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Key facts
- Suggested duration
- 3 days
- Start
- Kaka Point
- Finish
- Kaka Point
- Travel style
- Fixed-base stay
Checked against official sources on 26 September 2026. Confirm with the official source before you go.
Explore the northern Catlins from one Kaka Point camp, separating Nugget Point from an Owaka and Purakaunui Falls day instead of rushing the whole coast.
This is a suggested itinerary, not a booked package or a guarantee that roads, walks or overnight sites are available.
Day 1: Kaka Point arrival and a simple coastal afternoon
Arrive with the main groceries already organised and settle into Kaka Point Camping Ground. Keep the first afternoon around the township and nearby coast rather than driving straight to the lighthouse. Use dinner to choose the better forecast day for the exposed headland, leaving the other for Owaka and the falls. The same camp each night means there is no tent move to force the order when weather changes.
Overnight: Kaka Point
Day 2: Nugget Point, with a respectful wildlife option
Follow the coast road to Nugget Point and walk from the upper car park towards the lighthouse viewing area when wind and access permit. Keep to the marked path rather than seeking a closer cliff-edge photograph. Roaring Bay can be a separate short stop using the viewing hide and current signs, with no wildlife sighting expected. Return to Kaka Point before fatigue turns the coastal drive into the hardest part of the day.
Overnight: Kaka Point
Day 3: Owaka and Purakaunui Falls
Make an Owaka stop for supplies before taking the signed approach to Purakaunui Falls. Walk to the upper viewing area first and decide whether to continue down to the lower view; a short visit is still worthwhile. Bring footwear suited to damp surfaces and return by the planned road route to Kaka Point. Avoid adding Cathedral Caves or Curio Bay to this day: they would change the geographical scope and access checks substantially.
Overnight: Kaka Point
One confirmed camp is enough
Confirm the Kaka Point booking and arrive with food rather than depending on late local shopping. No Owaka campground is required by this plan. During research, Thomas's Catlins still displayed a winter-closure notice without a confirmed reopening date, so it was not selected as an overnight. The cover is general camping illustration, not a Catlins location photograph.
Let coast and forest have different days
Skip the headland in strong wind. The falls are an alternative on a suitable day, not guaranteed storm shelter. DOC instructs visitors not to go onto Roaring Bay beach after 3 pm; use the hide and follow any additional current restrictions. Wildlife viewing is optional and sightings are not guaranteed. Neither itinerary day establishes current local-road access.
