Kaka Point

Kaka Point offers coastal views and is one of the Catlins’ most important surf spots. At the same time, the Kākā Point Bush Walk begins in the Kākā Point Scenic Reserve, providing an easy walking track. It passes through mature native podocarp forest behind Kākā Point. Coast, forest and activity thus stand side by side as different aspects of the area.

Walking in the Kākā Point Scenic Reserve

The Kākā Point Bush Walk is suitable for the whole family. Its description as an easy walking track gives the nature experience a different character from the walks in the nearby area of Nugget Point/Tokata. Several access points are noted for finding your way onto the track: you can enter or leave it via Rata Street or Totara Street. There are two signposted entry and exit points beside Marine Terrace. Parking for a few cars is available at each entrance.

The mature native podocarp forest is the defining feature of this walk. If you are interested in the area’s plant life, you can include a walk through this forest in your stay. The track is in the Kākā Point Scenic Reserve and passes through the forest behind Kākā Point, making it a distinct nature experience within the destination.

Coastal views and walks nearby

Surfing is also part of Kākā Point’s character: it is one of the Catlins’ most important surf spots. Together with the coastal views, this offers a different focus from the walk in the forest. When planning your visit, you can therefore consider whether you are mainly looking for coastal scenery and surfing, or would like to combine different tracks and nature experiences.

Nearby, the Nugget Point/Tokata Walk takes 10–20 minutes return and leads to a viewing platform beside the Tokata Lighthouse. To reach the walks at Nugget Point/Tokata, continue along the coast road from Kākā Point. This makes these outings a separate choice for planning your day: the walking track in town and the tracks at Nugget Point/Tokata are different destinations that you can include in your trip.

The wildlife nearby is also remarkable. Several seabird species breed on the rocky pinnacles at Nugget Point/Tokata, and New Zealand fur seals also breed there. In the late afternoon, when yellow-eyed penguins come ashore, you can watch them from the viewing hide on the Roaring Bay Walk. The viewing point at the Tokata Lighthouse, the rocky pinnacles and the hide offer different opportunities for observing nature in the area.

Culture and local traditions

Alongside its nature experiences, Kākā Point has a literary and artistic connection: the Tuwhare Residencies 2026–2027 bring writers and artists to Hone Tuwhare’s Crib. The Crib opened on 21 October 2022. The residencies and opening date connect a specific cultural place with the destination today, without requiring a nature outing to be the main focus.

One local tradition is the annual Tom Sheppard Memorial Bowls Tournament. It takes place on Boxing Day at the Kākā Point Bowling Club. For travellers interested in local events and community life, the tournament is another aspect of the area; its date is Boxing Day.

Choose Kākā Point as a holiday destination

When choosing holiday accommodation in Kākā Point, you can weigh up whether to focus on the Bush Walk in town or also include the walks at Nugget Point/Tokata, which you can reach via the coast road.

More destinations: Lawrence, Tapanui, Kaitangata, Milton, Tarara, Owaka, Chaslands, Clinton.

For the overview of the wider region: Clutha District.