Catlins

Situated on the lower south east coast of the South Island, the Captivating Catlins is a "hidden gem“- a place of natural beauty, abundant wildlife, forests, sandy beaches, waterfalls and both hilly and rolling green farmland. With its comparative remoteness and stunning vistas, its a great destination.
PROXIMITY
  • Dunedin & Invercargill are the main airport gateways for the Catlins
  • 1 - 1½ hour drive from Dunedin
  • Just under a 2 hour drive from Invercargill
  • Many choose to fly to Queenstown or Christchurch & then self drive , 3¼ hour drive from Queenstown and 6½ hours drive from Christchurch
STAY
  • From motels in the area, or meet the local people by staying at a B&B or Farmstay, the Catlins offer travellers a wide range of accommodation. Some of our favourite places to stay include:
  • Catlin's Mohua Park Eco Cottages, Owaka
  • Catlins Area Motel, Owaka
  • Catlin’s Retreat, Owaka
  • Kaka Point Views Apartments, Kaka Point
  • Seascape Accommodation, Kaka Point
  • Lawfield, Glenomaru
  • SEE + DO
  • The Catlins offer activities for all budgets. Whether you are looking for relaxed solitude or a challenge of exploring rugged and remote coast and rainforests – there is something for all tastes!
  • Walk to the Nugget Point Lighthouse and along the way see the fur seal colony. View the remote Catlins Coast from a kayak adventure
  • Enjoy the soundtrack of native birds and rushing water at Purakaunui Falls
  • Visit Cathedral Caves - try the acoustics with a simple whistle or even a song!
  • Soak up some history at Waipapa Point with a walk & check out the lighthouse
  • Visit McLean Falls a spectacular 22 metre cascade waterfall
  • Learn about the heritage of the region with a visit of the Owaka Museum.
  • Enjoy a rewarding detour off the Southern Scenic Route with the Catlins Heritage Trail.
  • Don’t miss the most southern point of New Zealand’s South Island - Slope Point. If you are not planning to go to Stewart Island, this is probably the further south you’ll ever go & it’s an amazing place to admire the tumultuous southern ocean