NEW ZEALAND LIGHTHOUSES

Nugget Point (1870)

Photograph of the signal mast and the storage shed, Nugget Point, South Otago.

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mätauraga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Photograph of supplies being landed at Nugget Point, South Otago.

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mätauraga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Nugget Point, with path leading up to lighthouse.

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mätauraga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Port Molyneux situated at the mouth of the Clutha river was a bustling port between the 1860s and 1870s making Nugget Point with its reefs and rocks a necessary place for a lighthouse. Originally a 3 keeper light it was automated in 1982.

DIRECTIONS:

A good way to see both Nugget Point and Waipapa Point lighthouses is to follow the "Southern Scenic Route" and "Heritage Trails" from Balclutha to Invercargill through the Catlins area.

From Balclutha, drive to Kaka Point. From there a gravel road leads to Nugget Point. A 15 minute walk takes you out along a spectacular track to the lighthouse.

Sea animals to look out for are a Fur Seal colony and the rare Yellow-eyed Penquins.

Text and photographs. Copyright © 1999-2005 Mark Phillips. All rights reserved.