(THE) CATLINS, NEW ZEALAND
The Catlins are a region in the southeasternmost corner of New Zealand’s South Island. The area itself is not very big and not many people live here but there are plenty of reasons to visit, especially if you love seeing animals in their natural habitat! This unique ecosystem is home to yellow-eyed penguins, Hooker’s sea lions, New Zealand fur seals, and Hector’s dolphins (the smallest species of dolphin in the world). You can also find shipwrecks, temperate rainforests, and waterfalls here. If you plan to rent a vehicle, do not make the mistake of leaving the Catlins off your itinerary!
Attractions:
Reference this map when reading through the information below:
Roaring Bay & Nugget Point: Visit the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse and experience the incredible view it gives you! Roaring Bay is on the road to Nugget Point and where you will hopefully find some yellow-eyed penguins!
Curio Bay: Great place to stop if you are interested in seeing penguins or dolphins. You can also find both a beautiful petrified forest and lovely beach here.
McLean Falls: This gorgeous waterfall is an easy 20-minute walk from the parking lot nearby. Worth making a detour for!
Slope Point: The southernmost point of the South Island; you will find pretty views and nice photo ops here.
Cannibal Bay: If you are looking for peace and quiet (and sun-bathing sea lions), this secluded bay is perfect for you!
Cathedral Caves: Walking around these dark, wet caves is only possible 2 hours leading up to low tide and 1 hour afterward. Unless, of course, there is inclement weather. If you get lucky and the caves are open, they are well worth your visit! Visit this website for the most up-to-date information; entrance costs $10 NZD ($7 USD).
Wildlife: Below are the best places to find each animal:
Yellow-Eyed Penguins: Curio Bay, Roaring Bay, and Long Point
Hooker’s Sea Lions: Cannibal Bay, Surat Bay, Nugget Point, and Waipapa Point
Hector’s Dolphins: Curio Bay and Porpoise Bay
Fur Seals: Nugget Point, Long Point, and Waipapa Point
Other attractions: Catlins River-Wisp Loop Track, Kaka Point, Tunnel Hill, Waipapa Point, Purakaunui Falls, Jacks Blowhole, and Surat Bay.
Accommodation:
Lazy Dolphin Lodge: This cozy hostel is small and has a homey feel to it. It is located in Curio Bay right on the water and nearby to many of the attractions in the Catlins. Be sure to do some penguin-watching at sunset near Tumu Toka CurioScape, just a 5-minute walk from the hostel!
Transportation:
I highly recommend renting a vehicle to explore the Catlins; it is very difficult to do by bus. There is only one bus company running tours (Bottom Bus, based in Dunedin) and their options are extremely limited.
Invercargill is 1 hour by car from the Catlins.
Dunedin is 2.5 hours by car from the Catlins.
Te Anau is 2.5 hours by car from the Catlins.
Queenstown is 3 hours by car from the Catlins.
Wanaka is 3.5 hours by car from the Catlins.
Lake Tekapo is 5.5 hours by car from the Catlins.
Mount Cook Village is 5.5 hours by car from the Catlins.
Christchurch is 7 hours by car from the Catlins.
Fox Glacier is 7 hours by car from the Catlins.
The closest airport to the Catlins is Invercargill Airport (IVC), 88km (55 miles) away. The taxi ride is 1 hour and costs $125-$175 NZD ($90-$126 USD) depending on the time of day. At that price, you are likely better off renting a car.
Thanks to my sister, Jackie, and our hiking buddies for snapping some of these marvelous photos!