Catlins

Rugged, remote and utterly mesmerising, the Catlins is one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets. This wild coastal stretch in southeastern Otago is a place where ancient rainforest meets the roaring Pacific, where you can stand beneath a waterfall that plunges straight onto a beach, or watch rare yellow-eyed penguins waddle ashore at dusk. It’s raw, untamed and deeply atmospheric – perfect for road-trippers craving solitude and spectacular nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Nugget Point Lighthouse: Iconic white lighthouse perched on a rocky headland, with a short walk to views of tumbled rocks (the “nuggets”) and colonies of seals and sea lions.
• Purakaunui Falls: A stunning 20-metre waterfall in three tiers, set in lush native bush – just a short stroll from the car park.
• Curio Bay & Slope Point: Curio Bay is home to a petrified forest and Hector’s dolphins; Slope Point is the South Island’s southernmost point, with dramatic cliffs and wind-bent trees.
• Cathedral Caves: Enormous sea caves accessible only at low tide – check times locally and prepare for a walk down to the beach.
• Waipapa Point Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse with a lovely beach, often visited by sea lions and elephant seals.
• Yellow-eyed Penguin Reserve (at Roaring Bay): A hide allows you to observe these endangered penguins from a distance – best at dusk.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly absorb the Catlins, allow at least two full days. The roads are winding and many sights require short walks, so rushing is not an option. Base yourself in Owaka or a coastal accommodation, then spend one day exploring the northern highlights (Nugget Point, Purakaunui Falls) and the second day heading south to Curio Bay and Waipapa Point. If you’re en route between Dunedin and Invercargill, you can do a whistle-stop tour in a day, but you’ll miss the magic of a sunset penguin watch.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dunedin – your gateway to the Catlins, with its Victorian architecture and vibrant food scene
• Otago Peninsula – albatross colony, penguins and dramatic coastal scenery
• Larnach Castle – New Zealand’s only castle, with beautiful gardens and history
• Invercargill – the southern city with a retro vibe and gateway to Stewart Island
• The Southern Scenic Route – the stunning drive linking the Catlins with Fiordland and Te Anau

Please check official sources for current details.