Slope Point is the southern point
of New Zealand’s South Island, famous due to consistently lashed with fierce
and cold southwesterly winds that blow up from Antarctica. In this region the
wind is so strong and persistent, that caused the trees twisted, warped and
constantly bent along the direction the wind blows. The Slope Point is mainly
used for sheep farming, and aside from a few sheep, no humans or other animals
live on this part of the island.
However, there’re some derelict
shacks built under the protection of the windswept trees, but even those are
abandoned. The marvelously steep cliffs drop down to the sea below. Here, the
scenes are truly astonishing over the rocky coastline and surrounding cliffs.
Although, there is a slight signpost that shows the distance to the Equator and
the South Pole, and a small solar-powered lighthouse stands on the farmland. Yet
like virtually everywhere else in New Zealand you will find hardy creatures
need some shelter from the elements and so, many decades ago, local farmers
planted saplings which they hoped would meet the expense of their animals some
respite from the often savagely inclement weather.
Please keep in mind that there
are no proper roads to Slope Point, but it can be reached by a 20-minute walk
following dilapidated yellow markers. It is maybe hard to believe this challenging
micro-climate is only a few hours’ drive from the fiords and rain forests of
Milford Sound. As such Slope Point
contributes to the excellent and idiosyncratic beauty of New Zealand - the
broad diversity of landscapes in the vicinity each other. There is no public access
during the lambing season starting September to November.