Between Dunedin and Invercargill lies a land of sweeping coasts and podocarp forests that ring with the sound of waterfalls and birdsong. It’s a place of natural wonders, adventure, and basic amenities that will remind you of life’s beautiful simplicities. Read on to learn about the top outdoor things to do in the Catlins. All are budget-friendly or free.

Watch out: the sandflies can be vicious in summer! Arm yourself essential tips from my post on how to avoid New Zealand sandflies.

1. Nugget Point

South of Kaka Point stands one of the most distinctive landmarks of the South Island. First known as Tokata by Māori, Nugget Point was later named after the golden ‘nugget-like’ rocks that jut from the spectacular coastline. Locals affectionately call it ‘the nuggets.’

Nugget Point Lighthouse

The 10m high Tokata Lighthouse was first lit in 1870, making it one of the oldest in New Zealand. Take the easy 20-minute return walk to the lighthouse and admire the expansive seaward views over Roaring Bay. Fur seals and gannets are often spotted on the rocks below. There are toilets (but no drinking water) at the Nugget Point carpark.

Find your base: The Catlins is a big place. If you plan to stay around Nugget Point, I recommend booking a stay in Kaka Point nearby. Travelling to Curio Bay and want to spend time further south? A place near Papatowai could be your best bet.

Penguin and Seal Observatory & Lookout

Just down the road from the lighthouse is a sheltered hide to watch yellow-eyed penguins and seals. There’s a carpark, drop toilet, and dirt track to the hide (20 mins return, a hilly dirt track).

Yellow-eyed penguins are easily distressed by humans, so visitors aren’t allowed on the beach during certain hours. But you can view them anytime from the hide. Bring your binoculars and zoom lens! The best time to view the penguins is at sundown or sunset when they return or go to sea.

About yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes): this endangered penguin is endemic to New Zealand and is considered one of the rarest in the world. Their Māori name, Hoiho (noise shouter) reflects their raucous calls that can be heard when they return to shore. The diet of hoiho largely consists of fish, squid, and sprat.

2. Walk amidst fossils at the Petrified Forest

The petrified forest at Curio Bay/Tumu Toka is a must-see in the Catlins. The ebbing tide reveals fossilised trees which grew in the Jurassic period, approximately 180 million years ago. There’s a walkway from the café/carpark that takes you to a viewing platform and information plinth. Walk amongst the remains of this ancient forest at low tide and poke around the rock pools. Free admission is a bonus!

3. Waterfalls of the Catlins

You can’t visit the Catlins without seeing a waterfall (or three)! Here are some of the most popular in the region.

McLean Falls: situated in the pristine bush of the Catlins Conservation Park, these magical falls originate from the Tautuku River and cascade off a rocky ledge from 22m high.   

Fitness: easy-moderate, 40 mins return
It’s a 30-minute drive west of Papatowai. Click here for more information provided by DOC.

Pūrākaunui Falls: a waterfall approximately 20m high that pours over several rocky tiers. Surrounded by lush native bush including sphagnum moss, ponga, tree fuchsia, and podocarps. There’s a short walk via flights of stairs from the carpark area.

Fitness: easy, 15 mins return
Located 20 minutes north-east of Papatowai.

Matai Falls: a track through regenerating forest that leads to the 10m tall Matai falls.

Fitness level: easy, 40 mins return (1.2km)
About a 10-minute drive north of Papatowai. Click here for directions and more information.

Niagara Falls/Manga Piri: whoever named this had a sense of humour, as it bears little comparison to its namesake. While it is not very impressive in comparison to the other waterfalls, the ironic title is worth a snap!

Enjoy a tasty lunch at the Niagara Falls Café on the opposite side of the Waikawa River, then take a stroll up the road to the ‘waterfall’. This spot is located about 30 minutes west of Papatowai, or 10 minutes north of Curio Bay.

4. Cathedral Caves

Imagine stepping inside a massive, 30m high sea cave. People’s mysterious whispers echo around the rocky walls, and your eyes can barely adjust to the dark. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a penguin in the shadows. Carved out by ocean waves over the millennia, the Cathedral Caves are one of the wonders of The Catlins.


Plan the time you visit: the caves are only accessible at low tide. Also, there is a small cost to access the 1km walking track to the beach and caves (moderate fitness). For more information, check out the official website.

Directions: From Papatowai, take the Chaslands Highway heading south. Pass through Tautuku, turn onto the Cathedral Caves Road and continue to the manned carpark, then take the 1km walking track to the caves.

5. Jack’s Blowhole

Jack’s Bay and Blowhole were named after Tūhawaiki, a renowned Māori chief of Ngāi Tahu. Early Europeans knew him as ‘Bloody Jack’ referring to his fondness of this particular expletive. Jack’s Blowhole is about 200m inland. During periods of high tide and heavy swell, waves surge into the 55m deep subterranean cave and power out the blowhole in a dramatic display. Even on a calm day, the stunning views from the walking trail make this place worth a visit.

Directions: Accessible from Jack’s Bay via a 45min-1hr (3km) return walking track across privately owned farmland. It is a decent, undulating track: moderate fitness. Click here for directions provided by DOC.

6. Surat Bay & Wildlife Viewing

The story of the Surat Bay Wreck

It was New Year’s Eve in 1874 when a large iron vessel, The Surat, ran aground at the mouth of the Catlins River. She was carrying 271 immigrants and cargo to Port Chalmers in Dunedin. One version of events is that Captain Johnston had placed the vessel under the command of his second mate. Blissfully unaware of the impending disaster, he went below to entertain some guests. After the ship struck a reef, he staggered onto the deck, intoxicated. A riot erupted between Johnston and his passengers who wanted to signal the nearby Wanganui steamer so they could be rescued. Johnston whipped out his revolver and threatened to shoot anyone who signalled for assistance. After court proceedings, Johnston lost his license and spent two months in prison [1].

Meanwhile, some of the passengers went ashore in rowboats, and another steamer, the Wallabie rescued those still on The Surat. Remarkably, nobody died, although the passengers lost all their possessions. The Lady figurehead of The Surat is on display at Toitū Settlers Museum in Dunedin.  

Surat Bay Attractions Today

Newhaven at Surat Bay is a peaceful settlement close to where the Catlins River meets the sea. There’s a beach frequented by sea lions, a friendly campground, and an iconic tree loaded with old shoes.

Advice on Surat Bay Sea Lions

There are usually a handful of sea lions on Surat Bay Beach. To access the beach, take the dirt walking track past the campground, drop toilets, and gorse growing along the estuary until you hit the ocean (roughly 15 mins from the carpark). Watch where you’re walking! Sometimes sea lions bask in the dunes and are difficult to see. Give them space and respect. Sea lions are potentially dangerous and will charge when they feel like it.

7. Walks in Waikawa

Waikawa (wai: water, kawa: dark, bitter), is a peaceful settlement by the mouth of the Waikawa River near Porpoise Bay. Early Māori frequently visited here and also hunted moa. After European arrival, Waikawa became a bustling port. Vessels shipped logs from the local sawmill to Dunedin, but this eventually ceased with the construction of the railway and development of Fortrose. Visit the Waikawa museum for historical insights into this remarkable region.

Three walks near Waikawa township

The George Aitken Walk: this track starts at the back of Waikawa museum and goes through forest, offering pleasant views of the estuary and surrounding farmland. 20 mins return – easy.

The Old Coach Road: only accessible at low tide. This trail follows the old road built in the 1880s that once went across the estuary. It starts at the jetty and leads to the mouth of the Waikawa River where there is a historic Māori moa hunter camp. 20 mins return – easy.

Waipohatu Recreation Area: on the edge of the Waikawa forest, this area offers walks through native podocarp forest across conservation land. There’s an easy 30-minute return walk with wheelchair access or a longer 2hr hike for those seeking a challenge.

What next?

• The official site for the Catlins: information on activities, history, and accommodation.
• For accommodation, Expedia offers membership discounts (sign up is free) and access to excellent options in the Catlins.
• Fancy more space? Rent out a Kiwi holiday home at bookabach.
• Walking tracks, huts & hiking: the Department of Conservation site for the Catlins.

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