Nugget Point/Tokata walks
Located in Catlins coastal area in the Otago region
Introduction
Enjoy dramatic coastal views from the Tokata Lighthouse and spot seals, penguins and other seabirds on these short walks.Dog access
Image gallery
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Nugget Point/Tokata view Image: Andrew Lonie | DOC
![Nugget Point/Tokata view]( "Nugget Point/Tokata view")
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A poem about the rugged Catlins coastline Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Sign at Nugget Point.]( "Sign at Nugget Point.")
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Viewing platform at Nugget Point Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Viewing platform at Nugget Point.]( "Viewing platform at Nugget Point.")
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Nugget Point coastline Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Nugget Point coastline]( "Nugget Point coastline")
Nugget Point/Tokata
Time: 10 – 20 min return
The well-maintained pathway suits all ages and leads to a viewing platform beside the Tokata Lighthouse – great seascapes.
The area is rich in wildlife. Several seabird species nest on the rock stacks including Royal spoonbills. New Zealand fur seals/kekeno also breed here, and other marine mammal species can sometimes be seen. In summer the ocean can be covered in large flocks of sooty shearwater/tītī.
This is a treasured site for Kāi Tahu.
Getting there:Carry on along the coast road from Kaka Point to the top Kaimātaitai carpark. Toilets, a viewing site and a picnic area are all nearby.
Roaring Bay
Time: 20 min return
Yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho can be viewed from the hide when they come ashore in the late afternoon.
To avoid disturbing these endangered penguins, do not go down to the beach after 3 pm. Instead you can sit or stand in the purpose built viewing hide.
Sea lions/pakake can also sometimes be seen on the beach.
Getting there: The carpark is 800 m before the main carpark, on the same road.
In Balclutha, turn off SH1 onto the Owaka Highway. Travel approx. 7 km then turn into Kaka Point Road, which becomes Esplanade Road in Kaka Point. Follow this for another 9 km.
- There are toilets at both car parks.
- No drones allowed.
Contacts
| Murihiku / Invercargill Office | |
| Phone: | +64 3 211 2400 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | invercargill@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
7th Floor CUE on Don 33 Don Street Invercargill 9810 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 743 Invercargill 9840 |
| Full office details | |