[2025 Ahuriri Flat Attraction] Travel Guide for Nugget Point Lighthouse (Updated Apr)

After a scenic drive from Dunedin along the rugged coast, we arrived at Nugget Point Lighthouse, eager to explore the famous lighthouse perched on the cliffs. The hike itself was a delightful blend of coastal beauty and tranquil nature, with the path winding through lush vegetation and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding bays. As we trekked closer to the lighthouse, the panoramic vistas opened up, revealing the shimmering blue waters of the Pacific and the iconic "nuggets" — small rocky islets scattered just off the coast. The combination of the fresh sea air and the sweeping coastal views made the journey unforgettable. As we continued along the trail, the highlight of our hike came when we saw a low-tide pond, where we were fortunate enough to spot a group of seals swimming gracefully in the crystal-clear water. The peacefulness of the moment made our visit to Nugget Point an experience we would treasure forever. #mountainhike #naturalwonders #thingstodo #travel #couplestrip #newzealand #newzealandtrip

Nugget Point Lighthouse, located in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island, is an iconic landmark perched on a dramatic coastal promontory. Built between 1869 and 1870, this historic lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the rocky islets known as “The Nuggets,” named by Captain Cook. The lighthouse, automated in 1989, is accessible via a short, scenic walk from the car park. Visitors can enjoy stunning ocean vistas, spot fur seals, and occasionally see rare yellow-eyed penguins and Hector’s dolphins. #newzealandtrip

Nugget Point Lighthouse is the most iconic lighthouse in New Zealand, firstly because of its long history, and secondly because of its unique location and landscape. This lighthouse was built in 1896. There are many rocks scattered under the lighthouse. They are scattered on the sea like gold nuggets, which is also the origin of the name Nugget Point. The lighthouse is 9.5 meters high and 76 meters above sea level. It is the filming location for "The Fellowship of the Ring" in "The Lord of the Rings". Tourists can only park in the outer parking lot when driving here, and then follow a winding gravel road leading to the lighthouse. There are steep cliffs on the side of the road, with the sea water surging against the stone walls. Looking into the distance, you can see the junction of the sea and the sky, which is particularly magnificent at sunset. Along the way, you can see wild animals such as seals, sea lions, grey gulls, egrets and yellow-eyed penguins living on the coast, which is really exciting. The easiest to see are sea lions🦦️. However, local regulations prohibit touching wild animals, so everyone can just watch from a distance. In addition, for those who like landscape photography, coming to this lighthouse to photograph the night sky is the most attractive place. 🚉Transportation strategy: It is a few kilometers drive from Kaka Cape, and most of the roads are unpaved. The road surface is undulating. If you encounter a motorhome on the way, it will be a problem to miss it. Drive along the gravel road all the way to the top parking lot. The parking lot is some distance away from the lighthouse, so you can walk there. The dirt road leading to the lighthouse is about 15 minutes long and relatively flat, like walking on the edge of a cliff. The coast was magnificent, the sea was relatively calm, and I saw people kayaking. 🌟Photography check-in point It’s a distance away from the lighthouse, and the lighthouse standing on the cliff is spectacular! There is a small viewing platform on the cliff in front of the lighthouse. This is a very beautiful location to enjoy the sunset. This platform extends forward from the cliff. You can see the vegetation below, the whistling sea breeze, and the sound of waves 🌊 echoing in your ears.

📍New Zealand, Nugget Point There is a beautiful lighthouse at Nugget Point where you can see the sunrise. I ran hard all night to get there before the sun set, but I saw a sunrise that was so beautiful that it blew away all my fatigue. The nuggets that turn red with the sunrise are really beautiful🥹✨ #New Zealand #New Zealand travel #New Zealand South Island #Sunrise #Sunrise spot