Catlins Forest Park

Catlins Forest Park, a rugged expanse of native bush, secluded waterfalls, and wild coastline in the southeastern corner of New Zealand's South Island, offers one of the country's most untamed and rewarding escapes. This is a place where you can hike through ancient podocarp forests, spot rare yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions on deserted beaches, and stand at the edge of roaring blowholes. The park feels like a secret—even in peak season, you'll often have trails and viewpoints to yourself.

Highlights & What to See

• Nugget Point / Tokātā – A dramatic headland with a historic lighthouse, home to fur seals, sea lions, and colonies of yellow-eyed penguins. The short walk to the lookout offers stunning coastal views.
• Purakaunui Falls – One of New Zealand's most photographed waterfalls, cascading 20 metres in three tiers through lush native forest. A short walk leads to the viewing platform.
• Cathedral Caves – Enormous sea caves accessible only at low tide, with ceilings soaring up to 30 metres. Check tide times before visiting.
• McLean Falls – A beautiful 22-metre waterfall that plunges into a deep pool surrounded by ferns. The walk through rimu and beech forest is just as rewarding.
• Curio Bay – A petrified forest exposed at low tide, dating back 180 million years. You can also spot Hector's dolphins and yellow-eyed penguins here.
• Waipapa Point Lighthouse – A historic lighthouse built after the 1881 SS Tararua shipwreck; sea lions often rest on the beach below.
• Florence Hill Lookout – A short climb rewards you with panoramic views of the coastline and forested hills.

Suggested Time to Spend

To fully experience the Catlins, plan for at least two days. This allows you to explore the main highlights at a relaxed pace, including a sunrise visit to Nugget Point and a low-tide trip to Cathedral Caves. If you're short on time, a single long day from Dunedin or Invercargill can cover the key stops, but you'll miss the magic of the forest at dawn or dusk.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dunedin – New Zealand's wildlife capital, home to the Royal Albatross Centre and the world's steepest street.
• Invercargill – Gateway to Stewart Island and the Southern Scenic Route.
• The Southern Scenic Route – A stunning drive connecting Dunedin, the Catlins, and Fiordland, with countless lookouts and short walks.
• Stewart Island / Rakiura – For the ultimate kiwi-spotting experience and remote hiking.
• Fiordland National Park – Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are a few hours' drive west.

Please check official sources for current details.