Photo: South Island Lighthouse Coastline Picture Nugget Point New Zealand

Set on a rocky headland in the Catlins district along the East Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, the Nugget Point Lighthouse faces the Pacific Ocean along a rocky stretch of coastline.

The 76 metre (250 feet) high Nugget Point Lighthouse has been protecting this rocky stretch of coastline in the Catlins district on the South Island of New Zealand since 1869. Up until 1980 the lighthouse was manned, however it was automated in 1980 and is now monitored and operated by the Maritime New Zealand.

The name Nugget Point is said to derive from the small rocky islets that surround the headland. They look like little nuggets of rock which extend out into the Pacific under the watchful light of the Lighthouse.

Nugget Point is also home to a variety of marine animals such as penguins, many sea birds (of the flying variety), gannets, and spoonbills. There is also a large fur seal colony nearby.

For visitors of the two legged variety, there is a trail leading from a small carpark to the Nugget Point Lighthouse. Once at the lighthouse there are stupendous views of the coastline and Pacific Ocean and beautiful colours during sunset.

Nugget Point Lighthouse which receives its name through the small nugget like rocks which extent out from the point in the Catlins along the Southern Scenic Route, Catlins Highway, Otago, East Coast, South Island, New Zealand.