Access

In Ahuriri Flat turn right into Ahuriri Flat Road, which merges with Karoro Creek Road then with Molyneaux Bay Road. Turn right into Nugget Road, which leads 7 km along the coast to enter the Scientific Reserve. The track is signposted from the roadend carpark at the top of the hill.

Track

The even metalled track follows the ridgeline, although it is slightly sheltered from the southerly winds near the beginning of the track. Initially the views north are extensive all the way to Otago Peninsula, but as you reach the end of the track, views south along the Catlins Coast also open up.

A viewing platform by the lighthouse spies the rocky beach to the north, flanked by high sheer cliffs. The nuggets of rock out to sea give the setting its’ European name.

Geology

Note the bladder kelp on the northern, more protected side, which borders the bottoms of the cliffs in ribbon-like swirls, giving a graphic demonstration of the water currents. The turquoise blue waters below are so clear you can even make out the silhouette of resident fur seals and sea lions diving. On the more exposed southern side, forests of bull kelp, up to 15 metres long, somehow stay attached against a voracious waves, which pound the coastline. The frothing waters around the nuggets are an impressive display.

The inclined mudstone beds were originally laid down flat, but tectonic butchering has inclined them to the vertical. Less resistant layers are now eaten out by weathering agents such as salt, wind and rain, creating the spectacular jagged profiles on show today.

Flora

The Catlins Daisy grows on the hillside below the viewing platform.

Fauna

Sea birds are prolific, and include red and black-billed gulls, sooty shearwaters, spotted shags and royal spoonbills.

Seals are known as pinnipeds (wing footed) because of the webbed flippers instead of paws or feet. Streamlined bodies and blubber keep them warm (hence their hunting for fur). Their ears, nose flaps close when diving. They feed on squid, octopus and hoki.

Bull sea lions are absolute monsters, tipping the scales at 400kg. You don’t want to get in the way of one, so be especially vigilant if passing between them and the sea – their escape route. They prefer to slumber on the sand, unlike fur seals who use the rocks as their mattresses. The sea lions are often observed flipping sand onto their backs in an effort to keep cool.

Elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) are the super heavyweights of the seal world. It is normal for a bull male to weigh in at 3.5 tonnes, a full 2.5 tonnes heavier than the females. At 4-5m long these behemoths are the largest lumps of blubber you will find on land. Their engorged proboscis stuck on the front of their faces does nothing for their looks, but apparently makes males roar louder. Perhaps in their armoury of wooing techniques, as personal hygiene is never that flattering for any animal that predominantly eats fish. They range over most of the Southern Ocean areas and populations are in decline. Likely because we humans are eating all the fish. They are deep sea feeders and can spend nearly 30 minutes underwater on a single breath, diving to over 800m.

European History

Nugget Point Lighthouse is 9.5 metres tall, 76 metres above sea level and was built of locally quarried stone in 1869-70. The lens is 3.6 metres in diameter and houses over 200 individual pieces of glass.