The Catlins

Welcome to The Catlins, one of New Zealand's best-kept secrets—a rugged, windswept stretch of coastline in the South Island's southeast where ancient rainforest meets wild ocean. This is raw, untamed nature at its finest: thundering waterfalls, petrified forests, and colonies of sea lions, penguins, and seals that pay no attention to visitors. It's a region for those who love solitude, dramatic landscapes, and the thrill of discovery around every headland.

Highlights & What to See

• Nugget Point Lighthouse – An iconic white lighthouse perched on a rocky headland with views of the 'nuggets' (rock stacks) and a resident seal colony below. Come at sunrise for a golden glow.
• Cannibal Bay – Famous for its basking sea lions that laze on the sand—keep your distance and enjoy the spectacle.
• Purakaunui Falls – A picture-perfect tiered waterfall that cascades through lush forest, just a short walk from the road.
• Curio Bay – Home to a petrified forest dating back 180 million years and a year-round colony of yellow-eyed penguins (the world's rarest).
• Cathedral Caves – Two massive sea caves that open onto a stunning beach, accessible only at low tide.
• McLean Falls – A powerful, multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by native bush—less crowded than Purakaunui.
• Slope Point – The southernmost point of the South Island, with windswept trees permanently bent by the Antarctic winds.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend two to three days exploring The Catlins, ideally basing yourself in Owaka or Curio Bay. A full day covers the main coastal highlights from Nugget Point to Curio Bay, but adding a second day allows for longer walks (like the Catlins River Track) and a more relaxed pace. If you're on a tight schedule, a single day from Dunedin or Invercargill is doable but rushed—you'll miss the magic of lingering at sunset.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dunedin – A vibrant city with a Scottish heritage, the Otago Peninsula's albatross colony, and the quirky Baldwin Street (world's steepest).
• Invercargill – The southernmost city in New Zealand, gateway to Stewart Island and the Southern Scenic Route.
• Stewart Island / Rakiura – A short ferry from Bluff, offering pristine wilderness, kiwi spotting, and the Rakiura Track.
• The Southern Scenic Route – A spectacular drive linking The Catlins with Fiordland and the West Coast—allow several days.
• Fiordland National Park – Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and the Kepler Track—about 4 hours from The Catlins.

Please check official sources for current details.