Low tide near Kaka Point, Otago

Kaka Point is a small village in the northern part of The Catlins, on the South Island’s wild and popular southeastern coast. The village is located eight kilometres north of well-known Nugget Point and has a seasonally fluctuating population (permanent population around 150), many of who come here to stay in the numerous cribs (holiday homes) that line the coast at and near Kaka Point.

A short unsealed road takes visitors to the spectacular rock outcrops and lighthouse at Nugget Point, and along the way there are many picturesque beaches and coves including this one at Campbell Point, about halfway between Kaka Point and Nugget Point. This beach is typical of the coast south of Kaka Point, which is mostly sheltered from the prevailing southwest weather and swells by the Nugget Point headland and therefore ideal for fishing and launching boats. Low tide is an especially good time to explore these beaches when rock pools and sand bars lie exposed, often decorated with intricate swirls and patterns left by the outgoing tide.