Kaka Point: Coast, Forest and Surf Spots

Kaka Point combines coastal views with a forest walk in the Kākā Point Scenic Reserve and surf spots along the coast. Nearby, short walks to viewpoints and opportunities to observe nature add to the options. When planning your trip, you can weigh up different priorities: the walk right by Kaka Point, surfing or a side trip to Nugget Point/Tokata.

Forest walk in the Kākā Point Scenic Reserve

The easy Kākā Point Bush Walk passes through mature native podocarp forest behind Kaka Point. The trail is in the Kākā Point Scenic Reserve and is suitable for the whole family. To plan your starting point, you can enter or leave the walk via Rata Street or Totara Street. There are also two signed entrances and exits beside Marine Terrace. Each entrance has parking for a few cars. The details about the streets, signed entrances and exits, and parking spaces can help you choose a suitable starting point for your walk.

Coastal views and surfing

Kaka Point offers coastal views and is one of the Catlins’ main surf spots. In the Clutha District, Kaka Point is classified as a beach break with rocky points; the stated skill level ranges from beginner to advanced. Swell, tides and weather affect surfing conditions. If surfing is a priority on your trip, take these factors into account when planning. Forest and coast offer different interests here: the Bush Walk passes through native forest, while Kaka Point is also known for its coastal views and surfing.

Trips to Nugget Point/Tokata

From Kaka Point, you can reach the walks at Nugget Point/Tokata by continuing along the coast road. The Nugget Point/Tokata Walk takes 10 to 20 minutes return and leads to a viewing platform beside Tokata Lighthouse. This makes it possible to combine a short walk to a viewpoint with a trip to the surrounding area.

On the Roaring Bay Walk, you can see yellow-eyed penguins from the viewing hide when they come ashore in the late afternoon; sightings depend on the wildlife. Several seabird species also breed on the rock stacks at Nugget Point/Tokata, and New Zealand fur seals breed there. These wildlife-watching opportunities differ from the view of the lighthouse: whether you see penguins depends on whether they come ashore, while the short walk to the platform has a specific destination at Tokata Lighthouse.

Culture and events in Kaka Point

Hone Tuwhare’s Crib in Kaka Point opened on 21 October 2022. An announcement published on 1 September 2026 mentions the 2026–2027 Tuwhare residencies, when writers and artists come to Hone Tuwhare’s Crib.

The 2025–2026 newsletter reports on the annual Tom Sheppard Memorial Bowls Tournament held on Boxing Day at Kākā Point Bowling Club. At the time of the report, it was the 14th tournament. If you want to plan your trip around an event, check the dates for the relevant year.

The wider Clutha District

Beyond Kaka Point, the Clutha District stretches along the coast between Dunedin and Invercargill and forms a remarkable section of the Southern Scenic Route. Regional options include the Clutha Gold Trail: this easy Grade 1–2 trail is 135 kilometres long and is listed as taking two to four days. Check the trail details before your trip. A 62-kilometre extension between Lawrence and Waihola opened on 25 August 2023. It connects the existing trail network in Central Otago and Clutha and continues as a cycle trail towards the east coast.

Other activities are also part of the Clutha District, rather than being specific to Kaka Point: every spring, a daffodil show is held at Weatherston’s Brewery in Lawrence. As seasonal programmes can change, check the relevant dates before planning. Farm tours and hands-on animal encounters are also offered in the district; individual operators and schedules may change. This lets you consider Kaka Point as a destination with its own coastal, forest and surfing interests, while also placing it in the wider context of the Clutha District.

Discover more destinations: Tapanui, Chaslands, Clinton, Balclutha, Tarara, Kaitangata, Lawrence, Milton

For the broader travel overview: Clutha District.