Location
New Zealand
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
About Willsher Bay (Kākā Point)
Willsher Bay, also called Te Karoro, is the sandy village beach beside Kākā Point, a small holiday settlement at the northern edge of the Catlins in South Otago. Cribs stand close to the sand, so the beach is a settled place rather than a remote one. Nude use here came to public notice through a neighbours' dispute: a local resident's nude walking, swimming and sunbathing on the public beach next to his property was challenged, and a court in 2022 found those activities lawful. Walks along the beach pass Karoro Creek, where families picnic, and head north towards the surf life saving club about 1.7 km away. Reports from the case also quote a judge describing the beach as deserted, which a neighbour disputed. The southern coast is exposed, so swimming needs care and the surf can be lively. Visitors who want a discreet walk should use the far ends of the sand and keep to quieter times of the day.
Getting there
The sources reviewed do not give parking, track or walk-in details for Willsher Bay, so treat these as unchecked. The beach lies beside the Kākā Point settlement, about 15 km south of Balclutha on the Catlins road. Use the public access points in the village, and check local signage for parking. The surf life saving club sits about 1.7 km north along the sand. There are no facilities at the beach as far as the sources show, so bring water and take your rubbish home. Access for wheelchairs and pushchairs is not confirmed.
Legal context
A 2022 court decision, reported by the Otago Daily Times in April 2023, found a resident's nude walking, swimming and sunbathing on the adjoining public beach lawful. A University of Otago law professor, quoted in the same report, said public nudity is generally lawful unless it involves disorderly or offensive behaviour. No local bylaw or council designation was found.
Naturism at Willsher Bay (Kākā Point) sits under New Zealand's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: New Zealand public nudity guide.
Researched 25 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
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Approx. -46.4007, 169.7871
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity legal at Willsher Bay?
A 2022 court decision in a neighbours' dispute found one resident's nude use of the public beach lawful. Public nudity is generally lawful in New Zealand unless it is disorderly or offensive, but there is no official nude-beach designation here.
Is Willsher Bay family-friendly?
Families use the beach, and picnic spots lie along the walk. Nude use should stay discreet, away from them.
Is there parking or facilities?
The sources reviewed do not give parking or facilities details. Check local signage in the village before you go.
Where is the nude section?
No council or DOC source marks one. Reports describe use on the adjoining public beach, with the far ends of the sand the quietest.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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