Catlins Coast

The Catlins Coast is a rugged, untamed stretch of southeastern New Zealand where dense native rainforest meets wild beaches, sea caves, and dramatic cliffs. This off-the-beaten-path region rewards travellers with encounters with fur seals, sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins, and the rare Hector's dolphin, all set against a backdrop of thundering waterfalls and ancient fossilised forests. It's a place where the pace slows and nature takes centre stage.

Highlights & What to See

• Nugget Point Lighthouse – A iconic white lighthouse perched on a rocky peninsula, offering sweeping ocean views and a resident colony of fur seals and sea lions.
• Purakaunui Falls – A stunning three-tiered waterfall cascading 20 metres through lush podocarp forest, easily reached via a short walk.
• Cathedral Caves – Two massive sea caves carved into limestone cliffs, accessible at low tide; bring a torch to explore the cavernous interiors.
• Curio Bay – A petrified forest from the Jurassic period, visible at low tide, and a prime spot for spotting yellow-eyed penguins and Hector's dolphins.
• Waipapa Point Lighthouse – A historic lighthouse and beach where sea lions often laze; it's also a great place for a peaceful picnic.
• McLean Falls – A powerful 22-metre waterfall set in a lush gorge, reached via a scenic walk through native bush.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend one to two days exploring the Catlins. A full day allows you to hit the main highlights between Owaka and Curio Bay, but an overnight stay (in towns like Owaka or Waikawa) lets you experience the coast at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. If you're driving the Southern Scenic Route, the Catlins makes a perfect one- to two-day detour between Dunedin and Invercargill.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dunedin – New Zealand's wildlife capital, with the Otago Peninsula's albatross colony and royal penguins.
• Invercargill – Gateway to Stewart Island and the Southern Scenic Route.
• Stewart Island / Rakiura – A remote island paradise for kiwi spotting and tramping.
• The Southern Scenic Route – A stunning coastal drive linking the Catlins with Fiordland and the Otago coast.
• Bluff – Famous for its oysters and the iconic Stirling Point signpost.

Please check official sources for current details.