Curio Bay

Curio Bay, on the wild Catlins coast, is a place where time stands still and the ancient world feels startlingly close. Here, a petrified forest dating back 180 million years is exposed at low tide, its stumps and logs turned to stone by volcanic ash. It’s also one of New Zealand’s most accessible spots to see yellow-eyed penguins and Hector’s dolphins, making it a must for wildlife lovers and geology buffs alike.

Highlights & What to See

• Petrified Forest: Walk out on the wave-cut platform at low tide to see fossilized tree stumps and logs – a Jurassic-era landscape frozen in stone.
• Yellow-Eyed Penguins: Visit the viewing hide at sunset (Oct–Feb) to watch these shy birds come ashore after a day at sea.
• Hector’s Dolphins: Scan the surf zone for the world’s smallest dolphin; they often ride waves just offshore.
• Waipohatu Marine Mammal Sanctuary: The bay is part of this protected area, boosting your chances of spotting fur seals and sea lions.
• Catlins Scenic Drive: The road to Curio Bay is an attraction itself, winding through native forest with stops at waterfalls like Purakaunui Falls.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least two hours to explore the petrified forest at low tide and watch for wildlife. If you’re keen on penguin viewing, arrive an hour before sunset and stay until dusk – this can add another 1–2 hours. Most visitors combine Curio Bay with other Catlins highlights in a day trip from Invercargill or Owaka.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Slope Point: The southernmost point of the South Island, with dramatic cliffs and a windswept signpost.
• Cathedral Caves: Huge sea caves accessible at low tide, a 15-minute drive north.
• Nugget Point: Iconic lighthouse and seal colony, about an hour’s drive along the coast.
• Invercargill: The nearest city, with the Southland Museum and easy access to Stewart Island ferries.
• Waipapa Point: Historic lighthouse and a popular spot for sea lions.

Please check official sources for current details.