The iconic Nugget Point lighthouse is an amazing place for tourists and photographers alike. And although it’s quite a popular photo spot on Instagram, it’s not yet overrun by visitors like some other famous locations (*cough* that Wanaka tree *cough*).
Nugget Point is in the Catlins region, the nearest town being Kaka Point. From there it’s a short 8 minute drive to the Nugget Point carpark, and then a slightly-uphill 10 minute walk to the lighthouse itself.
From the lookout at the end of the path, you can see the wave-eroded rocks which are likened to the shape of gold nuggets. The lighthouse was built in 1869, is 9.5 metres high and situated 76 metres above sea level. Along the way you may see the fur seal colony on the rocks to the left of the track and also below the lighthouse.
You can climb up the cliffs to get an elevated view of the lighthouse, but note that there are no ‘official’ tracks to get to those viewpoints. There is a path that’s been well-worn by other photographers and it’s not too sketchy, but care is needed as there are steep drops to the sea below. Sunrise is probably the best time to take photos due to the position of the sun, and the fact there will be fewer people around.
However sunset can also be good, with the scene being side-lit by the setting sun.
On the road to Nugget Point you can take a detour to Roaring Bay. The track is 20 minutes return. Yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho can be viewed from the hide when they come ashore in the late afternoon.
