Nugget Point and Cannibal Bay, Catlins

Led by John Barkla, DOC Otago. A full day trip, first to Nugget Point and then to nearby Cannibal Bay. Nugget Point is the premier wildlife viewing site in the Catlins but also has fantastic vegetation. Windshorn shrubby vegetation contains a large population of Olearia fragrantissima and herbfields have the megaherb Anisotome lyallii and the Catlins endemic Celmisia lindsayi. Just south of Cannibal Bay are ephemerally wet dune slacks with large populations of the threatened herbs Mazus arenarius and Libertia peregrinans and the small shrub Pimelea lyallii. NZ sealions are regularly encountered here. Trip departs from Botany Department car park. Carpool rates 10c/km/passenger payable to driver. Return mid-late afternoon. Bring lunch and drinks and warm, wind-proof clothing. Following the trip John and family are planning to spend Saturday night at the lighthouse keepers house at Nugget Point. Others are most welcome. Mattressess and cooking facilities are available but you'll need a sleeping bag and food etc.