Kaka Point

Kaka Point is a tiny coastal settlement on the rugged Catlins coast, beloved for its wild beaches, sea caves, and the chance to spot rare yellow-eyed penguins and New Zealand fur seals. This is nature at its most raw and beautiful—a place where the Southern Ocean throws its weight against ancient cliffs, and the only soundtrack is the crash of waves and the call of seabirds.

Highlights & What to See

• Surat Bay: A sweeping, untamed beach perfect for long walks, where you can often see sea lions lounging on the sand.
• Nugget Point Lighthouse: A short walk leads to this iconic lighthouse perched on a rocky headland, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the famous “nuggets”—rocky islets teeming with wildlife.
• Roaring Bay: Accessible by a short track from the car park, this is one of the best spots to observe yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) from a hide. Visit at dusk for the best chance.
• Cathedral Caves: A 30-minute walk from the beach leads to these impressive sea caves, which are only accessible at low tide.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day exploring Kaka Point and its surrounds. Arrive by late afternoon to catch the penguin viewing at Roaring Bay around sunset, then stay overnight at one of the few accommodation options to experience the coast at dawn. If you’re short on time, a two-hour stop allows you to walk to Nugget Point and scan the beaches for wildlife.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Owaka: The main town of the Catlins, 20 minutes north, with cafes, a museum, and the Catlins River walk.
• Purakaunui Falls: A spectacular three-tiered waterfall in a podocarp forest, a 10-minute walk from the road.
• Curio Bay: 40 minutes south, home to a petrified forest and a yellow-eyed penguin colony.
• Slope Point: The southernmost point of the South Island, with dramatic cliffs and wind-sculpted trees.

Please check official sources for current details.