Catlins Coast

The Catlins Coast is a wild, untamed stretch of New Zealand’s southeastern corner, where dense native rainforest meets dramatic sea cliffs and thundering waterfalls. This is a place of raw natural beauty, where you can walk through ancient podocarp forest, spot rare yellow-eyed penguins and fur seals, and feel the spray of some of the country’s most spectacular coastal waterfalls. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers, offering a slower pace away from the tourist crowds.

Highlights & What to See

• Nugget Point / Tokātā: Iconic lighthouse perched on a rocky peninsula; watch for seals, sea lions, and penguins at sunset.
• Purakaunui Falls: A stunning three-tiered waterfall plunging 20m into a forested gorge – one of NZ’s most photographed.
• Cathedral Caves: Massive sea caves accessible at low tide – explore the cavernous chambers carved by the ocean.
• Curio Bay: Home to a petrified forest and a breeding colony of yellow-eyed penguins; also great for spotting Hector’s dolphins.
• McLean Falls: A beautiful walk through lush rainforest leads to this 22m-high waterfall with a deep pool.
• Waipapa Point Lighthouse: Historic lighthouse and a key spot for sea lion sightings on the sandy beach.
• Slope Point: The southernmost point of the South Island, with windswept trees and sweeping ocean views.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days allows you to explore the Catlins at a relaxed pace, hitting the main highlights without rushing. If you’re short on time, a full day from Invercargill or Dunedin can cover the key stops along the Southern Scenic Route, but you’ll miss the quieter corners. Plan for at least one overnight stay – the twilight penguin parades and starry skies are not to be missed.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Invercargill: Gateway city with art deco architecture and the Southland Museum.
• Dunedin: Heritage city with Victorian buildings, the Otago Peninsula, and albatross colony.
• Fiordland National Park: Majestic fjords like Milford Sound, about a 3-hour drive west.
• The Southern Scenic Route: Scenic drive linking the Catlins with Fiordland and the Otago coast.
• Stewart Island / Rakiura: A ferry ride from Bluff offers remote hiking and kiwi spotting.

Please check official sources for current details.