Owaka

Owaka is a small, unassuming town on the Catlins coast of New Zealand's South Island, serving as a gateway to some of the country's most dramatic and unspoiled coastal scenery. With its laid-back vibe, historic buildings, and proximity to lush native forests and rugged shorelines, Owaka offers a genuine slice of rural Kiwi life and a base for exploring the wild beauty of the Catlins.

Highlights & What to See

• Catlins Coast – Drive the scenic coastal route for jaw-dropping views of cliffs, sea caves, and blowholes. Stop at the iconic Nugget Point lighthouse for a short walk to a viewpoint over rocky islets teeming with fur seals and yellow-eyed penguins.
• Purakaunui Falls – A short, easy walk through podocarp forest leads to this three-tiered waterfall, one of the most photographed in New Zealand. Best visited after rain for maximum flow.
• Catlins Wildlife Trackers – Join a guided tour to spot Hector's dolphins, sea lions, and rare penguins along the coast. The local guides are passionate and knowledgeable.
• Owaka Museum – A small but charming museum that tells the story of the region's Māori heritage, early European settlers, and the area's unique natural history.
• Catlins River Walk – A peaceful forest walk along the river, perfect for birdwatching and spotting native ferns and towering rimu trees.

Suggested Time to Spend

Owaka itself can be explored in a couple of hours, but to fully appreciate the surrounding Catlins attractions, plan for at least one full day. Two days allow for a relaxed pace, including a sunrise visit to Nugget Point and a sunset walk on one of the remote beaches. If you're driving the Southern Scenic Route, Owaka makes a convenient overnight stop between Dunedin and Invercargill.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Catlins Forest Park – Extensive native forest with walking tracks, including the popular McLean Falls track.
• Curio Bay – A petrified forest and a breeding ground for yellow-eyed penguins, about a 40-minute drive south.
• Waipapa Point – A historic lighthouse and a great spot for sea lion sightings, further south along the coast.
• Dunedin – New Zealand's wildlife capital, with the Otago Peninsula and Royal Albatross Centre, a 1.5-hour drive north.
• Invercargill – The southernmost city, with art deco architecture and the gateway to Stewart Island, about 1.5 hours west.

Please check official sources for current details.