You can bike around the Catlins Tidal Lake (approx 22km) sealed and gravel roads. It is a quiet peaceful area with hill farms and a sense of space. The Catlins River upper estuary is known as Catlins Lake. At low tide, many migratory and resident wading birds can be seen in this large tidal lake. There are pleasant picnic areas on both sides of the lake and fishing is possible along the road on the southern side of the lake that leads to Jack’s Bay and the Catlins Heads.
- Getting there: Turn off at Owaka on the Pounawea road and explore the Catlins Lake.
NOTE:
Further down the river as it merges with saline water the lower estuary (known as Pounawea estuary) becomes part of the flow of the tidal Owaka River. The Pounawea Estuary is a melting pot of freshwater and saline tidal flows. The tidal reach is enormous and the exposed tidal flats, at low tide a favourite feeding ground for wading brid. Pounawea means ‘meeting place of water’
Access: Catlins River bridge.
The Hina Hina (1923) was built by locals who contributed labour and funds. The bridge became a vital link between Jacks Bay and local communities to Owaka and the main road North. The bridge repairs are due to be completed July 2021.
