The Catlins

Rugged, remote and wildly beautiful, the Catlins is one of New Zealand's best-kept secrets—a stretch of coastline in the southeastern corner of the South Island where dense native forest meets the wild Pacific. This is a place of thunderous waterfalls, petrified forests, and abundant wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and the world's rarest dolphins. Driving the Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins feels like stepping back in time; the roads are winding, the towns are tiny, and the landscape is utterly unspoiled.

Highlights & What to See

• Nugget Point Lighthouse – one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand, with a dramatic clifftop walk to a historic lighthouse and views of rocky islets (the 'nuggets') teeming with seals and seabirds.
• Purakaunui Falls – a stunning three-tiered waterfall framed by native bush, easily reached via a short, well-maintained track.
• Curio Bay – walk among a 180-million-year-old petrified forest at low tide, and in summer watch Hector's dolphins surfing the waves.
• Cathedral Caves – two massive sea caves accessible only at low tide (check local times); the walk through the forest and along the beach is an adventure in itself.
• Waipapa Point Lighthouse – a quiet, windswept spot with a historic wooden lighthouse and a colony of sea lions lazing on the sand.
• Slope Point – the southernmost point of the South Island, where trees are permanently bent by the roaring forties winds—a surreal, powerful place.
• McLean Falls – a beautiful cascade tumbling over a series of rocky ledges, with a short walk through lush rainforest.

Suggested Time to Spend

While you can race through the Catlins in a day, you'd be doing it a disservice. Plan for at least two full days to properly explore the highlights without rushing. The road from Owaka to Waikawa is dotted with turnoffs and short walks, so pace yourself—stop often, breathe the salt air, and take time to simply sit on a beach and watch the wildlife. If you're driving from Dunedin or Invercargill, consider staying overnight in Owaka, Papatowai, or a remote bach near the coast.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dunedin – a vibrant city with Scottish heritage, a spectacular railway station, and the Otago Peninsula's albatross colony and penguin sanctuary.
• Invercargill – the gateway to the Catlins from the west, with the charming Bill Richardson Transport World and easy access to Bluff and Stewart Island.
• Stewart Island / Rakiura – a short ferry ride from Bluff, offering pristine wilderness, kiwi spotting, and the Rakiura Track.
• The Southern Scenic Route – the entire driving route from Dunedin to Te Anau (or vice versa) weaves through the Catlins, Fiordland, and the stunning Waipapa Point area.
• Balclutha and the Clutha River – a historic town with gold-mining heritage and the mighty Clutha Mata-Au River, great for a short detour.

Please check official sources for current details.