Nugget Point car park overflowing

Vehicles spill out of a car park at Nugget Point in the Catlins this week. Marilyn Dunn, who lives near the popular attraction, said it was filling regularly throughout the Christmas period.

"The other day about 10 cars turned away because there was no room.

"It’s been popular other years as well, but I would say it’ll be even busier once the tar-sealing on the road up to it is done."

Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said he had never seen such "hustle and bustle" in the district.

"It’s atomic for the retailers, but we realise the flip-side that we need to get our skates on to keep up."

The Department of Conservation, which owns the car park, did not respond to questions yesterday.