The Catlins is known for its tiny population, scenic side roads, gorgeous forests and coastlines, big-wave surfing, and fierce winds. Home to endangered birds like the yellow-eyed penguin as well as Hooker’s sea lions and the New Zealand fur seal, it’s a beautiful and wild region, located in the southeastern corner of New Zealand’s South Island between Balclutha and Invercargill.
We’ve put together a list of the must-see lookouts, beaches, and hikes of The Catlins, enough to fill a few busy days in the region, but there’s plenty to do and see if you want to stay for longer. Keep in mind that The Catlins is an adventure – not a lazy beach holiday – so pack your windbreaker!
Nugget Point
Easily the most popular destination in The Catlins, Nugget Point is the place to stop if you’re just passing through. The lighthouse and lookout to Tokata Point rocks is just a short walk, but that easy access means that it can be busy.
Roaring Bay, which is just to the north of Nugget Point, has a penguin hide that you can visit. However, in order to spot the penguins you’ll have to be patient – they appear around dusk, which is about 9.30 to 10pm in the summer.
Photos by Melanie Tollemache
Surat Bay
It’s worth the early morning to see Surat Bay at sunrise, especially in clear weather. Located on the northern side of the Catlins River mouth, Surat Bay is stunning and remote, with access through the sand dunes – we were the only people there when we visited.
You may also spot some New Zealand sea lions (whakahao) lying in the sand, so be careful where you walk! They’re larger and less docile than seals.
Photos by Wyoming Paul
Jack’s Blowhole
Jack’s Blowhole is a collapsed sea cave two hundred metres from the shore, which appears as a deep hole at the apex of this moderate hour-long walk. While the blowhole itself is at its most dramatic (complete with roaring and explosive swells) during high tide and stormy weather, the walk to get there is well worthwhile. The track winds through pretty farmland, with views of seaside cliffs, the Pacific Ocean, and hardy wind-blown trees.
After the walk, take the southern route from the Catlin’s River mouth past Catlins Lake towards Papatowai and Tautuku Bay, rather than the main road to the north of the lake. Look out for the Lost Gypsy Gallery and Cafe from November to April for a truly unique and local experience.
Photos by Wyoming Paul
Tautuku Bay
One of New Zealand’s perfect golden crescent beaches, Tautuku Bay is glorious both from above at the Florence Lookout and on the sand. Tautuku Bay is another home for fur seals, plus it’s a wave-big surf beach. To reach the Florence Lookout, drive 20-30km from the Catlins River, past Catlins Lake.
Photos by Melanie Tollemache
Cathedral Caves
Cathedral Caves is a beautiful long sea cave on Waipati Beach, with two mouths to walk through. The caves are accessible only during low tide, and there’s a small fee to enter the walkway that takes you down to the beach.
Photos by Wyoming Paul
The waterfalls
The Catlins is known for its stunning waterfalls, and many can be accessed via a short walk from the main road. A few honourable mentions are Purakaunui, which is halfway between the Catlins River mouth and Tautuku Bay, the Mclean Falls, which can be accessed soon after the Cathedral Caves walkway, and the Waipouhatu Falls, near the north end of Slope Point Rd.
If you’re a sucker for irony, you can also stop at the anti-climatic Niagara Falls as you approach Waikawa Harbour.
Top and bottom photos of Purakaunui Falls by @travelsfromedensor.
Middle photos by Melanie Tollemache
Slope Point
Slope Point, with its cliffy drop off, is the most southerly point in the South Island. It’s also famous for the line of trees that have been blown sideways over many decades of southerly winds!
Photos by Melanie Tollemache