Papatowai Store The Catlins New Zealand. The store that has everything but the actual thing you forgot to pack. A warm welcome complete with standard motel units that are sparkling clean. Papatowai is surrounded by native podocarp forest and there are waterfalls,and sandy beaches in addition to bushwalks. Papatowai is home to the quirky Lost Gypsy Gallery. The Lost Gypsy Gallery, a long green bus is a whimsical place, Blair owner and creator describes himself as ‘an organic mechanic’ Forward bookings are recommended for accommodation as there is a limited supply. Wifi is unreliable in this area.
Picnic Point in Papatowai is an underrated 40 minute walk to a photographer’s special location. The beach is framed by a vernant bush and the stunning Tahakopa beach has plenty of space for the few visitors that bother going. Continue around the beach and follow signage through the bush setting to your departure point. There are glimpses of the grooved Old Coach Rd, Old Coach Road on the Tahakopa Bay Loop Track
The Old Coach Road walk takes 40 minutes to return with a tropical feel as you emerge from the bush on to the sand. You can carry on up past the dunes to the coastal cliffs (Kings Rocks) adding an extra hour on to the walk. Alternatively, you can re-enter the bush before the cliffs and follow the Tahakopa Bay Loop Track back to the car park. Park just past the bridge over the Papatowai Estuary and stroll through the podocarp forest to Tahakopa Beach.
The King’s Rock walk is a vigorous 20 minute extension to the Picnic Point walk. Check DOC’s brochure for details. Papatowai walks: Catlins Coastal area. Otago region in the Travel Pack Section.
TIP:
A great spring walk with red rata flowers a highlight.
