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Hiking

Nugget Point / Tokatā: the lighthouse walk near Kaka Point

ReGear

Walk to Nugget Point’s lighthouse viewpoint: a short coastal return with dramatic rock stacks, parking details, toilets and exposed-weather advice.

Nugget Point lighthouse above coastal rock stacks.

Nugget Point / Tokatā is about the coastal view: the lighthouse above the sea, rock stacks below and a headland that feels far bigger than the walk needed to reach it.

On this page: Quick facts · Start · Maps · Route · What to bring

Quick facts

  • Allow 10–20 minutes return, plus viewing time.
  • Around 1 km return from the upper car park.
  • Well-maintained path to a platform beside the lighthouse.
  • Toilets, picnic area and viewpoint at Kaimātaitāi car park. No dogs.

Getting to the start

Follow the coast road from Kaka Point for about 9 km to the upper Kaimātaitāi car park. The maps below show the headland and the lighthouse approach.

Location and route maps

Orange highlights follow DOC’s recorded track on real aerial imagery. Open either map for a closer look.

Nugget Point location relative to Kaka Point on real aerial imagery, with north up.
Nugget Point mapped walking track highlighted orange on real aerial imagery, with its entrance marked and north up.

DOC track information and official map

What the walk is like

  1. Take the lighthouse path from the upper car park.
  2. Follow the headland towards the lighthouse.
  3. Pause at the viewing platform for the rock stacks and seascape.
  4. Return along the same path.

Effort and conditions

A short walk on an exposed headland. Wind and rain can make it feel much colder than the car park. Stay on the path and behind barriers. Tokatā is a significant place for Kāi Tahu; give wildlife space.

What I would bring

I would bring a windproof layer, shoes with grip and binoculars if there is room. Keep hats secure and your hands free around exposed sections.

Planning your return

Leave time to enjoy the view without rushing the drive back. Roaring Bay is a separate outing with different wildlife-viewing rules. Do not fly a drone here; check DOC’s notices before visiting.

More walks to compare

Sources and photo credits

Sources checked 1 October 2026.

Maps: LINZ Basemaps and imagery contributors, CC BY 4.0. Track geometry: Crown copyright, Department of Conservation, DOC Tracks dataset, CC BY 4.0. Location labels and route highlights added.

Photo: Nugget Point and lighthouse.jpg — Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia. Public domain. Resized for display.