Top 10 things to do in the Catlins
Here are the 10 highlights no tourist should miss in the Catlins:
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Nugget Point Lighthouse, north Catlins.
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Roaring Bay, Yellow-eyed Penguin habitat.
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Cannibal Bay, Sea lion colony
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Tautuku Beach Nature Walk.
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Lake Wilkie.
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McLean Falls
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Cathedral Caves
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Estuary Boardwalk
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Curio Bay
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Slope Point
These natural attractions show the geographical diversity of the Catlins region, which range from primordial podocarp rainforest to magnificent coastal edifices such as the Cathedral Caves and the Jurassic era coastal petrified forest.
Walking tracks are well maintained and dry feet are assured with bridges and boardwalks to the top 10 attractions.
Often two nights are required to see the Catlins properly. For example, the yellow-eye penguins come ashore to visit young at dusk. The Cathedral Caves and Curio Bay are tidal dependant and best viewed at low tide.
The McLean Falls are best viewed in the late afternoon when the sun is shining on them. Bush glow worms can be viewed after dark along the walking track to the McLean Falls.
A free Catlins guide map with these and 28 other scenic must-do's are available for download on the www.catlinsnz.com website.