2025 Ahuriri Flat Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#summervacay Nugget Point, located in the Catlins region, is one of the most photographed spots in the South Island—and for good reason. A short, easy walk takes you to the historic lighthouse perched on a dramatic cliff edge, offering jaw-dropping views over the Pacific Ocean. In summer, the skies are often clear, and the surrounding waters shimmer in the sunlight, creating postcard-perfect moments. Offshore, rocky islets ("the nuggets") dot the sea, and native wildlife such as fur seals, penguins, and seabirds are frequently seen. It’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring destination for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and road-trippers alike.

If you asked me which place in New Zealand's South Island most resembled a movie set, I would definitely say Nugget Point. It's like walking to the end of the world, all the way to the edge of the cliff, the ocean breeze makes your hair fly, and then - boom! At first glance, the lighthouse standing alone on the cape is so beautiful that it seems fake. There’s a reason why this place is called “Gold Nugget Cape”; the rocks underneath look like someone threw a bunch of gold nuggets into the sea. The walk to the lighthouse is not long, only about ten minutes. I took photos while walking along the way and didn’t feel tired at all. You will also see seals turning over and yawning on the rocks, which is super therapeutic! If you are lucky, you can even see yellow-eyed penguins preparing to go home in the evening. It really looks like a scene that only appears in documentaries. If you like a quiet, somewhat romantic, and slightly wild place, Nugget Point is definitely worth a detour. No tickets are required here, you just need to give yourself some time to have a good chat with nature. ⸻Nugget Point Small Information———— ▪️Where is it? Catlins Coast in the southeast corner of New Zealand's South Island, about 15 minutes drive from Kaka Point. ▪️How to get there? Driving is the most convenient way. The road conditions are good. You can enter "Nugget Point Lighthouse" in Google Maps to get there directly. ▪️Do you need to walk a lot? It takes less than 30 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse and back. It is flat and easy to walk, and it is suitable for both the elderly and children. ▪️What’s so good about it? Seals, penguins, lighthouses, cliffs, golden rocks, and unparalleled views of the South Pacific. ▪️What to bring? A windproof jacket, binoculars, a camera (really worth taking pictures!), and a good mood. 🔆There are no restaurants or tourist shops here, only the wind, the sea and yourself. Well, that's what traveling is. #AprilGoodDestinations2025

After a scenic drive from Dunedin along the rugged coast, we arrived at Nugget Point Lighthouse, eager to explore the famous lighthouse perched on the cliffs. The hike itself was a delightful blend of coastal beauty and tranquil nature, with the path winding through lush vegetation and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding bays. As we trekked closer to the lighthouse, the panoramic vistas opened up, revealing the shimmering blue waters of the Pacific and the iconic "nuggets" — small rocky islets scattered just off the coast. The combination of the fresh sea air and the sweeping coastal views made the journey unforgettable. As we continued along the trail, the highlight of our hike came when we saw a low-tide pond, where we were fortunate enough to spot a group of seals swimming gracefully in the crystal-clear water. The peacefulness of the moment made our visit to Nugget Point an experience we would treasure forever. #mountainhike #naturalwonders #thingstodo #travel #couplestrip #newzealand #newzealandtrip

Nugget Point Lighthouse, located in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island, is an iconic landmark perched on a dramatic coastal promontory. Built between 1869 and 1870, this historic lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the rocky islets known as “The Nuggets,” named by Captain Cook. The lighthouse, automated in 1989, is accessible via a short, scenic walk from the car park. Visitors can enjoy stunning ocean vistas, spot fur seals, and occasionally see rare yellow-eyed penguins and Hector’s dolphins. #newzealandtrip

Nugget Point Lighthouse is the most iconic lighthouse in New Zealand, firstly because of its long history, and secondly because of its unique location and landscape. This lighthouse was built in 1896. There are many rocks scattered under the lighthouse. They are scattered on the sea like gold nuggets, which is also the origin of the name Nugget Point. The lighthouse is 9.5 meters high and 76 meters above sea level. It is the filming location for "The Fellowship of the Ring" in "The Lord of the Rings". Tourists can only park in the outer parking lot when driving here, and then follow a winding gravel road leading to the lighthouse. There are steep cliffs on the side of the road, with the sea water surging against the stone walls. Looking into the distance, you can see the junction of the sea and the sky, which is particularly magnificent at sunset. Along the way, you can see wild animals such as seals, sea lions, grey gulls, egrets and yellow-eyed penguins living on the coast, which is really exciting. The easiest to see are sea lions🦦️. However, local regulations prohibit touching wild animals, so everyone can just watch from a distance. In addition, for those who like landscape photography, coming to this lighthouse to photograph the night sky is the most attractive place. 🚉Transportation strategy: It is a few kilometers drive from Kaka Cape, and most of the roads are unpaved. The road surface is undulating. If you encounter a motorhome on the way, it will be a problem to miss it. Drive along the gravel road all the way to the top parking lot. The parking lot is some distance away from the lighthouse, so you can walk there. The dirt road leading to the lighthouse is about 15 minutes long and relatively flat, like walking on the edge of a cliff. The coast was magnificent, the sea was relatively calm, and I saw people kayaking. 🌟Photography check-in point It’s a distance away from the lighthouse, and the lighthouse standing on the cliff is spectacular! There is a small viewing platform on the cliff in front of the lighthouse. This is a very beautiful location to enjoy the sunset. This platform extends forward from the cliff. You can see the vegetation below, the whistling sea breeze, and the sound of waves 🌊 echoing in your ears.

📍New Zealand, Nugget Point There is a beautiful lighthouse at Nugget Point where you can see the sunrise. I ran hard all night to get there before the sun set, but I saw a sunrise that was so beautiful that it blew away all my fatigue. The nuggets that turn red with the sunrise are really beautiful🥹✨ #New Zealand #New Zealand travel #New Zealand South Island #Sunrise #Sunrise spot