Nugget Point Tokata walk (10-20 Minutes Return)
Balclutha is the gateway to the Catlins Coast with its walks, waterfalls, lakes, lighthouses and wildlife. The Nugget Point Lighthouse Track easy trail leads to the base of the Nugget Point Lighthouse with a lookout over nugget-like rock formations and a seal colony.
Nugget Point carpark to Roaring bay
Rare yellow eyed penguin (hide) is nearby Roaring Bay. The steep track to Roaring Bay is 10 -15 minutes one way. This pretty little cove next to iconic Nugget Point has a perfectly placed hide to spot the very rare yellow eyed penguins. It’s a short stroll to the hide and the best time is as they return from sea in the evening just after sunset. To avoid distractions visitors are reminded to not walk on the beach after 3pm, and to stay inside the corrugated iron viewing hide. The viewing hide sits up off the beach artfully camouflaged by rocks.
TIP
The penguin hide is located just off the road leading out to Nugget Point. There is a parking area however if it is full there is an overflow park at the lighthouse.
The name refers to the numerous seals inhabiting the area. The seal colony is unique as elephant seals, fur seals and Hooker seals share the same colony. The walk around the cove perimeter is approximately 30 minutes on a flat, formed track. It is definitely worth the hike to Roaring Bay. Carry binoculars as seals are sometimes hard to spot as their fur blends into the rocks making them hard to identify.
- Duration: 1 – 2 hours
