Nugget Point Lighthouse, New Zealand
When did I visit: End of January, around 7am at sunrise.
Track distance & time to complete: 1km or so, 20 minutes return. Fairly easy walk.
Temperature: Cool and refreshing in the morning, around 15 degrees Celsius.
Parking: Plenty of free parking at Nugget Point Car Park.
Exact location: Nugget Point Lighthouse on Google Maps
I like to call this journey ‘The Pilgrimage’, and it starts with a sound many of us dread. The alarm clock.
It was 4 in the morning again and we were scrambling to get everything packed and double checked. Camera gear, puffer jackets, food and water. Coffee! Ok, we have coffee, everything else is optional.
As we were heading out of our spacious and warm Dunedin Airbnb, we were doing another mental recount if we’ve grabbed everything. We were off to visit Nugget Point at sunrise, a stunning place that has so much to offer: a lighthouse, several otherworldly rocks named The Nuggets, and a variety of wildlife.
All that was standing between us and this magnificent experience was just 90 minutes of driving through thick fog. At night. With just a few hours of sleep.
After we got out of the fog, things were looking nice and we were right on time. Missing the sunrise after such a tedious drive was not an option. Bianca decided to lead the way and I got to linger back, both hesitant and eager to move forward. There were so many stunning views everywhere.
I could already tell that it would be a gorgeous morning. The colours were crisp and vibrant, and we had our first glimpse of the lighthouse in the distance. The ocean was starting to wake up with its deep blue colours, and the waves were rushing to reach the base of the sunlit cliffs.
I decided that I’d risk spending a few more minutes at that very spot, admiring the beauty and taking a few photos.
To avoid missing the sunrise in its full glory, I was literally running to get to the lighthouse on time. Although, in the back of my mind I was preparing to enjoy the experience and not go crazy with so many photos. I kept repeating to myself: the journey is the destination.
Yeah, I know it’s cheesy. It’s also true.
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Unexpectedly, there were a few more pilgrims already there, completely zoned out and unaware of our arrival. Everyone was silent, cameras were on tripods and recording timelapses. Not a single word was mumbled by anyone.
And then I understood why.
It was… Beyond words.
In the search for a simple lighthouse, we found something we didn’t expect. We found meaning.
I think there was barely any wind or sound, but I felt so immersed and absorbed by the sight. Time stood still.
Our pilgrimage was complete.
It wasn’t easy parting with this place. The photos don’t do it justice. Even on those faraway rocks there is life, countless sea lions basking in the sunlight, detached from the rest of the world. Just like us at that moment.
Slowly and without a word, one by one all of the pilgrims were starting to leave and head back to their homes. It was time to go.
As we were walking back in silence, I decided to have one last look and ingrain those views in my mind.
Nugget Point, your pilgrims will come back again.
Thanks for reading, I hope you’ve enjoyed the story and images of my journey.
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