Catlins Coast

The Catlins Coast is an amazing coastal route, part of the Southern scenic route linking Dunedin and Invercargill in the South Island of New Zealand. Noted for its wonderful wild scenery, this is one of the less frequented highways in Aotearoa.

This region is unique to a large concentration of protected native forest known as Catlins Forest Park. This area is varied in vegetation and abounds in a sparkling variety of wildlife that includes rare species of birds and mammals. The best time to visit the Catlins is from Novemeber to mid December during spring. The peak season starts around Christmas and extends into January.

The Catlins region was home to moa, the flightless bird which was the main source of food to Maoris. After they departed in the 1700s, the whalers and sealers hunted down the marine mammals in 1830s almost to extinction and moved on.

In 1840, Captain Cattlin purchased a piece of land and settled down near the Catlin river. The area abounded in forests and lured loggers who arrived in droves. The logging industry flourished with Catlins exporting the largest volume of timber from New Zealand. Milling continued into the 1930s until it stopped.

You are well advised to have your own transport though the long tar sealed road can get windy at certain places along the way. There are many guided tours operating from Dunedin, Balclutha and Invercargill.

The scenery along Catlins Coast is extremely unique and it will take you a good couple of days to drink in the admirable bounties of Mother Nature this place is blessed with. The wild scenery starts at Nugget Point just south east of Balclutha and goes on till Waipapa Point 60 kilometres northeast of Invercargill.

It is made up of dense rainforest passing through deep valleys and rocky bays. There is a wide variety of marine mammal life ranging from penguins, dolphins, elephant seals, fur seals, the New Zealand sea lion, migrating whales to an incredible variety of marine birdlife.

Some of the most spectacular lookouts can be found at Nugget Point, a favourite haunt of fur seals and sea lions. The Purakaunui Falls is a beautiful scenic spot and one of the most photographed places in Aotearoa. The beautiful Cathedral Caves carved by the force of the sea out of the cliffs, are noted for their high ceilings and deep chambers. Curio Bay is another landmark where you can find a forest in stone.

Catlins Coast is now accesible by a sealed road all the way and this has caused a boom in tourists visting this amazing wild scenic region of New Zealand. Owaka is a farming village that is located 38 kilometres from Balclutha. This is the main settlement in the Catlins region. It offers a small selection of essential services. As dining and accommodation are very limited, you are well advised to bring your own supplies and have your own private vehicle for easier access to various places.

If you do not have your own vehicle, then guided tours are a good way of exploring the beautiful Catlins region. There is a four day bus tour which loops around Queenstown, Invercargill, Dunedin and Te Anau and includes Catlins as part of the tour.

There is another guided bus tour which goes around the Catlins and allows you to get off the bus for beach and bushwalks, wildlife sightings and visit places of scenic interest. There is an interesting 2 or 4 day Catlins Ecotour conducted by dedicated conservationists explaining the local history, geology and ecology.

There is also a 2 day 2 night guided walk with accommodation, food and transport arranged. If you are moderately fit, this walk should be ideal for you. The walk follows the track past Carlins River through beech forests. You spot wildlife and go on to rest at the Mohua Lodge. The next day's route is along the old Catlins train line and crosses framlands to the beach at Papatowai where you spend the night.

LooknbookNZ can arrange your Catlins accommodation and Catlins activities bookings and let you have a look at the wild and spectacular scenery of Catlins region.