Southland & Catlins
Nugget Point
A dramatic headland on the Catlins coast, famous for its lighthouse and distinctive offshore rock stacks known as the 'Nuggets'.
About this place
A well-formed 20-minute return track leads to the Tokata Lighthouse, perched high on the point with sweeping views along the coastline. Built in 1870, the lighthouse provides a fantastic viewpoint overlooking the sheer cliffs and the churning ocean below. The walk is relatively easy, but very exposed to the region’s notoriously wild weather.
Below the car park, a viewing hide offers a prime position to observe a large colony of New Zealand fur seals (kekeno) on the rocks. The area is also rich with other seabirds, including shags, gannets, and royal spoonbills. With a bit of luck, you might spot yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) or Hector's dolphins in the surrounding waters.
Fitting it into your itinerary
Allow 1-2 hours for Nugget Point, plus drive time from wherever you spend the night before. Distances in Southland & Catlins look short on a map, but winding roads, roadworks and campervan speeds stretch them, so build this stop around an unhurried day rather than squeezing it between long drives. Best time to go: Accessible year-round, but always be prepared for windy and changeable weather. Check road conditions and seasonal ferry timetables before you lock in dates. It suits travellers who want to slow down and see Southland & Catlins properly rather than tick it off. Send your plan to an Acrossnz advisor and we'll check the timing works.
Time needed
1-2 hours
Best time
Accessible year-round, but always be prepared for windy and changeable weather.
Practical tips
- The walk is exposed to wind and rain at any time of year, so it's wise to bring warm layers and a waterproof jacket.
- Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular times to visit for photography, as the light catches the lighthouse and the rock stacks.
- Bring binoculars for a closer look at the seal colony and other distant wildlife without disturbing them.