Te Ara A Kiwa

Te Ara A Kiwa (also known as the Catlins) is a ruggedly beautiful stretch of coastline in the southeastern corner of New Zealand's South Island. This wild, windswept region is famed for its dramatic sea cliffs, ancient native forests, and abundant marine wildlife. Driving the winding coastal road, you'll encounter waterfalls tumbling directly onto sandy beaches, colonies of fur seals and sea lions lazing on rocks, and the rare yellow-eyed penguin waddling ashore at dusk. It's a place where the land meets the sea with raw, untamed energy.

Highlights & What to See

• Nugget Point Lighthouse: Walk to this iconic lighthouse perched on a rocky promontory for panoramic views of the ocean and the 'nuggets' – islets that are home to seals, sea lions, and a gannet colony.
• Purakaunui Falls: A short walk through lush native bush leads to this stunning three-tiered waterfall, one of the most photographed in New Zealand.
• Cathedral Caves: At low tide, explore these enormous sea caves with cathedral-like chambers carved into the cliffs (check tide times).
• Waipapa Point Lighthouse: Visit this historic lighthouse and keep an eye out for sea lions basking on the beach below.
• Curio Bay: Step back in time at this petrified forest, over 180 million years old, and spot yellow-eyed penguins coming ashore at sunset.
• McLean Falls: A rewarding walk through podocarp forest leads to this beautiful waterfall cascading over a series of rock ledges.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least two full days to explore Te Ara A Kiwa properly. This allows you to take the scenic route from the north (Balclutha or Owaka) to the south (Invercargill), stopping at all the main sights without rushing. Many travelers spend one night in the area – either at Owaka or at the smaller settlements of Papatowai or Waikawa – to catch the wildlife at dawn and dusk. If you're short on time, you can drive the main highlights in a long day, but you'll miss the chance to linger and experience the region's wild atmosphere.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Gisborne City: While Gisborne is on the North Island, the Catlins pair well with the southern South Island's other gems – but if you're starting from the South Island, combine with Invercargill and Stewart Island.
• Eastland: The Eastland region of the North Island is a different direction, but for South Island travelers, the Catlins combine seamlessly with the Southern Scenic Route from Dunedin to Invercargill.
• Dunedin: A 2–3 hour drive north, Dunedin offers Victorian architecture, the Otago Peninsula's albatross colony, and the world's steepest street.
• Invercargill: The southern gateway city, with its art deco buildings, the Southland Museum, and easy access to Bluff and Stewart Island.
• Stewart Island (Rakiura): A ferry ride from Bluff, this island is a haven for kiwi spotting and pristine wilderness.

Please check official sources for current details.