The far south of the South Island is a wild and wonderful place. Deserted beaches, wildlife, clifftop views and waterfalls await in the Catlins, a coastal region covering the lower east coast of the South Island. Slope Point is an iconic place to visit in the Catlins, mostly because it’s the southernmost point on the … Read more
Purakaunui Falls is one of the more popular spots on the Catlins tourist trail. It’s known as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful waterfalls (which I’d agree with) and it’s only a short walk from the car park. A visit to Purakaunui Falls is recommend for pretty much everyone – keep reading for everything you … Read more
In a region so blessed with beautiful beaches it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. Curio Bay, towards the southern end of the stretch of coastline known as the Catlins, is special for a few reasons. The main one is that it’s a great place to see dolphins playing in the waves … Read more
One of several scenic bays in the Catlins, Purakaunui Bay is a great place to visit whether you’re planning to camp there or not. The camping ground is definitely a highlight (you’ll get great views from your van / tent) but there are also some stunning viewpoints on offer up the hill and the beach … Read more
For an area so packed with wonderful beaches and coastal features, there aren’t many places in the Catlins where you can pull over and bask in the view. Florence Hill Lookout is one spot where you can do just that. The view over Tautuku Bay is special, but it’s also worth heading down to sea … Read more
Located (almost) at the tip of the South Island, Waipapa Point Lighthouse is right at the end of the region known as the Catlins, one of New Zealand’s most sight-filled stretches of coastline. It’s a bit out of the way but is definitely worth the gravel road drive to get there. Visiting Waipapa Point Lighthouse … Read more
The walk to Cathedral Caves is one of the best experiences you can have in the Catlins, but you’ll have to time it right or risk disappointment. You can only visit Cathedral Caves at low tide (or two hours before high tide and one hour after it), and it is often closed during bad weather … Read more
A short, sandy track separates Cannibal Bay and Surat Bay, two of the best beaches in the Catlins. There are some interesting things to see along the way, including viewpoints, tidal pools, sea lions and some of the bluest water you’ll see in this part of New Zealand. Cannibal Bay We parked at the south … Read more
The first thing you’ll notice when arriving at Jack’s Bay is the row of tiny holiday homes looking out over the ocean. It’s an idyllic spot for locals, but there are plenty of reasons for tourists to visit too, including the chance to spot wildlife and hike around the coast to see Jack’s Blowhole. Sunrise … Read more
One of the main reasons to visit the Catlins is the chance to see some stunning waterfalls. The short walk to Matai Falls and Horseshoe Falls takes you through lush forest to a couple of awesome viewpoints. These waterfalls aren’t quite as iconic as nearby Mclean Falls and Purakaunui Falls, but they’re definitely worth a … Read more