Driving The Nuggets Road from the Nugget Point Lighthouse

Categories: Otago Region

Tags: 4k, catlins, dashcam, driving, kaka point, new zealand, nugget point, nugget point lighthouse carpark, otago, road trip, scenic, scenic drive, the nuggets road

Added: 2 years ago

Driving The Nuggets Road from the Nugget Point Lighthouse Carpark to the intersection with Karoro Creek Road in Kaka Point, in the Catlins, in the Otago Region of New Zealand's South Island.

Nugget Point is on the Catlins coast and has one of New Zealand's oldest lighthouses, perched above the famous rocks named by Captain Cook because they looked like pieces of gold.

From the carpark it is a short stroll to the Nugget Point lighthouse, with amazing views of the ocean and beyond. Looking down onto the rocks below the lighthouse, you can sometimes see a colony of fur seals frolicking in the surf. Nugget Point is also home to some of the world’s rarest penguins and is one of the only places you might see seals, sea lions and elephant seals in the same place. There are also sooty shearwaters, spoonbills and a breeding colony of gannets. You might also see Hector's dolphins.

The Catlins is a major highlight of the Southern Scenic Route. Situated off the beaten track, The Catlins encompasses the area between Kaka Point and Fortrose, spanning both the Otago and Southland Districts. The Catlins is an area of great contrasts and natural beauty with an abundance of wildlife. From magnificent coastal cliffs and headlands, long sweeping beaches, coves and sandy bays; to extensive temperate rain forests, waterfalls and rolling farmland, The Catlins is a fascinating, rugged place. The climate is temperate with a generous annual rainfall which nurtures the predominantly green landscape. The largest township is Owaka with a population of almost 400 people. Other settlements in The Catlins are Kaka Point, Pounawea, Tahakopa, Papatowai, Tokanui, Waikawa and Fortrose. In an area known for its remoteness and low population,