Slope Point

{{short description|Southernmost point of New Zealand's South Island}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2015}}

{{Use New Zealand English|date=June 2015}}

{{Infobox landform

| type = Point

| name = Slope Point

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| pushpin_map_alt = Location in New Zealand

| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Slope Point in New Zealand

| location = Southland District, New Zealand

| coordinates = {{coord|46|40|31.39|S|169|00|20.34|E|region:NZ_type:landmark|display=title,inline}}

| water_bodies = Pacific Ocean

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Slope Point is the southernmost point of the South Island of New Zealand.{{cite news |last1=Wade |first1=Pamela |title=World famous in New Zealand: Slope Point, Southland |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/southland/106397016/world-famous-in-new-zealandslope-point-southland |access-date=24 January 2023 |work=Stuff |date=26 August 2018}}

Slope Point lies {{convert|24|km}} south of the small settlement of Waikawa,{{cite web |title=Slope Point |url=https://www.catlins.org.nz/plan/captivating-activities/scenic-highlights/slope-point/ |publisher=Catlins Coast Inc. |access-date=24 January 2023}} near the southwestern edge of the Catlins and Toetoes Bay and {{convert|70|km}} east of Invercargill. A nearby locality—Haldane—was named after the original European settlers, the Haldane family.

The land around Slope Point is used for sheep farming with no houses anywhere nearby. Eroded cliffs drop down to the sea below. An AA signpost there shows the distance to the Equator and the South Pole, and a small solar-powered lighthouse stands on farmland.

There is no road to Slope Point; it can be reached by a 20-minute walk following dilapidated yellow markers. Its latitude, longitude is approximately 46.67 S, 169.00 E. There is no public access during the lambing season (September – November).

File:Slope Point (4).jpg|The AA signpost at Slope Point

File:slopepointcliff.jpg|A view to the sea from the area around Slope Point