Wanderyn
Nugget Point
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · NZ

Nugget Point

Getting around: About 1.5-2 hours' drive south of Dunedin, on the edge of the Catlins. A car is necessary; there's a car park with a short walk to the lighthouse viewpoint.
Hours: Open access at all times; the walk to the lighthouse viewpoint is best done in daylight, and the lighthouse itself isn't open to enter.

Nugget Point is a dramatic headland topped by a historic lighthouse, with a short walk out along the cliff edge to a viewpoint overlooking a scatter of rocky islets (the 'nuggets') just offshore where fur seals, sea lions, and sometimes elephant seals haul out. It's one of the most striking coastal viewpoints in the Catlins/South Otago area.

The walk to the viewpoint is short and easy (about 20-30 minutes return), making it accessible for most visitors, with wildlife viewing (seals, and sometimes yellow-eyed penguins on the nearby beach) as a bonus.

Nugget Point FAQs

How long is the walk to the viewpoint?

About 20-30 minutes return on a well-formed track along the cliff edge.

Can I go inside the lighthouse?

No, the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, but it makes for a great photo and the walk out is the main draw.

What wildlife might I see?

Fur seals and sea lions on the rocks below are common; yellow-eyed penguins and elephant seals are occasionally seen in the area too.

Is it part of the Catlins?

Yes, it's generally considered the northern gateway to the Catlins coastal region.

Is it free?

Yes, there's no entry fee.

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