Catlins Forest Park

Deep in the South Island's southeastern corner, Catlins Forest Park is a wild, untamed slice of New Zealand where ancient podocarp rainforest meets a rugged coastline sculpted by the Southern Ocean. This is a place of thundering waterfalls, curious sea lions, and petrified forests — a paradise for hikers and nature lovers seeking solitude far from the tourist trail.

Highlights & What to See

• Purakaunui Falls: A three-tiered cascade plunging 20m into a fern-lined gorge — one of the most photographed waterfalls in New Zealand, easily reached via a short walk.
• Nugget Point / Tokatā: A dramatic headland with a historic lighthouse and a viewing platform offering sweeping ocean vistas. Watch for fur seals, sea lions, and at dawn or dusk, yellow-eyed penguins and Hector's dolphins.
• Cathedral Caves: At low tide, explore the vast, echoing sea caves carved into cliffs at Waipati Beach — bring a torch and sturdy shoes.
• McLean Falls: A powerful, multi-tiered waterfall accessed via a 20-minute walk through lush rainforest; the lower tier is perfect for a cool dip.
• Slope Point: The southernmost point of the South Island mainland, where you'll find a solitary signpost marking its distance from the Equator and the South Pole — brace for relentless winds.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least two full days to experience the park's highlights at a relaxed pace. The main road (the Southern Scenic Route) threads through the park, and most attractions involve short walks. Spend one day exploring the coast from Nugget Point to Slope Point, and the second day hiking inland to waterfalls and the forest interior. If you have only a day, choose a few key stops: Purakaunui Falls, McLean Falls, and Cathedral Caves (timed with low tide).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Invercargill: A 90-minute drive west, this compact city offers museums, gardens, and the chance to see the rare Southland beech forests.
• The Catlins Coast: The park is part of the larger Catlins region, which includes coastal gems like Curio Bay (petrified forest) and Waikawa (museum and penguin colony).
• Dunedin: A 2.5-hour drive north, Dunedin is home to the Otago Peninsula's albatross colony and the city's Victorian architecture.
• Stewart Island / Rakiura: For a true wilderness extension, take a ferry from Bluff (near Invercargill) to Stewart Island, where kiwi birds roam free and the night sky is dark-sky certified.

Please check official sources for current details.