The Catlins

Explore this southern-most treasure chest of waterfalls, wildlife, rugged coastlines

The Catlins’ beauty and seclusion are magnetic. It has an untouched quality that separates it from other New Zealand destinations.

It is a place where yellow-eyed penguins can be seen making their way to their coastal nests. Sea lions and fur seals frequently sun themselves on the rocks and Hectors Dolphins frolic in the waves. This is pure New Zealand.

Here you can satisfy all the senses. The smell of the sea, the sounds of birdsong, exceptional scenic sights and local cuisine provide indescribable pleasures and lasting memories of a magical place.

Those keen to explore the Catlins’ delights should embark on one of the many walking tracks. The area’s tracks provide access to some special scenic, historic and cultural significant sites.

Travelling the Catlins via the Southern Scenic Route will take you on a journey through podacarp forest and native bush to hidden lakes and spectacular waterfalls. The abundant flora and fauna and the waterfalls will have you reaching for your camera and marvelling at their beauty.

In addition to wildlife, stunning views and exposed location, the fossilised remains of an internationally significant Jurassic fossil forest lies on the beach at Curio and Porpoise Bays.

Explore a little further and you will discover a fascinating coastal shipping past. The lighthouses, established to prevent shipping mishaps, best illustrate the region’s early whaling history.

The area’s natural and historic features provide not only top tourist spots on roads less travelled, but offer an outstanding journey with breath-taking vistas around each corner.

For more information about the Catlins please visit www.southlandnz.com – the regional website for Southland.

Another useful website is www.catlins.org.nz – a website supported by the Catlins community.

Top attractions in the Catlins

Curio Bay Fossilised Forest

The fossilised remains of an ancient forest are exposed at Curio Bay during low tide. This is one of the most extensive and least disturbed examples of a Jurassic fossil forest in the world and stretches about 20 kms from Curio Bay south west to Slope Point.

180 million years ago the Curio Bay area was a broad forested coastal floodplain. During this time, the middle Jurassic period, New Zealand was part of the ancient super-continent known as Gondwana. The forest predominantly consisted of trees forming a low canopy and undergrowth dominated by ferns.

Over time massive sheet floods of volcanic debris are believed to have destroyed the forest. In the millions of years since the sediments were buried deeply and eventually turned the wood to rock. In some places fern fronds and leaves have been preserved as fossils within the mudstone rocks.

Curio Bay is also home to nesting yellow eyed penguins, which can be seen (from a safe distance) at dusk and dawn.

Florence Hill

Take the opportunity to look out over the beautiful Tautuku Bay and the South Pacific Ocean. To the east of this stunning coastline is where surfers from all over New Zealand come to surf the big waves.

Purakanui Falls

The Purakaunui Falls are situated amongst lush podocarp and beech forest and these magnificent falls which cascade 20 metres over three distinct tiers are amongst the most photographed in New Zealand.

Nugget Point

Nugget Point is great for wildlife viewing (take binoculars on your walk if you have them) including seals, sea lions and penguins. The walk to the lighthouse has stunning views of the roaring ocean, rugged surrounding landscape and vast skies.

Cannibal Bay

This is a wonderful place to look out for New Zealand sea lions, fur seals and even an elephant seal if you are lucky! The Bay is named after the numerous bones which were found in the sand dunes after the early Maori battles in the 1830’s. There is a 5 hour coast and dune walk which will take you through to Surat Bay. If you do see sea lions or seals along the way, please remember to keep your distance.

Owaka Museum - Wahi Kahuika

Take yourself to the Owaka Museum on your journey to the south-east edge of Aotearoa / New Zealand. Discover Owaka's new architectural feature, the Owaka Museum: Wahi Kahuika the Meeting Place - a rest on your journey. Experience a visual story filled journey, discover what made the Catlins how it is today. This includes exhibitions, mini-movies, and shipwreck & settler stories.

Lake Wilkie

Take a short walk through tranquil podacarp forest and you will reach a peaceful lookout and boardwalk over Lake Wilkie. When the Rata is in flower you will be treated to a feast of colour and birdsong as the native Tui and Bellbird enjoy the nectar.

Cathedral Caves

The Cathedral Caves Walk is managed by a group of landowners of Kāi Tahu descent. The caves are very impressive, as the sea has cut deeply into weaker sections of the cliffs and created caverns as much as 30 metres high. They can only be reached for an hour, either side of low tide. Tide tables are available at the Catlins Information Centre in Owaka, the Caves turnoff on SH92, and in the carpark by the start of the track.
From May to October access is limited to weekends and school holidays.
www.cathedralcaves.co.nz

McLean Falls

The walk in through native bush is wonderful and the falls are well worth it when you get there. Allow 40 minutes return for the walk.

Waikawa Museum

The Museum is housed in an old but upgraded school building and tells the local historical story of the area from the early whalers to gold mining, fishing, sawmilling and stone quarrying and present day farming. It also has an interesting farm machinery display.

Waipapa Point

This is the site of New Zealand’s worst civilian shipping disaster in 1881. The historic lighthouse was built soon after this and is still working today. You may even see sea lions frolicking on the beach!