There is a place on the northern coast of the Catlins that affords one of the most dramatic and breathtaking sea views in all of New Zealand. This place is Nugget Point.

Located 15 mins from the small township of Kaka Point, the road takes you to the spacious Nugget point car park, then it’s a 20 minute walk along a ridge of sweeping views of the ocean.

The track winds around the steep headland leading out to its tip, where a lighthouse watches over the rocky islets called “The Nuggets”.

From the lighthouse scenic lookout, The Nuggets look like sentinels, huddled  in close formation, guarding the coast from the crashing sea. Again and again, the waves launch attacks that smash on their sturdy lines, sending frustrated plumes of spray high into the sky.

If I sound dramatic, it’s because it is a truly  beautiful scene to behold. A scene made all the more majestic crowned by a seemingly ever present rainbow.

The Catlins is a very special piece of New Zealand, and Nugget Point is definitely a jewel in the Crown of the Catlins.