill, has been restored to make it weatherproof and secure from vandalism; while ensuring its historic character is retained.

In 2007 Maritime New Zealand carried out a coating trial to work out the best way to restore the Waipapa Point lighthouse. The original design and age of the tower meant that no existing approved coating system could be used.

Waipapa Point lighthouse restoration
The restoration included the following:

removal of the original coating system and application of the new system
exterior cladding joints were resealed
the upper lantern room deck was replaced with a modern membrane
the lantern room was restored, including the replacement of nine panels
the repair of rotten timber found during the coating removal process.

The full external restoration was carried out in 2008 using the coating system identified in the 2007 trial.

A small amount of further work will be carried out in 2009.

Maritime New Zealand’s role in lighthouse restoration

Maritime New Zealand has an annual programme of lighthouse maintenance and restoration work.

Restoration work was done on the following lighthouses during 2006 and 2007:

East Cape
Mokohinau Island
Katiki Point
Tiritiri Matangi
Kahurangi Point.

Our primary role however is providing functioning and reliable aids to navigation (lighthouses and lightbeacons) for all vessels transiting New Zealand’s coastline.

Waipapa Point Lighthouse profile

Contact Maritime New Zealand

If you would like more information about the restoration of the Waipapa Point lighthouse, please contact Maritime New Zealand.

Contact Maritime New Zealand