Catlins Coast

Stretching along the southeastern corner of New Zealand's South Island, the Catlins Coast is a wild, weather-beaten stretch of rugged coastline, ancient rainforest, and thundering waterfalls. This is one of the country's last great undiscovered regions, where you can walk along empty beaches, spot rare yellow-eyed penguins and fur seals, and stand beneath the spray of spectacular waterfalls — all without the crowds you'll find farther north. The roads are winding and often gravel, so take your time and let the landscape unfold.

Highlights & What to See

• Nugget Point Lighthouse — A classic New Zealand lighthouse perched on a rocky promontory. Walk the short track at dawn or dusk to see sea lions, fur seals, and the famous 'nuggets' (rock stacks) glowing in the low light.
• Purakaunui Falls — A short, easy walk through lush podocarp forest leads to this three-tiered, 20-metre waterfall. It's one of the most photographed falls in the country, and for good reason.
• Curio Bay — Home to a petrified forest from the Jurassic period and a breeding colony of yellow-eyed penguins. Visit at sunset to watch the penguins come ashore after a day at sea.
• Cathedral Caves — Accessible only at low tide, these huge sea caves are carved into the cliffs. Bring a torch and wade through the sand to explore the echoing chambers.
• Waipapa Point Lighthouse — A remote, windswept lighthouse at the southernmost tip of the Catlins. It's a prime spot for seeing sea lions and, if you're lucky, Hector's dolphins playing in the surf.
• Slope Point — The southernmost point of the South Island. The walk across farmland is rewarded with views of the wild Southern Ocean and trees permanently bent by the wind.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least two full days to explore the Catlins properly. The roads are slow, and many of the best sights require short walks. A three-day itinerary allows for a more relaxed pace, including a night in the small settlement of Owaka or at the Catlins Lake. If you're on a tight schedule, you can hit the highlights in a long day from Dunedin or Invercargill, but you'll miss the magic of dawn and dusk when the wildlife is most active.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dunedin — New Zealand's wildlife capital, with the Otago Peninsula's albatross colony and royal albatross centre.
• Invercargill — Gateway to Stewart Island and the Southern Scenic Route. The city itself has a charming retro vibe.
• Stewart Island — A ferry ride from Bluff (near Invercargill) takes you to this rugged island paradise, perfect for kiwi spotting and tramping.
• The Southern Scenic Route — A stunning drive connecting the Catlins with Fiordland and the West Coast, passing through the Waiau River valley and the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track.
• Fiordland National Park — Continue west to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and the Kepler Track for some of New Zealand's most dramatic scenery.

Please check official sources for current details.