Top Things to do in South Island
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Things to do in South Island, New Zealand: The Best Lighthouses
Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Nugget Point/Tokata Walks, Katiki Point Lighthouse, Waipapa Point Lighthouse, Kahurangi Point Lighthouse, Nugget Point Lighthouse, Akaroa Lighthouse, Galtarviti.
Restaurants in South Island
1. Nugget Point/Tokata Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By jackmA3797TF - Brussels, Belgium
Going to Nugget Point Lighthouse added an extra 70 kms to our trip but this was definitely worth it. The winding road leading there was nice to drive, with the foggy ambience building up along the way. And after a 15 minutes walk, arriving at the lighthouse revealed a beautiful scene, quite picturesque. The rugged coast, the mini-archipelago ("the nuggets"), the immense and wild Pacific Ocean and the crushing waves below all make for a great moment. Conclusion: a truly beautiful spot of the Catlins Coast.
2. Katiki Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Katiki Point is home to New Zealand fur seals and Yellow-eyed penguins, along with many other coastal species. It is cared for by volunteers who have created a sanctuary for penguins. They optimize the habitat, maximise breeding success and survival and minimize disturbance. They need $20k per year to do this work so a donation of $5 pp is appropriate. The donation box is by the gate. The reserve is open from 7:30am to 7:30pm. Visiting outside this time creates stress on the penguins and in the past, has cost the lives of chicks so please respect this. Do not use a flash on your camera and do not go closer than 5 m to the wildlife. Retreat if they move towards you.
Reviewed By Oskar_Baxter - Canterbury Region, New Zealand
Far more interesting than the nearby boulders, the pleasant walk around the lighthouse is rewarded with great views of the sea, mountains, sea lions, and the occasional penguin.
3. Waipapa Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand
After making the short easy walk from the carpark to the 1884 Lighthouse venture down to the beach, if you are lucky enough to have arrived at low tide it’s a great spot to explore the rocks and sea pools. In a word the coastline is great. We encountered 2 large male Hooker Sea Lions who entertained us as they argued about which one of them own this part of the beach and plenty of seabirds.
4. Kahurangi Point Lighthouse
5. Nugget Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By wfamily2017 - Waikato Region, New Zealand
The views of the coastline were amazing, we were able to see the seals lazing in the sunny rock pools and swimming around the shoreline. Great photo opportunities of the lighthouse as we approached it.
6. Akaroa Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By 965bridgetp - Pahiatua, New Zealand
The lighthouse is well within walking distance of the town. The views from the lighthouse are stunning and are well worth the short walk.
