Dense rain forests, bush walks with native birdlife, stunning coastal scenery, wildlife such as the Hoiho (yellow eyed penguin) and the rare Hectors Dolphins are all found in The Catlins.
This wild stretch of coast line reaches from Kaka Point in the North to Fortrose in the South and offers visitors travelling between Balclutha and Invercargill an unparalleled opportunity to experience the breathtaking natural wonders of this region.
Allow ample time to experience the many bushwalks and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Some highlights include:
- Fortrose
- Tokanui
- Waipapa Point
- Tararua Acre Cemetery (15 min return)
- Slope Point (20 min return)
- Waipohatu Recreation Area
- Curio Bay / Tumu Toka and Porpoise Bay
- Waikawa
- Niagara Falls / Manga Piri
- McLean Falls (40 min return)
- Cathedral Caves (50 min return)
- Lenz Reserve
- Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk (30 min return)
- Lake Wilkie (30 min return)
- Tautuku Bay (15 min return to the beach)
- Florence Hill Lookout
- Papatowai
- Coastal Walking Tracks (40 min to 1hr return)
- Old Coach Road (40 min to 3hr return)
- Matai Falls (30 min return)
- Purakaunui Falls (20 min return)
- Catlins River Walk (2.5hr each way)
- Jacks Blowhole (1hr return)
- Owaka
- Pounawea Bush Walk Track (45 min return)
- Surat Bay Wildlife Walk (30 min return)
- Tunnel Hill (20 min return)
- Roaring Bay (10 min return)
- Nugget Point / Tokata Lighthouse (20 min return)
- Kaka Point
- Kaka Point Bush Walk (30 min return)
- Awakiki Track (40 min return)
The Catlins District Map & Distance / Driving Times
| Section |
Distance |
Time |
| Invercargill - Fortrose |
46km |
50min |
| Fortrose - Tokanui |
13km |
10min |
| Fortrose - Waikawa (inland route |
32km |
40min |
| Fortrose - Waikawa ( coastal route partly unsealed) |
36km |
45min |
| Waikawa - Cathedral Caves |
26km |
30min |
| Cathedral Caves - Papatowai |
12km |
15min |
| Papatowai - Owaka |
26km |
30min |
| Owaka - Kaka Point |
17km |
15min |
| Kaka Point - Balclutha |
21km |
20min |
|
