NUGGET POINT/ TOKATA WALKS 10
Beautiful scenery, flourishing wildlife and a lighthouse. Also great viewing of the Aurora Australis, otherwise known as the Southern Lights, from here.
Where is it? On the Catlins Coast, drive along from Kaka Point and pull in at Kaimātaitai car park.
Terrain The pathway leads to a platform at the base of the lighthouse and the path is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Bright idea The time to view the phenomenon of Aurora Australis is during winter.
No dogs 10-20min return; other longer tracks as well Low fitness required Easy walking track
TRACK OVERVIEW Walk to where the land thrusts out into the sea and visit one of the country’s oldest lighthouses, where it clings to the rocks above the surging sea. Originally called Tokata by Māori, Captain Cook dubbed the land mass Nugget Point due to its resemblance to pieces of gold. The short walk to the lighthouse is particularly popular at sunrise and sunset, when the colours are sensational. Look to the rocks below and see fur seals going about their lives. Also look for elephant seals, sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins and Hector’s dolphins. Spoonbills, sooty shearwaters and gannets also make their presence felt round these waters.
LEFT: Nugget Point, Catlins Coast © www.cluthanz.com
A magical mystical coastal cave trail. Explore the cliffs at the north end of Waipati Beach and discover two passages carved by the ocean, close to 200m long and 30m wide.
Where is it? Chaslands Rd, The Catlins. 15km south of Papatōwai Village, 2km from the main road.
Terrain Bush track, beach walking, cave interiors.
Need to know Access to Cathedral Caves is only possible one and a half hours either side of low tide and only from late October to May. Adults $5, children $1, no EFTPOS. Be sure to take a torch. Insect repellent can also be handy.
To safeguard the wildlife, no dogs RIGHT: Cathedral Caves © Getty Images
TRACK OVERVIEW Walk through lush coastal bush, along the beach and into the caves which are said to be some of the longest of this kind in the world. Formed due to millions of years of erosion, there is something really extraordinary about these caverns, while the acoustics of voices and waves within the huge spaces can feel most eerie. Plan your visit around low tide and expect to get your feet wet. Do look out for penguins and sea lions; do not approach any of the wildlife.
11
CATHEDRAL CAVES WALK
30min each way; 2km return Easy fitness required Easy walk WALKING MUST-DO’S 85
