Nugget Point

Nugget Point is a thin headland on the Catlins coast with a white lighthouse at the end and a line of rock stacks, the Nuggets, running out into the sea beyond it. A narrow path along the crest reaches the light in about ten minutes, with drops on both sides and a view straight down onto the stacks, where fur seals lie on the ledges and, at some times of year, elephant seals and sea lions as well. Seabirds nest on the faces. In the bay immediately south, a small hide overlooks a beach used by yellow-eyed penguins coming ashore. Sunrise is the classic time here, with the stacks in silhouette.

What's there

• The stacks - the line of rock islets running out from the point.
• The lighthouse walk - the narrow crest path with sea dropping away on both sides.
• Seals below - fur seals on the ledges, visible from the path above.
• The penguin hide - the shelter overlooking the neighbouring bay at dusk and dawn.

When to go

Sunrise is when the point looks best and when penguins are most likely to be moving, which means an early start and a cold wait. Any season works, but this coast is exposed and spring winds are strong. Summer brings the most visitors to the smallest car park on the coast. Penguins come and go by season and are never reliable.

What to expect

The car park is small and the access road is narrow and part gravel, so a popular sunrise brings congestion and tripods competing for space. The path has steep drops and, while fenced, is not comfortable for everyone. Penguin sightings need patience, silence and binoculars, and often do not happen at all. Wind at the point can be hard to stand up in.

Nearby

The Catlins waterfalls and Curio Bay are west along the coast, with Balclutha the nearest town of size.

Key facts