Kaka Point, named after the native New Zealand parrot, is a town on the southeast coast of New Zealand’s South Island that offers sandy beaches, scenic surfing spots and beautiful bush walks. With Nugget Point, Purakaunui Falls and Roaring Bay nearby, Kaka Point is one of the prime accommodation spots of the Catlins.
1. Nugget Point Lighthouse
The nuggets, so named by Captain Cook thanks to their golden appearance, are a breathtaking landscape accessible by walk or kayak. The Nugget Point walk allows you to enjoy this iconic view in a 20-minute round trip encompassing the Tokata Lighthouse. Built in 1870, this stone tower is a historic New Zealand building surrounded by a wildlife reserve. The area is home to fur seals, which you can often spot playing in the waves below. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars to enjoy the best views of the other wildlife around. Along with spoonbills and sooty shearwaters, you’ll have the chance to see sea lions and elephant seals.
2. Roaring Bay
From Nugget Point, it’s an easy walk to the penguin and seal observatory of Roaring Bay. Here, the shores offer the unique opportunity to spot the rare yellow-eyed penguin or Hoiho. There are two primary viewing times to spot the Hoiho – first thing in the morning, when they go out to fish for the day, or early in the evening when they return home to sleep. However, if you arrive after 3 pm, stick to the viewing platform to avoid disturbing these rare birds on the beach. Contact a conservation worker or talk to the locals for the best advice.
3. Kaka Point Beach
Spend a couple of hours relaxing on the sands of this summer beach. Journey at sunrise or sunset for unparalleled landscape views and catch sight of a sleeping sea lion as you enjoy an evening stroll. The beach also offers a lifeguard service for safe swimming and rocky pools to fossick around on the seashore. And with picnic benches on hand, pack up your lunch and turn this scenic getaway into a day trip.
4. Surfing
If you’re feeling adventurous, try surfing at Kaka Point. This exposed beach provides a consistent surf mix plus changing sheds, toilets, and a surf clubroom. With 2.5km of surf and sand, this little piece of paradise is a great place to spend a day by the sea.
5. Kaka Point Bushwalk
The bushwalk at Kaka Point is a short, scenic loop accessible to all fitness levels. The walk takes around 40 minutes to complete. The track goes behind the campground to immerse you in a native podocarp forest that will delight the senses. Look at your lush green surroundings while listening to the sounds of the local birdlife such as tūī, fantails and bellbirds.
6. See the Southern Lights
Did you know that the Aurora Australis / Southern Lights can be viewed from various areas in the south of New Zealand? The Catlins is famous for many things, including its ideal night sky viewing conditions. If you’re at Kaka Point, head to Nugget Point for your best chance at spotting these glowing green and pink lights as they dance through a starlit sky.
Looking for other places to spot the incredible Southern Lights? Check out our list of The Best Places to See the Southern Lights in New Zealand here!
7. Purakaunui Falls
Not far from Kaka Point, you’ll find the picturesque location of Purakaunui Falls. This cascading body of water is often photographed for calendars and postcards; once you get up close, you’ll see why. An accessible 20-minute walk transports visitors to this triple-tiered attraction, which will leave you feeling relaxed as you watch the tranquil flow of water over the rocks.
8. McLean Falls
Drive an hour or so down the coast from Kaka Point to get to McLean Falls. The Catlins is the place to explore beautiful waterfalls, just a short walk from the road. McLean Falls is on the Tautuku River and has steep drops and multiple terraces that make for a picturesque cascade of falling water. It’s an easy 2km return walk from the car park to see these beautiful falls in the Catlins Conservation Park.
9. Pounawea Bush and Nature Walk
The Pounawea reserve offers a short and long walk to suit all needs. The nature walk is a 15-minute loop that guides you through the local bush areas with labelled trees and plants. The bushwalking track is a longer round trip of 45 minutes that passes through podocarp forest, salt marsh, and estuary. As you explore these environments, you can spot wading birds, such as godwits, and many other popular species.
10. Catlins Lake
If you enjoy cycling, take a bike around the Catlins Tidal Lake. This body of water is less of a lake and more of a tidal estuary that fills and empties with saltwater twice a day. While there is almost no water at low tide, there can be more than two metres during high tide.
