Nugget Point/Tokata walks
Located in Catlins coastal area in the Otago region
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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 Walk
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 Walk
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 approximately 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
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
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| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| invercargill@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |