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Catlins Coast

Catlins Coast (New Zealand)

Practical information on Catlins Coast

  • Romantic
  • Beach / Seaside Resort
  • Nature Reserve / Wildlife Observation / Safari
  • Viewpoint
  • River
  • Waterfall
  • Essential
  • Off the beaten track
5 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
45min by car from Invercargill
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days

Reviews of Catlins Coast

Delphine Teisserenc Seasoned Traveller
58 written opinions

Green and richly diverse, The Catlins is full of unforgettable surprises.

My suggestion:
Spend several days in the area, as there is lots to see and some great beaches.
My review

The Southern Scenic Route gave me the chance to discover the southern parts of South Island in New Zealand, most notably of all the incredible Catlins region. I came across so many interesting sights that it'll be hard to list them all here...

Leaving the main road, I headed towards Nugget Point, which stretches out to sea. Numerous reefs poke out of the water and disappear into the horizon. It's an ideal place to spot fur seals, sea lions and, if you're lucky, yellow-eyed penguins.

At the furthest point of The Catlins, three places caught my eye. The first was Slope Point, the southern tip of South Island. After having crossed fields and herds of sheep, I reached steep cliffs with waves crashing at their feet.

I then went on to Curio Bay. At low tide, when the sea is far out, you can see fossilized trees amongst the rocks - a mystical and mysterious sight. And after this (what was in many ways an emotional experience), I stumbled upon a little restaurant called 'Niagara Falls Cafe', named after waterfalls found nearby. They serve locally sourced, fresh food and your taste buds will have a field day.

Nugget Point
Delphine Teisserenc Seasoned Traveller
58 written opinions

Green and richly diverse, The Catlins is full of unforgettable surprises.

My suggestion:
Spend several days in the area, as there is lots to see and some great beaches.
My review

The Southern Scenic Route gave me the chance to discover the southern parts of South Island in New Zealand, most notably of all the incredible Catlins region. I came across so many interesting sights that it'll be hard to list them all here...

Leaving the main road, I headed towards Nugget Point, which stretches out to sea. Numerous reefs poke out of the water and disappear into the horizon. It's an ideal place to spot fur seals, sea lions and, if you're lucky, yellow-eyed penguins.

At the furthest point of The Catlins, three places caught my eye. The first was Slope Point, the southern tip of South Island. After having crossed fields and herds of sheep, I reached steep cliffs with waves crashing at their feet.

I then went on to Curio Bay. At low tide, when the sea is far out, you can see fossilized trees amongst the rocks - a mystical and mysterious sight. And after this (what was in many ways an emotional experience), I stumbled upon a little restaurant called 'Niagara Falls Cafe', named after waterfalls found nearby. They serve locally sourced, fresh food and your taste buds will have a field day.

Nugget Point