No. 4 of 6 in The Lighthouse Series

Nugget Point Lighthouse

The Catlins, Otago, New Zealand

Nugget Point Lighthouse, New Zealand: Nugget Point lighthouse cropped
Nugget Point Lighthouse, New Zealand: Nugget point lighthouse otago coast
Nugget Point Lighthouse, New Zealand: Nugget Point lighthouse (28408808730)

Why it belongs in the series

Perched on a narrow ridge above a scatter of rocky islets known as the Nuggets, this small lighthouse is all about setting. The view from the end of the path is one of the most photographed coastal scenes in the Catlins.

How to get there

Nugget Point is reached by road from Kaka Point or Owaka on the Catlins coast. From the car park, a walking track leads along the ridge to the lighthouse.

Best time to visit

The southern summer brings longer daylight and milder weather. Sunrise is a popular time for photography, but conditions on this exposed coast change quickly.

Good to know

The path is short but exposed, so bring layers. Wildlife such as seals and seabirds may be present below, so keep a respectful distance and stay on the track.

Memorable momentMorning sun catching the jagged Nuggets one by one as waves break white around them.

Related series