Nugget Point Lighthouse Track

Out and back

The Tokatā Lighthouse itself is a significant historical landmark. Built between 1869 and 1870 from local stone, it has stood as a guardian for over 150 years, guiding ships through these treacherous southern waters. While you cannot go inside the lighthouse, the architecture is stunning to admire from the outside.

Another highlight is the interpretive signage along the way. These signs offer great snippets of information about the local ecology and the history of the light station. For those who love a good vantage point, keep an eye out for the small viewing areas tucked along the path before you reach the main lighthouse—they offer different angles of the cliffs that are often less crowded.

Getting There

To get to the trailhead, you will need to head to the end of The Nuggets Road, which is about an 11-kilometre drive from the seaside township of Kaka Point. The drive itself is beautiful, hugging the coastline for much of the way.

The Kaimātaitai carpark is located at the very end of the road. It is a well-sized area with plenty of room for cars and dedicated spaces for campervans, which is great news if you are touring the South Island in a motorhome. You will find public toilets here and some general information boards to help orient you before you start the walk. As this is a popular spot, the carpark can get busy during the middle of the day in summer, so arriving early or late is always a good move.

Wildlife Spotting

Nugget Point is essentially a high-rise apartment complex for New Zealand’s coastal wildlife. If you bring a pair of binoculars, you are in for a treat.

• Kekeno (New Zealand Fur Seals): These are the most common residents. Look straight down from the lighthouse cliffs into the churning guts and rock pools below. You will often see them basking in the sun or pups playing in the protected pools. Their barks often echo up the cliff walls.
• Hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguins): These are much rarer and very shy. While they are occasionally seen near the point, your best bet is the Roaring Bay viewing hide, located just a short walk from the main carpark. The best times are at dawn or dusk when they leave for or return from a day of fishing. Remember to stay quiet and hidden so as not to stress these endangered birds.
• Seabirds: During the summer months, the sky can be filled with tītī (sooty shearwaters). You might also spot Royal Spoonbills with their distinctive beaks, or Australasian Gannets diving into the waves with incredible speed.
• Elephant Seals: Occasionally, a massive southern elephant seal might haul itself up onto the rocks for a nap, though these sightings are a lucky bonus rather than a daily occurrence!

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Spring & Summer: The best time for wildlife activity and warmer walking temperatures. The tītī are most active, and the wildflowers on the cliffs are in bloom.
• Autumn & Winter: The air is crisp and clear, often providing the sharpest views for photography. The storms in winter make the ocean look truly powerful, though you will need to wrap up warm!

Best time of day: If you can swing it, aim for sunrise. Seeing the sun crest over the Pacific Ocean and illuminate the Nuggets in a golden glow is a spiritual experience. Sunset is equally beautiful, as the light hits the white lighthouse and turns the cliffs amber.

• Windproof jacket: Even on a sunny day, the headland is exposed and can be incredibly breezy.
• Binoculars: Essential for spotting seals and penguins.
• Camera: You will regret it if you don't have one!
• Sun protection: There is absolutely no shade on this track.
• Water: While it’s a short walk, the coastal air can be dehydrating.

Safety Note: Stay on the marked track. The cliffs are sheer and the drop is significant. Because of the sensitive wildlife, dogs are strictly prohibited, so please leave your furry friends at home or in the car with adequate ventilation if you are just stopping briefly.

Local & Regional Context

The area is known as Tokatā to Māori, a name that refers to the rocky point. It is a place of deep cultural significance and is part of a wider landscape rich in mahinga kai (traditional food gathering) history.

The Catlins region as a whole is a geological marvel, featuring fossilised forests and unique rock formations. Nugget Point marks the northern gateway to this wild region. The lighthouse was a vital piece of colonial infrastructure, as the coast here was notoriously dangerous for early sailing vessels. Today, the area is a testament to New Zealand's conservation efforts, providing a safe haven for some of our most at-risk species.

After the Walk

Once you have finished your walk and filled your camera roll, head back down the road to Kaka Point. It’s the perfect place to refuel.

• The Point Café & Bar: A local favourite with a great deck. It’s the perfect spot for a bowl of seafood chowder or a classic fish and chips while looking back out over the ocean. It has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that is very welcoming to hikers.
• Kaka Point General Store: Perfect if you just want to grab a quick ice cream or a cold drink to enjoy on the beach.

If you have more energy, the Kaka Point Bush Walk is a lovely, sheltered contrast to the exposed cliffs of the lighthouse, offering a chance to see some native podocarp forest.

Nugget Point is more than just a lighthouse; it is a quintessential South Island experience that captures the wild, untamed spirit of our coastline. It’s easy, it’s beautiful, and it’s a memory that will stick with you long after you’ve left the Catlins.

This native New Zealand gull is a common sight in coastal towns, easily identified by its bright red bill, eye-ring, and legs.

Best time: Year-round