• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to footer

ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

  • FRANCE
    • CORSICA
    • NORMANDY
    • PARIS
  • EUROPE
    • ANDALUCIA
    • CANARY ISLANDS
    • CRETE
    • ICELAND
    • ICELAND WINTER
    • MADEIRA
    • MALLORCA
    • PORTUGAL
    • SANTORINI
    • SCOTLAND
    • SLOVENIA
  • REST OF WORLD
    • NEW ZEALAND
    • OMAN
  • TIPS
  • EBOOKS
  • SHOP
  • ABOUT

Nugget point Lighthouse (Catlins NZ) – walk +tips + photos

Last updated on January 25, 2020 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

Located in the Northern part of the Catlins, New Zealand, the Nugget Point Lighthouse walk (also known as Tokata) offers views of the dramatic coastline and you may even spot wildlife. Below is my guide to help you plan your visit: road, access, things to see...

Nugget Point Lighthouse New Zealand Travel
Quick Navigation
Why visit the Nugget Point Lighthouse?
Planning Tips - Nugget Point New Zealand
The Nuggets Road, Catlins to Kaimataitai car park
Nugget Point / Tokata Walk
Approaching the Tokata lighthouse
Lookout platform - The Nuggets & Wildlife
Roaring Bay and other walking tracks

Navigate back to the complete New Zealand Travel Guide

Share0
Tweet0
Pin0

This article may contain affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.


Why visit the Nugget Point Lighthouse?

  • It is one of the easiest walks in the Catlins - and it is quite short
  • It offers brilliant views of the Catlins coastline towards the South
  • From the platforms you can clearly see "the Nuggets" a series of rocks sticking out of water
  • You may see fur seals resting on the rocks below

Below is a short video to show you why you should drive the detour to enjoy the Nugget Point Lighthouse:


Planning Tips - Nugget Point New Zealand

Where is Nugget Point - Location

  • South Island, South East coast
  • In the Catlins region, Otago, South of Dunedin
  • It is a short detour from the Southern Scenic Route
  • Dunedin to Nugget Point carpark = 1h25 drive
  • Invercargill to Nugget Point carpark = 2h drive (Via road 1- longer via the Catlins coast)
  • On the Highlight of the Catlins Map below you can see the lighthouse on the point H8
Things to do in the Catlins New Zealand map Cathedral caves

Highlight of the Catlins Map - Nugget point location

Planning a road trip in New Zealand? Check out my eBooks with practical maps to help you plan an unforgettable South Island itinerary:

Be overwhelm by the beauty, not the planning!

New Zealand road trip eBook Cover S
  • 12 easy-to-plan Maps
  • 200 scenic locations in NZ 
  • Tips to plan + make the most of your time
  • 285+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

Learn more

Skip to main contentSkip to toolbar About WordPress ZigZag On Earth 76 Plugin Updates, 1 Theme Update 3939 comments awaiting moderation New SEO Howdy, Claire, the Travel Planning Geek Log Out Help Genesis 2.9.1 is available. Check out what's new or update now. Media Library Add New List View Grid ViewFilter by typeFilter by dateBulk SelectSearch Media Search media items... Thank you for creating with WordPress. Version 5.1.1 Close media panel Edit previous media itemEdit next media item Attachment Details Edit Image File name: NZ-South-island-eBook-Cover-S.jpg File type: image/jpeg Uploaded on: April 15, 2019 File size: 77 KB Dimensions: 300 by 225 pixels URL http://www.zigzagonearth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/NZ-South-island-eBook-Cover-S.jpg Title NZ South island eBook Cover S Caption Alt Text Description Uploaded ByClaire, the Travel Planning Geek Smush 2 images reduced by 6.1 KB ( 22.2% ) Image Size: 77.3 KB View Stats View attachment page | Edit more details | Delete Permanently
  • 6 easy-to-plan Maps
  • 110+ scenic locations in NZ South Island
  • Tips to plan + make the most of your time
  • 190+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

Learn more

Visiting Nugget Point in the Catlins

  • Easy drive to the carpark (road is narrower on the last 2km)
  • 15min walk to the lookout platform - same return
  • A little bit of slopes
  • Toilets at the carpark
  • How long to plan just for the Nugget walk - 45min
  • Cost - free access
  • Best time to visit ? Great place to watch sunrise - otherwise, visit nearby Roaring Bay at dusk to maybe see penguins
  • Other walking opportunities around

Planning to rent a car in New Zealand? Check out the local company Snap Rentals

 I selected it myself and paid my rental in full. 

  • They were very nice and responsive, they pick you up and drop you off at the airport
  • The car I rented was in perfect condition
  •  In addition, they have all-inclusive insurance packages with AAA roadside assistance, which means I didn't have to worry (I think it's worth the price)

Check out the cars and prices

Where to stay

  • The closest village is Kaka point where you will find a few accommodations - see options - great choice to see both the penguins at dusk and the sunrise
  • Otherwise Dunedin is 1h30drive away -  See the best rated accommodations in Dunedin

The Nuggets Road, Catlins, to Kaimataitai car park

The drive to Nugget point is already beautiful. 
I was a little bit in a rush (to be able to reach the Cathedral Caves for low tide) so I could not stop as much as I wanted, but below is a snapshot.
You are driving on the Nuggets Road from Kaka Point. And you can see beautiful sandy beaches with the lighthouse in the distance and the Nugget rocky promontories at the end.

Road to Nugget point lighthouse

For the last 2 kilometers, the road gets narrower but it remains paved and in good condition. So it is not difficult:

Road to Nugget point lighthouse 2

Drive to the end of the road. At the beginning of the walk is a large carpark with toilets. 
The carpark is called Kaimataitai.

Kaimataitai car park

Kaimataitai car park for Nugget Point Lighthouse walk


Nugget Point / Tokata Walk

Nugget Point / Tokata Walk - Map

At the beginning of the walk you can see a map of the headland with the rocky islets at the end called the Nuggets.
Make sure you stay on the yellow public track.

Nugget Point Walk map

Nugget Point / Tokata Walk - Map

Difficulty of the Nugget Point Lighthouse track

The track is well maintained as it is also a service road for the maintenance of the lighthouse.
First you don't see the lighthouse.

Nugget Point Walk 1

But look below as the views are already really nice with rocky outcrops.
The area is known for its wildlife: seals, penguins, gannets and royal spoonbills. So keep your eyes wide open.
I recommend bringing binoculars (check out my guide to help you choose the right pair for your needs).

Nugget Point Walk 2

At one point you head left or a narrower path. It is also very well maintained.

Nugget Point Walk 3
Nugget Point Walk 4

Don't forget to look behind you. The views of the coastline of Molyneux Bay are beautiful, especially as the sun is rising behind you.

Nugget Point Walk return

Approaching the Tokata lighthouse

And then you approach the top of the headland and its lighthouse.
Nugget point used to be a significant danger so a lighthouse was built in 1869 and 1870.

Tokata lighthouse

The lighthouse was built out of local stones. It is standing 76m (249ft) above water. It has been automated since 1989.
It is surrounded by a fence, you cannot enter.
But you can take the path just below to reach the viewing platform behind.

Tokata lighthouse 2
Nugget Point Lighthouse Catlins 3
Nugget Point phare catlins

Lookout platform - The Nuggets & Wildlife

The set up around the lighthouse is really nice, allowing you to admire the views in every directions. There is even a bench to take your time.

Nugget Point Lighthouse lookout 1

At the end of the headlands are many rocky islets. They are called "the Nuggets". You can see why...

Nugget Point Lighthouse lookout 2

And to your right you can see the Catlins coastline.
Have a look below as you may see birds and seals.
And in the distance you may be lucky to spot a whale or dolphins!

Nugget Point Lighthouse lookout 3

Below are 2 panoramas to give you a better idea of the views you can enjoy.
Around the headland is a scientific reserve but the marine area is not a reserve as the small local communities rely on fishing.

Nugget Point Lighthouse lookout 4
Nugget Point Lighthouse lookout 5

Roaring Bay and other walking tracks

Roaring Bay Track

You can also stop at the lower carpark.
There is a short walk taking you to the Roaring Bay lookout.
This is a great place to come at dusk in hope of seeing the famous yellow-eyed penguins come to shore for the night.

Roaring Bay

You can find other tracks in the area:

  • Awakiki track - 40min return walk
    Bush walk to discover lowland totara forest
  • Kaka Point Bush Walk - 30min loop - Easy walk in the Kaka Point Scenic reserve

Want to see more of NEW ZEALAND?

PREVIOUS: 

Cathedral Caves New Zealand

NEXT: 

Waipapa Point lighthouse

Tourism New Zealand Travel Guide

I hope you will spot more wildlife than I did

Share0
Tweet0
Pin0

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Waipapa Point lighthouse (New Zealand) – Tips + Photos
Read More 
Nugget point Lighthouse (Catlins NZ) – walk +tips + photos
Read More 
Haast Blue Pools Wanaka (New Zealand) – Tips + photos
Read More 
Elephant Rocks (Oamaru, New Zealand): Tips, Map, Photos
Read More 
Nugget Point Lighthouse New Zealand Travel Pin
Nugget Point Lighthouse New Zealand Travel Pin2
Share0
Tweet0
Pin0

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Footer

CONTACT ME

Search

Follow ZigZag on Facebook

Follow ZigZag on Pinterest

Website in French: ZigZagvoyages.fr

Website in German: ZigZagreisen.de

Website in Spanish: ZigZagviajes.com

And discover the French regions:

Normandielovers.fr

LoireLovers.fr

CorsicaLovers.fr

 

Privacy / Terms of Use / Disclosure Policies / Refund policy

Become an affiliate for the ZigZag road trip guides

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ZigZagOnEarth.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.uk and Amazon.ca

Copyright © 2023 ZigZag On Earth ยท Log in

If you continue browsing this site you agree with the use of cookies in this website.OkRead more