18 Best Things to Do in the Catlins, New Zealand + Guide

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Considering visiting the Catlins?

I don’t blame you – this wild and rugged area is seriously underrated, and the perfect way to get off the tourist trail. I absolutely love exploring the dense forest and chasing waterfalls in this area. The only problem is that since the Catlins are sparsely populated and remote, planning a trip and working out what to do here can be tricky! 

However, I’ve lived on the South Island for several years now and I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the Catlins, so I’m here to give you all the details on how to explore! From walks and waterfalls to wildlife and freedom camping, there’s a ton to do here, as long as you know where to look. 

About the Catlins 

The Catlins is a remote area on the southeast corner of New Zealand’s South Island. The closest major cities are Dunedin, which is about a 2-hour drive away, and Invercargill, which is just over an hour from the Catlins. The area is very sparsely populated – there are a handful of townships, but no big settlements anywhere. So if you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, I think it’s safe to say that this is the ideal destination! 

Since the Catlins are so quiet, there’s no shortage of untouched natural beauty here. On my travels around the area, I’ve enjoyed some really beautiful walks, seen a ton of wildlife, and found some beautiful waterfalls. In fact, many of the South Island’s best waterfalls are tucked away in the Catlins.

If you ask me, all of this makes the Catlins the perfect road trip destination. It’s an amazing place to bring a campervan or motorhome. I love camping here, but you could also go in a car.

Related Read: Looking for an epic way to explore the South Island (including the Catilns)? Check out my top 10-day day road trip itineraries – there’s a lot to explore!

Things to do in the Catlins

1. McLean Falls

McLean Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in all of New Zealand. I know that’s a big claim to make – but I mean it! This towering waterfall is 22 meters (72 feet) in height, and it’s actually comprised of multiple waterfalls. There are multiple ledges, terraces, and levels, giving the true cascading look you’d hope to see in a gorgeous waterfall. 

I am most impressed by the green mossy rocks and forest that surround it. The contrast is stunning and I can’t get enough of this waterfall.

You can reach McLean Falls via an easy 20-minute walk from the parking lot. The trail is flat the whole 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles) return. It’s an easy can’t-miss sight when you’re exploring the Catlins!

2. Nugget Point Lighthouse

Got a thing for photogenic locations? Well, you’ll swoon over the Nugget Point Lighthouse – just check out my photo above! It’s especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset, which is my favorite time to visit. This is easily one of the most famous lighthouses in the country, and dates back to 1869!

Nugget Point is just outside of the small town of Kaka Point. You’ll find a big parking lot, then the lighthouse is just a short walk down the trail. The steep cliffs and small islands off the coast are really beautiful, so I always enjoy the whole area when I visit. Keep in mind it can be very windy!

After you explore the lighthouse, head to the Roaring Bay Penguins & Seals Observatory! This is just 800 meters (about a 10-minute walk) from the parking lot, and this is your chance to see yellow-eyed penguins! Although even in the observatory spotting the penguins is pretty rare. 

Your best chance of seeing the penguins is when they are going out or coming home from hunting, around early morning or late afternoon. I spent 2 hours here (6 pm to 8 pm) and didn’t see a single penguin, but I did see a lot of fur seals! But, it’s worth a shot while you’re there.

It’s important to note that you should not walk from the observatory to the beach. As home to the rare yellow-eyed penguins, we want to conserve their natural habitat as best as possible!

Nugget Point is easily one of the top things to do in the Catlins – especially if you’re staying in Kaka Point (a good place to base yourself while in the Catlins).

3. Jack’s Blowhole

Lace-up your hiking boots for yet another scenic walking track. This 3-kilometer (1.9-mile) track will take you to Jack’s Blowhole to see waves crash into caves and spray out, just like a blowhole. I was impressed to learn that the blowhole is 55 meters (180 feet) deep, 114 meters (472 feet) long, and 68 meters (22 feet) wide – it’s massive, to say the least! 

The walking track brings you to overlook Penguin Bay, which I think is more impressive than Jack’s Blowhole itself. The views of Penguin Bay are so tranquil and beautiful that I enjoy just sitting there gazing out at the view. 

The 3-kilometer (1.9 mile) walking track is easy and suitable for families, but be sure to keep little ones close to you, as some parts of the trail are narrow and have a stark edge. There is a fence, but still be cautious!

4. Visit the Southernmost point of the South Island (Slope Point)

The southernmost point in New Zealand is the Catlin area, and we’re talking pretty far south here in the Southern Hemisphere! Slope Point is a must-visit, and just like everything else on this list, it offers incredible ocean views. 

Head to the parking lot, walk through a farmer’s field to the coast, then turn left and walk along the cliffs to Slope Point (don’t worry, there are signs to tell you where to go!). You’ll know you’ve reached the southernmost point when you see the iconic sign showing how close you are to the south pole and the equator. As a Canadian, it’s pretty crazy to realize I was closer to the South Pole than the equator!

There are no railings and the edge is a pretty high cliff that leads to rough seas below, so be sure to use caution here – especially with the intense winds!

5. Surat Bay

If you’re hoping to see some wildlife while exploring the Catlins, head to Surat Bay! This area is home to a large colony of sea lions, so it’s really fun to see them in their natural habitat. 

You can get down on the beach near them, but be sure to stay 20 meters (65 feet) away to give them their space. These large and goofy animals are so fascinating, although a lot of times they are just sleeping in the sun! I don’t blame them – I’d like to be doing that too. 

Surat Bay is a really quiet and peaceful spot. One of the things I love most about the Catlins is that even the most popular spots are still pretty off the tourist track – so there are never a ton of people around. You can just sit and watch the sea lions for hours, undisturbed!

There’s a short walking track that goes through the sand dunes to the beach. Follow this trail, it won’t take long until you reach the beach and see the sea lions!

6. Purakaunui Falls

Ready for more impressive waterfalls? I got you covered! Purakaunui Falls is a gorgeous three-tiered waterfall. I am always impressed at how wide it is, and with the multiple layers, it is even more astounding – especially after it’s been raining! There are a lot of beautiful waterfalls in the Catlins, but this is easily at the top of the list. 

There’s a nice and easy 20-minute walking track to the Purakaunui Falls viewing platform. It’s wheelchair friendly and great if you’re traveling with kiddos! You can find Purakaunui Falls 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) south of Owaka or it’s about a 25-minute drive from Jack’s Blowhole.

7. Matai Falls/Horseshoe Falls

You’ll truly be chasing waterfalls in the Catlins, so check out Matai Falls and Horseshoe Falls on one walking track! I’ll be honest – Matai Falls doesn’t have the same “wow” effect as Purakaunui Falls, which is nearby. But what I love about this waterfall is the deep green moss and dense forest of native trees that surround it. This is actually one of my favorite waterfalls in the Catlins!

This waterfall is accessible via the 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) return walking track. It only takes about 15 minutes each way and passes by an old railway track. There are signs leading you along the trail, and you can reach Horseshoe Falls at the split. Or stay on the main track and you’ll see the gorgeous 10-meter (32-foot) Matai Falls!

Related Read: You can visit the Catlins on a road trip! Check out my favorite stops from Dunedin to Invercargill, which goes right through the Catlins. This itinerary plans everything for you!

8. Florence Hill Lookout

As you’re exploring the Catlins region, you’ll find that a lot of the top things to do are quick viewpoints. But, just because they are quick viewpoints doesn’t mean you should skip out on them! Luckily, many of them are close together, so you can easily hit a few as you drive around the area. 

Florence Hill Lookout is just 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from Matia Falls. It’s right off the road, so you don’t even have to spend a lot of time walking to get there, simply pull over and be amazed. The viewpoint overlooks Tautuku Beach, and I appreciate the information boards here that give the history of how the Catlins region was formed. 

You can head down to the beach for a nice little walk, but it’s not recommended to swim here as the waves and currents are very strong. If you happen to be staying close by and have a bit of luck on your side, you can actually see the Southern Lights from the Florence Hill Lookout! 

9. Waipapa Point Lighthouse

You’ll find a lot of lighthouses along this southern coastal region that the Catlins cover. This is due to the rough seas and rocky coastline that caused so many shipwrecks in previous centuries, so many lighthouses were built to guide the ships safely to shore. Today, they are beautiful historic landmarks that I personally can’t get enough of. 

One of my favorite lighthouses in the Catlins region is Waipapa Point. The history of the lighthouse is significant, but it’s also really pretty and the area surrounding it is too. With a beautiful beach area, sand dunes, and oftentimes wildlife, I love just spending a few hours relaxing here! You can usually see some sea lions or seals sleeping on the beach – I never tire of seeing these cute creatures. 

The lighthouse is still functional today, but it’s all automatic. It was one of the last wooden lighthouses built in New Zealand in 1884. Next to it is a cemetery for those lost during the shipwreck that spurred the construction of the lighthouse. So if you like history and the beautiful outdoors – you’ll love spending an afternoon at Waipapa Point!

10. Cathedral Caves

The Cathedral Caves are one of the most unique sights in the Catlins! Only accessible at low tide, you can actually go into these massive caves that sit on the Southern Ocean. Check the tide times here, as you can’t get to them during high tide.

Park in the main car park, then enjoy the 1-kilometer (0.6-mile) walking track down to the beach. Here you’ll find the massive caves, reaching 30 meters (98 feet) in height. I was blown away by the area’s natural beauty and found the caves to be really peaceful. They have a sacred history to the Maori people, so they’ve been significant for a long time!

The Cathedral Caves are closed from May through October, during the winter months. There is also a $10 NZD entrance fee that goes towards the upkeep and management of the area, and it’s payable at the gate. Since it’s so important to the Maori people, be respectful while you visit!

11. Koropuku Falls

While a lot of these waterfalls are known as the prettiest falls in the entire country, Koropuku Falls is still a hidden gem! The walking track to reach the falls was built by locals, whereas the Department of Conservation developed others in the region. So it is more unique and significant to the local community than others! 

Koropuku Falls is about 10 meters (33 feet) high. I love the lush and quiet nature of this area – it’s definitely one of the most serene parts of the South Island. You can reach the falls in a 20-minute return track, and even though it’s a bit of a hidden gem, finding parking can be difficult! Follow the Google Maps location and keep your eyes peeled for the small parking lot on the side of the road – it’s easily missed!

12. Lake Wilkie

Lake Wilkie is a peaceful little lake just a 2-minute drive from the Florence Hill Lookout. There’s a small parking lot that’s visible from the road, so I left my campervan here and then followed the Lake Wilkie Track for a few minutes down to a lookout point over the lake. I could have just stopped here to admire the views, but I walked for another 5 minutes and found a boardwalk along the edge of the lake. 

The lake was super calm and better still, I had the place all to myself! In theory, it’s a quick stop, but it was just so pretty and peaceful that I found myself lingering for a bit longer. Lake Wilkie isn’t the biggest lake in New Zealand by a long shot, but it’s a really lovely spot to visit, so I highly recommend stopping off here while you’re in the area. This is especially true if you’re coming between November and January when the Rātā trees around the lake are in bloom. 

13. See wildlife in Curio Bay

Curio Bay is a small town, but relatively famous for the South Island! It’s a great place to stay if you’re road-tripping through the Catlins region and there’s a lot to explore in the area. It’s small but mighty!

The two most popular things to do in Curio Bay are explore the 180 million-year-old petrified forest (more on that next) and check out its unique wildlife! 

The Curio Bay Penguin Walk is your chance to see some yellow-eyed penguins and maybe even dolphins in the water! Since I didn’t grow up in this part of the world, I was so excited when I first visited just for the chance to see these exotic animals. However, I did learn that seeing the penguins is a bit rarer than you’d think, and locals will say the best time to see them is at dusk when they return from hunting. 

As far as dolphin spotting goes, Porpoise Bay sits right on the other side of Curio Bay – so you can imagine where the dolphins like to hang out. This is a lovely area to relax during the day, and you can also take a walk to the Curio Bay Cliffs for some epic viewpoints. 

This is why I recommend staying in Curio Bay for a day or two, this will give you a better chance of seeing the wildlife! If you’re traveling in a campervan or with a tent, the Curio Bay Campground is a great option. It has powered sites, a communal kitchen and lounge room, and hot showers. Best of all, you can often see blue penguins waddling around the campsite at night – how cute!

14. Petrified Forest Curio Bay

As if the rugged coastline and yellow-eyed penguins weren’t enough, Curio Bay is also home to a petrified forest. I think that petrified forests are always pretty interesting places to visit, but this one really takes the cake because it’s actually out at sea! Yup, it disappears during high tide, so make sure to check the tide times and bring some sea shoes with you, as the floor can be slippery and uneven. 

Trust me, it’s worth it because it’s insanely cool to see these petrified tree stumps. At first, I thought they just looked like rocks from afar, but once I got close, it was amazing to see the stumps preserved in such detail. In fact, I could even see the age rings that indicate how old the trees were when they were felled. Then, afterward, I recommend taking a walk through Curio Bay’s living forest, so you can get a feel for what the petrified forest was like when it was alive. 

15. Waipohatu Waterfalls Track

A lot of the hikes in this region are pretty easy, but I love the Waipohatu Waterfalls Track because it’s a bit longer at 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). On this loop track, you’ll find two stunning waterfalls, Upper and Lower Waipohatu Falls! 

What makes this hike so lovely is the dense forest – it truly looks more like a jungle if you ask me! The whole track is scenic and the upper falls are the cherry on top. This is also a good spot to see the rare Kiwi bird, which is a huge bucket list item for a New Zealand trip! It’s registered as an official Kiwi track, so your odds are pretty good. 

This track takes about 2-3 hours in total. It can get pretty muddy after it rains, and I suggest wearing hiking boots. It’s also best if you have a moderate level of fitness, but it’s still pretty doable for most hikers.

16. Spend the night freedom camping at Fortrose

Fortrose is a quaint town on the Mataura River, and there are heaps of unique things to do here. But my personal favorite reason for visiting is freedom camping! This is perhaps my favorite freedom camping spot in all of New Zealand, as it’s right on the beach. 

The Moray Terrace Reserve is a lovely little campsite overlooking the ocean. It’s also not far from town, so the convenience is really nice too! It’s first come, first serve, so try to get there early to secure a spot. It’s never too busy but word’s starting to get out about how epic this spot is. There are bathrooms and garbage bins, but no power or dumping spots. 

You can also spend some time exploring Fortrose! The Tokanui Golf Club is the most southern golf course on the South Island, which is a pretty cool claim to fame for golf enthusiasts. I personally liked exploring the shipwrecked Ino Steamship in Fortrose Harbour. It’s only visible at low tide, but it’s so scenic it’s worth waiting around to see. The Fortrose Cliffs are another scenic spot, perfect for photographers. 

17. Kaka Point

Kaka Point is a stunning coastal village that’s just a 15-minute drive from Nugget Point. It offers sandy beaches and great surfing, so if you’re dreaming about grabbing your board and disappearing off into the wilderness, I’d say that you’d be well-catered for here! 

Probably the most popular thing to do in Kaka Point is the 1.6-kilometer (1-mile) bushwalk. The loop is just outside of the main settlement, and it’s a fairly easy bushwalk that should take about 45 minutes. But even though the walk is close to the township, I felt as though I was completely out in the wilderness! 

Although I mentioned that Kaka Point is popular with surfers, if you’d like to swim, Kaka Point Beach is the ideal spot. It’s a picturesque and fairly sheltered beach with gentle waves, and you might even spot some seals or sea lions around. 

18. Tunnel Hill

The cool thing about the Tunnel Hill walk is that it takes you through the world’s southernmost railway tunnel! It’s a quick stop, but I just had to add it to my list, and I’m so glad that I did. 

This tunnel was built in 1896 as part of the Catlins River Branch Railway. It eventually closed in 1971 and was abandoned for a while, but in the early 2000s, the tunnel was cleared so that people could explore it on foot. It feels tucked away, but it’s actually pretty easy to find and the parking lot was well-signposted. 

The walk itself is short at just 360 meters (0.2 miles), and it took me around 15 minutes in total. Still, it’s definitely worth doing as it’s very atmospheric and a pretty unique little walk! I would recommend bringing a torch and a light layer, as it’s very dark and cool inside the tunnel. 

Where to Stay in the Catlins

Even though the Catlins region is pretty spread out, there are some good accommodations if you know where to look! Most of your options will be in Kaka Point or Owaka, and you’ll be able to reach all the places on this list easily from either town. Since accommodations are limited, they are a bit higher priced than other areas – just keep that in mind!

Owaka

Catlins Area Motel (Mid-range) – $$

The Catlins Area Motel is located right in Owaka. Don’t let the word “motel” scare you off, it’s actually a great stay – clean, newly renovated, and a very hospitable staff! Every room is apartment-style, so you’ll have a kitchen, a bedroom, and a sitting area, making for a really comfy stay.

Prices start at $150 NZD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Surat Bay Lodge (Budget) – $

If you want to stay by the sea, the Surat Bay Lodge is your best bet! Each room has a balcony and some are sea-facing. They have options for family-style rooms, full apartments, or standard double rooms. There’s also a shared lounge and kitchen area available for everyone. 

Rooms start at $133 NZD and can be booked on Booking.com.

Kaka Point

Kaka Point Spa Accommodation (Luxury) – $$$

For a more luxurious experience, check out the Kaka Point Spa Accommodation. This king studio apartment offers beachfront views, a patio, a full kitchen, and a large spa bathtub – perfect if you’ve done a lot of hiking in the Catlins! 

Dates are limited and require a 2-night stay, but once you get here I’m sure you’ll be happy you have at least two nights! Prices start at $295 NZD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Nugget View Kaka Point Motels (Mid-range) – $$

How does a private beach, viewpoints of the Nugget Point Lighthouse, and sea views sound? Well, you can find all that and more at the Nugget View Kaka Point Motels. Rooms range from apartment style to standard hotel rooms, equipped with balconies, full kitchens or kitchenettes, and sitting areas. 

Prices range based on the size and number of people but start at $170 NZD. You can check availability and book your room on Booking.com. 

There are also plenty of freedom camping options available, just be sure to read my guide to freedom camping so you know where you can go!

Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand

Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!

You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:

• Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.

• Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.

• Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!

Thanks for reading!

The Catlins is one of my favorite parts of New Zealand. If you love the outdoors as much as I do, I’m sure you’ll agree! These top things to do just scratch the surface of all there is to explore – so get out there and experience the incredible beauty for yourself!

I hope you found this guide helpful as you plan your travels. Before you go, check out my other South Island blogs – there is a ton to explore! I have been all over New Zealand and love sharing my experiences and favorite spots. Here are a few blogs to get you started:

Queenstown to Dunedin Scenic Drive – The Best Route and Stops

5 BEST Campervan Rentals in Queenstown: Everything You Need to Know

BEST Time to Visit the South Island of New Zealand