Catlins Forest Park

Welcome to the Catlins Forest Park, a rugged coastal wilderness on New Zealand's southeastern tip that feels like a secret shared among the wind, the waves, and the few travellers who venture here. This is a place where ancient podocarp rainforest meets wild Pacific beaches, where sea lions laze on sand and penguins scurry up cliffs at dusk. The park protects over 50,000 hectares of native forest, waterfalls, and dramatic coastline – a road-tripper’s dream for its raw, untamed beauty and utter lack of crowds.

Highlights & What to See

• Nugget Point Lighthouse: Iconic white lighthouse perched on a rocky headland, with a short walk to a viewing platform where you can spot fur seals, sea lions, and yellow-eyed penguins at sunrise or sunset.
• Cathedral Caves: Spectacular sea caves accessible only at low tide – walk through a massive 30-metre-high cavern carved by the ocean.
• Purakaunui Falls: A three-tiered waterfall cascading 20 metres into a bush-clad pool, reached via a short forest walk.
• McLean Falls: Another stunning waterfall, with a longer walk through lush rainforest leading to a series of cascades and a plunge pool.
• Curio Bay: A petrified forest from the Jurassic period exposed at low tide, plus a breeding colony of yellow-eyed penguins.
• Waipohatu Forest Walk: A boardwalk loop through ancient rimu and kahikatea trees – one of the best examples of lowland podocarp forest in the country.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend a full day driving through the Catlins, stopping at the main sights between Invercargill and Balclutha. To truly soak it in – especially for walking tracks and wildlife watching – plan for two days. Stay overnight in Owaka or one of the small coastal settlements to catch dawn and dusk, when penguins and sea lions are most active. The main road (the Southern Scenic Route) is well-formed but winding; allow at least 3–4 hours of driving time to cover the highlights.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Invercargill: The largest city in the region, with a great museum (Bill Richardson Transport World) and access to Bluff and Stewart Island.
• Stewart Island / Rakiura: A ferry ride from Bluff offers a wild, bird-filled escape with kiwi spotting and coastal hikes.
• The Catlins Coast: Extends beyond the park to include towns like Owaka and Waikawa, with more waterfalls, beaches, and the famous Slope Point (the southernmost point of the South Island).
• Dunedin: A 2–3 hour drive north, known for its wildlife (albatross colony, penguins), Scottish heritage, and the Otago Peninsula.
• Fiordland National Park: About 4 hours west via the Southern Scenic Route, offering Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and spectacular hiking.

Please check official sources for current details.