The Catlins road trip:
4 days Southland exploration

@The Catlins Area School

For families and groups where holidays are active, sea kayaking is an adventure just waiting to happen. As Catlins Kayak & Adventure | Nugget Point Lighthouse Sea Kayak Tours describe it… over twenty years’ experience in these waters our guide will show you a coastline rich in wildlife and history. On your journey to the famous nugget shaped rocks you’ll observe not only diverse and dramatic scenery but unique wildlife that call this place home: the albatross, including the royal; the World’s rarest sea lion and smallest penguin; the Catlins largest colonies of fur seal and cormorant; and perchance the elephant seal, dolphin or yellow-eyed penguin, thought to soon be extinct from mainland NZ. Our tours depart daily with no prior kayaking experience necessary. We provide you with everything you need to have a safe and enjoyable experience.”

Check into the beachside campsite for group members to indulge in wet and wild sea kayaking. Kaka Point camping grounds Kaka Point Camp Ground is an excellent base for individuals to leisurely explore indepth Roaring Bay at sunrise / sunset to view Yellow Eyed Penguins from the DOC hides or for fly fishing enthusiasts the Clutha River beckons with its trout and salmon fishing spots. Perhaps it is time to relax in the woodland campsite reading a book.

Nugget Point Lighthouse @Chris Gin

Wildlife and a picturesque Tokata lighthouse is a nature lovers idea of a photo moment. The lighthouse is stark white and the jagged rocks known as nuggets are easily spotted. Lighthouses and spectacular views are part and parcel of the walk and the area does not disappoint. On a clear day Stewart Island is visible on the horizon. The blurred outline of hills smudged against the line between the sea and sky is where you need to look. The walking track follows the steep cliffs. The cliff top walk is a well known spot for photographers for its sunrise and sunset views.

Getting there: Follow the coast road from Kaka Point to the signposted top Kaimātaitai carpark. Toilets, a viewing site and a picnic area are all nearby. Bring a jacket as it gets windy.

Roaring Bay @Mapio net

Rare yellow eyed penguin (hide) is nearby Roaring Bay. The steep track to Roaring Bay is 10 -15 minutes one way. This pretty little cove next to iconic Nugget Point has a perfectly placed hide to spot the very rare yellow eyed penguins. It’s a short stroll to the hide and the best time is as they return from sea in the evening just after sunset.

The name refers to the numerous seals inhabiting the area. The seal colony is unique as elephant seals, fur seals and Hooker seals share the same colony. The walk around the cove perimeter is approximately 30 minutes on a flat, formed track. It is definitely worth the hike to Roaring Bay. Carry binoculars as seals are sometimes hard to spot as their fur blends into the rocks making them hard to identify.

Nugget Point carpark to Roaring bay

Cannibal Bay @Mile Stepper

New Zealand sea lions (Whakahao), It is a 15 minute detour on a gravel road to the small car park. The beach is rugged, barren and a favourite haunt for New Zealand sea lions. Your treat is the sheer rough splendour of sea lions coated in sand making it easy to miss a close by sea lion. Cannibal Bay’s access is on a side gravel road. The white sand and blue/green water is another picture perfect bay.

For walking enthusiasts at the far end of Cannibal Bay is the track leading to Surat Bay over the sand dunes. Cannibal Bay is a well known surfing beach. Expect to see hardy wetsuit clad surfers at home in the elements.

Remember to keep at least 20 metres from any wildlife and never get between a seal and the water. Sea Lions haul themselves in the sand dunes lazing and sleeping in the sand dunes so take care to observe wildlife while you are walking.

Tunnel Hill Railway @Ben Campbell

Built by hand in the 1890’s and lined with locally made bricks, it is the southernmost rail tunnel in the country. The tunnel is part of the former Catlins River Railway. The line’s construction began at Balclutha in 1879. This tunnel section was completed in 1896 and the line reached Owaka a year later. The walk follows the fence line down to the old railway formation, which leads to the 250-metre tunnel.

A torch is recommended to see the intricate brick work in the tunnel’s construction. The land beyond the light at the end of the tunnel is privately owned. The railway goal was to link Balclutha and Owaka to support timber, flax and dairy industries.
An easy walk from the car park and remember the torch in the glovebox.

Pounawea Bush & Nature Walking Track @Southland NZ

Pounawea Bush is ecologically important because of rare vegetation and virgin podocarp forest, (note the saltmarsh area can only be reached at low tide). The track passes virgin podocarp forest, well populated by birdlife. The return is through a salt marsh and estuary that shows an intact sequence of vegetation from shoreline to forest. The sand spit near the estuary mouth is home to wading birds, including godwits who annually return from northern Asia.

Getting there

The track starts from the Pounawea Motor Camp, on the foreshore at the end of Pounawea Road. Vehicles should be parked outside the camping ground.
This loop track in the Pounawea Scenic Reserve was mainly formed for the use of school groups staying at Pounawea. The walk, through bush typical of the area, is well interpreted with plant and tree labelling.

NOTE: Both tracks commence at the camping grounds.

Surat Bay @Southland, New Zealand

New Zealand sea lions (Whakahao). This track through sand dunes is a great way to experience the world’s rarest sea lions. Stay out of sight and please don’t get too close
Surat Bay Wildlife Walk. The short walk is through sand dunes and is the only access to Surat Beach when it is high tide. Surat Bay Beach Walk: Otago.

Cross the bridge over a small creek and follow the poles route to pass through the dunes. In most conditions you will find there’s a large colony of New Zealand sea lions interacting or sleeping on the beach. This species is the world’s rarest sea lion and is only now rebuilding its mainland population, after being hunted to virtual extinction over 200 years ago.

Owaka @Mary Jane

Owaka place of the canoe. Maori waka were once built and repaired on the banks of the Owaka and Catlins River. The stylised waka sculpture (2015) is a reminder of the past. The sculpture is located on the main street. Teapot Land is a miniature theme park focused on, you guessed it, teapots. There is the Earthlore Insect Theme Park managed by an enthusiastic local. Owaka was first settled in the 1860’s. The town is an ideal place to have a coffee and check out happenings at the local museum.

Like so many settlements in the Catlins sawmillingand timber exports were its main industries in earlier times. Owaka today is the largest of the towns in the Catlins area. The town is home to the Catlins Visitor Centre, has a museum, shops and petrol station. There is a permanent population of around 400 people.

Jack blowhole walk @Checklist Confidential

Jack’s blowhole is a 55 metre deep sunken sea cave just 200 metres from the ocean connected by a tunnel. It is an exhilarating walk to the top with panoramic views across Jack’s Bay and beyond Jack’s Blowhole. The area is named after Tukawaiki (Ngai Tahu), a wily warrior who played a prominent role in the defeat of Te Rauparaha near Cape Campbell in 1831. Signed the Treaty of Waitangi in full military regalia as the King of Bluff, travelling later to Wellington in his own vessel the Perseverance to meet the Governor. One of New Zealand’s heroes whose name is scattered throughout the region.

You may have seen a few blowholes in New Zealand, what makes Jack’s Blowhole so special is that it is located more than 200 metres away from the sea. As you approach the blowhole on the 1-hour track, you’ll hear the suppressed roar of pressurised water pouring through the hole. The track around the blowhole has two viewing platforms and the most dramatic period is high tide. Tūhawaiki often known as Hone Tūhawaiki, John Tūhawaiki or Jack Tūhawaiki, or by his nickname of “Bloody Jack”

Catlins river walk @Chris Hight

The track is an attractive, forest-lined river walk of three sections that has several natural features and access to good fishing. Getting there: From Jack’s Blowhole to Catlins River-Wisp Track. Wallis Stream Entrance & Car Park is on Catlins Road, Purekireki 9586.

The Catlins River-Wisp Loop Track includes two 12 km routes that can be walked either way. You can choose to do sections or tackle the whole trail as a two day or long one day tramp You can also mountain bike the Wisp Loop. While the Rocky Knoll extension track is well worth the climb offering spectacular views.

For more information click here 

The spectacular Puraukaunui Waterfalls

The most photographed waterfalls in New Zealand. The Purakaunui Falls are very easy to reach as well as the must see waterfalls on this journey. At Catlins Lake, turn off the Southern Scenic Route and continue on Purakaunui Falls Road. This takes you directly to the waterfall car park. From the top viewing platform it is another 7 minutes to the wooden stairs and lower platform. The best views are from the lower platform. The best time to photograph is autumn with the deciduous tree fall.

One of New Zealand’s most photographed and have even featured on a postage stamp. The rainforest track is suitable for wheelchair users to the top viewing point.

Matai Falls @Department of Conservation

30 min return two wonderful waterfalls right next to each other. There is also an hour long heritage trail following the old train tracks which were used till 1971. Take a stunning 30-minute track through a sheltered forest thick with mossy trunks and branches. All this leads to Matai Stream in the Catlins Forest Park with two waterfalls, Matai Falls and Horseshoe Falls.

There used to be a sizable township (Caberfeidh), today little remains, just nature regenerating and the falls, which resemble a bridal veil. If you look carefully you might spot the remains of the Catlins Branch railway as you travel south – much of the track formation remains today. Regular grooved tracks are a good clue.

Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk @Catlins Itineraries

Al short stroll gets you a hidden gem of the estuary where it feels like a secret world of the fernbird habitat. Tautuku Bay is a sweeping bay surrounded by forest. The short boardwalk winds through wetlands with wonderful views across to Maori Tapu (sacred spiritual) land. A raised flat boardwalk floats you across the wetlands. This is another bird watchers destination. DOC description is, “The track is partly board-walked and also incorporates a section of the Old Coach Road. It starts in podocarp forest then leads out to the estuary flats. The vibrantly coloured jointed rush/oioi takes on an extra glow at sunrise and sunset. There is also a resident population of the shy but noisy fernbird”.

There is an outdoor education centre at Tautuku. Tautuku Outdoor Education Centre is situated in the William King Scenic Reserve, adjacent to the Tautuku beach on the Catlins coast. Tautuku Camp is the first of three camps operated by the Otago Youth Adventure Trust. The Tautuku Peninsula was a former port for timber and flax exports and was the site of a whaling station.

Trails tractor @nzplaces

A five minute flat walk to the Fleming River takes you to a former mill settlement to view the logging tractor that was modified to haul logs along the wooden rail tracks. The protective shed over the heritage Trails Tractor has period photographs of exhausted looking people’s images captured for prosperity. The site had a school, homes and businesses now reclaimed by the regenerating bush.

“Trails rail tractor, 1936-1952. A restored rail tractor is displayed at the site of Cook & Sons sawmill. The tram route can be explored but requires tramping skills. Interesting information panels give a very worthwhile insight into sawmilling and its dangers. The historic tractor on display, designed by Riverton sawmiller Frank Traills, transformed logging in the New Zealand bush. He adapted Fordson farm tractors to work on wooden rails and to carry greater loads of logs on bogies at the front and behind.” NZPlaces.

Cathedral Caves @Southland, New Zealand

The Caves are well signposted from the main road. From the car park there is a 1 km easy walking track through lush coastal forest to the beach. Visitors cross Maori freehold land, which is managed by a trust.  There is a fee to visit the caves. Catlins | Tides | Tide times and visiting times. Only at low tide are these gigantic caves on the beach accessible. With their impressive height, they are reminiscent of a cathedral on the inside and thus the reason behind the name. It is thought provoking to enter these caves knowing that just a few hours later, they will be completely flooded again. You cannot help but monitor any tidal movement to ensure you are not trapped.

Getting to the Cathedral Caves

The car park to the Cathedral Caves is just a short detour from the Southern Scenic Route. From the car park, you’ll encounter a 15-minute path that leads you downhill through the forest and to the beach. Once you get to the beach, make a left and you will reach the cave in about another 5 minutes.

Waikawa Museum @Southland, New Zealand

The original settlement Waikawa was a former whaling station is now a tiny vestige of what it was. The Museum is housed in a restored school building. There is a substantial collection of photographs, memorabilia and adzes from pre-European times. Artefacts range from farm machinery, whaling, gold mining, saw milling and stone quarrying. There are picnic tables, toilets open when the museum is open. For heritage trail fans this collection is worth a visit. Check museum opening hours as it is staffed by volunteers.

Papatowai walks @Department of Conservation

Old Coach Road

Papatowai walks: Catlins Coastal area. Otago region

The track follows the original route that horse-drawn coaches took after coming off the beach in Tahakopa Bay. After the track’s start, when it forks, go right. It’s flat going, alongside the tidal river and a very pleasant walk for all ages and abilities. In parts the original coach road formation can be seen as it passes beneath a canopy of tree fern, silver beech and young totara. Near the track’s end, where there’s a host of regenerating totara is an important moa hunter archaeological site.

The track ends when it reaches the beach, which can be walked along for some distance to link with a more arduous and often muddy route known as Old Possumers Track. This is a three-hour loop. The start/finish is the left fork off the Old Coach Road.
Getting there: The car park is near the northern end of the bridge over the Tahakopa River, just north of Papatowai.

NOTE: Niagara Falls are so tiny sometimes it is difficult to see any water falling at all. As such the falls are not included.

Curio Bay @Getty Images Naruedom

Quite far in the south of the Catlins lies Curio Bay. This bay is famous for its fossilised forest dating back to the Jurassic Era. At low tide you can peer intently at the wet rock like surroundings to identify fossilised wood. Initially you might think you are looking at rocks, but on a detailed inspection you can see the grains of the fossilised wood. This is another low tide excursion to find and identify a spectacular fossilized forest. The petrified Forest is 60 million years old dating back when New Zealand was still part of the massive continent Gondwana.

Park in the Curio Bay car park and a short walk will get you to both Curio Bay and Porpoise Bay. Porpoise Bay often has Hector’s dolphins frequenting the bay. Swimming with dolphins is possible with the Department of Conservation highlighting the need for swimmers to keep your distance and let any interaction be initiated by the dolphins. Porpoise Bay is unique in that it is the only place where dolphins come so close to the shore without being enticed by people feeding them. The Porpoise Bay dolphin population is small, consisting of fewer than 20 resident animals. They use the bay to raise their young, feed and rest. For detailed information about Hector’s Bay check Curio Bay/Porpoise Bay: Southland places to visit, Department of Conservation online information.

Slope Point @JustMovingAround

Trees permanently bent at right angles, trunks are bleached by the winter southerly providing a stark contrast to the farmed landscape. Slope point is another southern landmark and for instagram geographical points a photo moment. The dramatic cliffs soar over tumultuous ocean waves pounding the coast.

There are the requisite signposts for the rest of the world with distances to assist identify your geo-tagged shot.

Waipapa Point Lighthouse @Locationsout

Shortened from the original Ma¯ori name of Waipapapa, meaning shallow waters, this is the site of New Zealand’s worst civilian shipwreck. In 1881 the SS Tararua ran aground on Waipapa Reef and 131 of 151 passengers and crew died. The lighthouse, built after the disaster, stands as a poignant reminder. Sea lions/whakahao can be found on the beach and amongst the coastal grasses.15 min return Signposted from the Waipapa Point Lighthouse Road, the walk is across private property (closed during the lambing season September/October). The ‘Tararua Acre’ is where many of the 131 victims of the SS Tararua shipwreck are buried.

This is another short stop off on your trip in the Catlins. It takes a couple of minutes to walk from the carpark down to the striking lighthouse perfectly placed at Waipapa point. There are a few areas you can take a short walk and if you head down towards the beach there are often seals and sea lions. The information point in the car park offers lots of interesting information about the history of the area including shipwrecks and the lighthouse workers. Your next rest stop is Fortrose with the rotting remains of another shipwreck visible at low tide, then it is Invercargill and the promise to return to the Catlins.