Catlins

The Catlins, a ruggedly beautiful coastal region in the southeastern corner of New Zealand's South Island, is a place where wild seas meet ancient forests. This untamed stretch of coastline is home to roaring waterfalls, rare wildlife, and windswept beaches that feel a world away from the tourist trail. Whether you're spotting yellow-eyed penguins at dusk or standing before the churning Nugget Point lighthouse, the Catlins delivers raw, authentic nature at every turn.

Highlights & What to See

• Nugget Point: A dramatic headland with a historic lighthouse and a resident colony of fur seals and sea lions. The short walk offers superb coastal views.
• Purakaunui Falls: One of New Zealand's most photographed waterfalls, this three-tiered cascade plunges 20m into a mossy gorge – a short rainforest walk leads to the viewing platform.
• Cathedral Caves: Huge sea-carved limestone caves accessible only at low tide. Bring a torch and sturdy shoes to explore the echoing chambers.
• Curio Bay: A living fossil site where a petrified forest dating back 180 million years is exposed at low tide, and yellow-eyed penguins nest nearby.
• Waipapa Point: A remote beach with a historic lighthouse and New Zealand's southernmost mainland sea lion colony – keep your distance.

Suggested Time to Spend

To properly experience the Catlins, allow two to three days. The region is best explored by car, with sealed roads connecting main sights but many requiring short walks. Base yourself in Owaka or the small settlement of Papatowai to break up the journey. A full day covers the northern highlights (Nugget Point, Purakaunui Falls), while a second day lets you explore south to Curio Bay and Waipapa Point. Add an extra day for hiking, wildlife watching, or simply soaking up the solitude.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dunedin: New Zealand's wildlife capital with the world's only mainland royal albatross colony, plus Victorian architecture and a vibrant café scene.
• The Otago Peninsula: A short drive from Dunedin, offering albatross, penguins, and fur seals in a stunning coastal setting.
• Invercargill: Gateway to Stewart Island and the southernmost city in New Zealand, with a nostalgic retro vibe and the excellent Southland Museum.
• Stewart Island / Rakiura: A wild, remote island where kiwi roam free and the night sky is a Dark Sky Sanctuary – accessible by ferry from Bluff.
• Fiordland National Park: A world-famous wilderness area with Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and the Kepler Track – a longer drive from the Catlins but worth the journey.

Please check official sources for current details.