Nugget Point Light House |

The Nugget Point lighthouse is a must see if you are visiting the Catlins.

Nugget Point is one of the most distinctive landforms along the Otago coast. It’s a steep headland with a lighthouse and a scattering of rocky islets (The Nuggets).

From the car park it’s a 900m walk to the lighthouse. The path is good, unless like a woman we saw, you are wearing fancy shoes with heels!! Takes all sorts, although it was very funny!

The views from the path and the light house are amazing, there are views along the coastline in both directions. If you look down onto the rocks directly below the lighthouse and along the path, you’ll see the small rocky islands and fur seals playing in rock pools and lying in the sun.

Bring binoculars for close-up viewing of this breeding colony.

Nugget Point is also home to sea lions, sooty shearwaters, shags, yellow-eyed penguins, spoonbills and a breeding colony of gannets. Occasionally, elephant and leopard seals visit the area. If you watch the water for a while, you might see Hector’s dolphins.

Just below the main car park is the Roaring Bay car park. From here it’s a short walk to the lookout and hide, where you can wait for yellow-eyed penguins. Early morning or sunset are the best times for viewing.

How to get there;

From Balclutha follow the road to Kaka Point, then on to Nugget Point, it’s well sign posted. The road is gravel for the last few kilometres but I heard there are plans to seal the road which considering the traffic is a very good idea!

Kaka Point