The Catlins

 
Dense rain forests, bush walks with native birdlife, stunning coastal scenery, wildlife such as the Hoiho (yellow eyed penguin) and the rare Hectors Dolphins are all found in The Catlins.

This wild stretch of coast line reaches from Kaka Point in the North to Fortrose in the South and offers visitors travelling between Balclutha and Invercargill an unparalleled opportunity to experience the breathtaking natural wonders of this region. 

Allow ample time to experience the many bushwalks and wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Southern Scenic Route (SH92) passes through the Catlins and allows visitors to stop and discover for themselves the natural beauty of the largest native rain forest on the East coast of the South Island; podocarp forests containing matai, rimu, totara and miro. Allow yourself ample time for this experience as there are numerous places of interest to stop and enjoy bush walks with native birdlife including bellbirds, tuis, wood pigeons, fantails, grey warblers, yellowheads and kaka in musical attendance. 

 

 

 

Some highlights include: 

• Fortrose
• Tokanui
• Waipapa Point
• Tararua Acre Cemetery (15 min return)
• Slope Point (20 min return)
• Waipohatu Recreation Area
• Curio Bay / Tumu Toka and Porpoise Bay
• Waikawa
• Niagara Falls / Manga Piri
• McLean Falls (40 min return)
• Cathedral Caves (50 min return)
• Lenz Reserve
• Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk (30 min return)
• Lake Wilkie (30 min return)
• Tautuku Bay (15 min return to the beach)
• Florence Hill Lookout
• Papatowai
• Coastal Walking Tracks (40 min to 1hr return)
• Old Coach Road (40 min to 3hr return)
• Matai Falls (30 min return)
• Purakaunui Falls (20 min return)
• Catlins River Walk (2.5hr each way)
• Jacks Blowhole (1hr return)
• Owaka
• Pounawea Bush Walk Track (45 min return)
• Surat Bay Wildlife Walk (30 min return)
• Tunnel Hill (20 min return)
• Roaring Bay (10 min return)
• Nugget Point / Tokata Lighthouse (20 min return)
• Kaka Point
• Kaka Point Bush Walk (30 min return)
• Awakiki Track (40 min return)

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• Introduction to The Catlins
• Visitor Information
• Activities and Attractions
• Papatowai
• Accommodation
• Kaka Point / Owaka
• Accommodation
• Activities and Attractions
• Restaurants, Bars, Cafes
• Shopping
• South Catlins
• Accommodation
• Activities and Attractions
• Restaurants, Bars, Cafes
• Shopping
• The Catlins Map
• Image Library