The Baalands: Southeastern Coast

December 10, 2016 -- Because of an earthquake a few weeks earlier, we flew from Wellington to Dunedin instead of taking the ferry from the North to the South Island. It was a disappointment and required me to completely rework our South Island itinerary. Essentially I had to reverse it. It set us up for a unplanned day of sightseeing on the southeastern coast of the island. Not a bad substitute. The scenery was amazing and it was a picture-perfect day.

Welcome to Kaka Point

The Catlins comprise an area in the southeastern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. The first place we stopped as Kaka Point, a small town at the northern edge of the Catlins. It was about 62 miles from the airport in Dunedin.

Mary Beth and Kathy walking on beach

Nugget Point is located at the northern end of the Catlins coast, along the road from Kaka Point. It has a lighthouse at its tip, surrounded by rocky islets. Nugget Point Lighthouse was built from 1869 to 1870 and first lit on July 4, 1870. The light was fully automated in 1989. Mary Beth and I walked up to the light house. It was very windy. There were beautiful views along the way. We could see seals in the waters below. They were far away, so picture-taking wasn't great.

Good path

Lighthouse at Nugget Point

Pacific Ocean

Light House path

Me at Nugget Point

View from Nugget Point

Nugget Point Light House

Shoreline

The Catlins Coast is known for Yellow Eyed Penguins (hoiho). They are endemic to New Zealand. and threatened for various reasons. Mary Beth and I waited patiently in a penguin hide but didn't see any of the little guys. Shy things.