The Catlins

The Catlins sits on the southeastern edge of the South Island within Otago and extends into Southland, forming a roughly triangular coastal area of cliffs, beaches and dense temperate rainforest. The coastline is dramatic and exposed, with sea stacks, blowholes and long sandy bays; the interior rises into parallel hill ranges and scattered small lakes. The region supports important wildlife including the rare yellow-eyed penguin and visiting marine mammals such as New Zealand fur seals and Hooker’s sea lions, and several coastal headlands host historic shipwreck sites and automated lighthouses such as the one at Nugget Point.

Human use of the Catlins dates back to Māori settlement around the 14th century, and European activity later included whaling, sealing and sawmilling; today the area is sparsely populated, with roughly 1,200 residents and small service settlements such as Owaka linked by the Southern Scenic Route. Tourism now plays a growing role and visitors come for short walks, wildlife watching and geological features like the petrified forest at Curio Bay and sea caves. Many attractions are remote and low-key rather than developed, so visiting often means short hikes, gravel or coastal roads and simple visitor facilities.

Weather is strongly maritime and changeable, with frequent drizzle and a high number of rain days spread through the year; the Catlins also catches large swells from the Southern Ocean, which attract big-wave surfers and make some headlands exposed and windy. Several well known waterfalls and forest walks are tucked into the bush, including Purakaunui Falls and McLean Falls, and some coastal features such as the Cathedral Caves are accessible only at low tide, so timing and local conditions matter when you plan visits.

• Nugget Point Lighthouse: Prominent headland with eroded rock ‘nuggets’, wide sea views and a chance to see seals and seabirds from the clifftop.
• Curio Bay petrified forest: A fossil forest preserved in coastal rock visible at low tide and popular for shoreline walks and fossil spotting.
• Purakaunui Falls: A photogenic three-tier waterfall set in native bush with a short, well-formed walking track.
• Cathedral Caves: Large sea caves cut into the cliffs that are visitable from the beach only near low tide and in calm conditions.
• Slope Point: The South Island’s southernmost point, known for its windswept grasses and clear views to the Southern Ocean.

The Catlins lies between the towns of Balclutha and Invercargill, with the region reached by the Southern Scenic Route, the main sealed road running through the area. The nearest main airports are Invercargill Airport and Dunedin Airport; the nearest railhead and regional rail service centre is at Invercargill, with Balclutha serving as a northern road gateway.

The last stretch across the Catlins is best covered by car or small-group tour, as public transport options are limited and services can be infrequent - check local timetables. Many key attractions are reached by short walks from car parks or by gravel side roads, and some coastal sites require timing with tides.

• Check tide times before visiting Cathedral Caves or the petrified forest at Curio Bay because access is tide-dependent.
• Expect rapidly changing weather and strong winds on exposed headlands - carry waterproofs and warm layers even in summer.
• Keep a respectful distance from wildlife such as penguins and seals; approach quietly and avoid disturbing haul-out sites.
• Fuel, shops and services are limited in the Catlins - plan supplies and fuel up in Balclutha or Invercargill.
• Mobile phone coverage can be patchy; download maps and emergency info beforehand and tell someone your plans for remote walks.