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The Catlins is often overlooked when travelers are planning their New Zealand itinerary. I get it, it's kind of out of the way and when you're short on time then it's easy to cut this region out. But if you're able to fit it into your travel plans, I promise that you won't regret it! If you fly into Christchurch, an itinerary I would recommend would be driving down the coast through Dunedin then hit the Catlins before making your way to Queenstown then head back to Christchurch through the Lakes District. There is so much beauty packed into this tiny corner of the island, it's mind blowing and quickly became one of my favorite places in all of New Zealand!
McLean Falls
I've seen a lot of waterfalls in NZ, but in my opinion this is the most spectacular one of all. To get there, turn off Chaslands Highway onto Rewcastle Road 11.6 km south of Papatowai. Follow the road for about 3 km to the parking lot. The hike is relatively easy, about 40 minutes round trip and not too steep. You will initially pass through a cattle maze, then cross a bridge over the creek then the track continues gently uphill through lush trees. You'll first come to the lower cascades where a sign will point the way to keep going up a set of switchbacks until you reach the viewing platform. I would suggest going early in the morning to catch the amazing sun rays through the trees.
Purakaunui Falls
The Purakaunui Falls are one of the most photographed falls in all of NZ. In my opinion they're not as impressive in person as the McLean falls, but are still worth a visit. They can be accessed from two roads off the Papatowai Highway. Turn off onto Purakaunui Falls Road 6.3 km south of Owaka, or turn off onto Warnock Road 10.8 km south of Owaka. The falls are signposted at both turn offs. It is a short 10 min walk to get there, my kids especially loved climbing into the hollow trunk of a tree on the path down.
Cathedral Caves
The Cathedral Caves is one of the largest sea caves in the world and it is impressive to witness in person. However, there is some important information that you need to know before you go:
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The Caves are open for visiting between late October and May. Sometimes spring tides delay the opening a few weeks.
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Access is limited to two hours before low tide and up to one hour after low tide. It is not available before 7.30am or after 8.30pm.
It is located 15km south of the village of Papatowai and 2km off the highway. There is a small fee to park. It is about a 3/4 mile track through lush coastal forest until you reach the beautiful Waipati beach where the caves are located on the northern end. Be prepared to get your feet wet and bring a flashlight to explore the inner reaches. as there are often seawater pools forming in the sandy floor of the caves. A torch (flashlight) will be useful for the dimly lit inner reaches. If you're lucky, you may even see sea lions or penguins but be sure to give them space and don't disturb them.
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Nugget point is my favorite lighthouse, and I've seen plenty of lighthouses! The views are out of this world. It's a scenic 5 minute walk from the parking lot and once you're there you look over the sheer jagged cliffs to the rocky islets jutting up from the water below. If you look down onto the rocks directly below the lighthouse, you'll often see fur seals playing in the rock pools. Bring binoculars and you may even spot yellow-eyed penguins on the shore or hector dolphins swimming in the ocean. It's one of the moments where you sit in silence just soaking up the serene beauty and feeling grateful that you get to experience it. To get there, follow the coast road from Kaka Point to the top Kaimātaitai parking lot.
Purakaunui Bay
This beautiful bay is the filming location for Cair Paravel where the kings and queens are crowned in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. It is located at the Purakaunui Bay Campsite and to get there, turn off SH1 at Balcutha. Drive south past Owaka until Ratanui turnoff. Follow Purakaunui Falls Rd to Long Point Rd, then follow Purakaunui Bay Rd until it ends, it is a narrow gravel road so take care.
Curio Bay
Curio Bay is home to a Jurassic era petrified forest that has been uncovered by the ocean that can be seen at low tide. It is also a protected nesting ground for yellow eyed penguins. An hour or so before sunset you can see them making their way back from the ocean to nest in the bushes behind the beach (give them space and use a zoom lens for photos).
Porpoise Bay
Not far from Curio Bay is Porpoise Bay. It gets it's name because it is home to the world's rarest dolphins, the Hector's Dolphins. What makes it even more special is that often they come near the shore and even play with surfers and swimmers. It is a rare phenomenon, nowhere else in the world do dolphins spend so much time near shore without being fed. Just be sure to never approach the dolphins and wait for them to come to you. It is also a great surfing beach, with some right hand breaks on the eastern side of the bay and smaller breaks for beginners close to the homes lining the beach. We didn't see any dolphins while we were there, but it is still a beautiful location.
Slope Point
Slope Point is home to an amazing phenomenon. It is the southern most point of NZ and the fierce Antarctic winds coming from the ocean cause the trees to twist and warp against the winds until they grow at a permanent angle. It is located just south of Waikawa and is accessed by a 20 minute walk along a track.
Waipapa Point
Waipapa Point gets automatic points just for having a lighthouse. And plenty of tide pools for observing crabs and baby starfish. And a freakishly large sea lion. And for watching tourists get as close as they can to take a picture with the sea lion and then run away screaming like a girl when it growls at them. It never gets old. It is located right at the end of the Catlins region. It is a bit out of the way but is definitely worth the gravel road drive to get there.
I hope you make it down to this beautiful region of the island, you won't be disappointed!
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Have you been to the Catlins before? What's your favorite spot? Planning a visit? Let me know if you have any questions!
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