Catlins

The Catlins, a rugged coastal region in the southeastern corner of New Zealand's South Island, is a wild and untamed gem where dense native forest meets dramatic cliffs and thunderous surf. This is a place of raw beauty, where you can stand beneath a waterfall cascading onto a sandy beach, watch yellow-eyed penguins waddle ashore at dusk, and feel the spray of the world's southernmost sea lions. The Catlins feel remote and untouristed, offering a genuine slice of New Zealand’s natural heritage.

Highlights & What to See

• Nugget Point – A breathtaking headland with a historic lighthouse, offering panoramic ocean views and a chance to see fur seals, sea lions, and, if you're lucky, Hector's dolphins playing in the surf below.
• Purakaunui Falls – A three-tiered waterfall tumbling through lush forest; a short walk leads to a viewing platform with classic photo opportunities.
• Cathedral Caves – At low tide, explore these immense sea caves carved into the cliffs, with ceilings soaring 30 metres high and a sandy floor perfect for barefoot exploration.
• Curio Bay – Home to a petrified forest (180-million-year-old fossilised trees) and a breeding colony of yellow-eyed penguins; arrive late afternoon for the best wildlife viewing.
• Slope Point – The southernmost point of the South Island, where you can stand amid windswept trees and gaze across the Southern Ocean towards Antarctica.
• Jack's Blowhole – A massive chasm created by a collapsed sea cave, where waves surge through an underground tunnel and erupt in a dramatic spray.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for two to three days to fully experience the Catlins. The region is best explored at a leisurely pace, with stops along the Southern Scenic Route. Spend one day exploring the northern highlights (Nugget Point, Purakaunui Falls, Cathedral Caves) and another day on the southern coast (Curio Bay, Slope Point, Jack's Blowhole). If you have only one day, focus on the coastal stretch between Owaka and Waikawa, but you'll miss the wild southern tip.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dunedin – A vibrant city with Scottish heritage, a stunning railway station, and the Otago Peninsula's albatross colony and penguin reserves.
• Invercargill – The gateway to Stewart Island and a base for exploring the southern Catlins, with its own museums and the nearby Oreti Beach.
• Stewart Island – A short ferry ride from Bluff, this island offers pristine wilderness, kiwi spotting, and the Rakiura Track.
• Fiordland National Park – A few hours' drive west, home to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and world-class hiking trails like the Routeburn Track.

Please check official sources for current details.