The Catlins, located in the far southeastern corner of New Zealand’s South Island, is a beautiful and underrated part of the country. While certain spots like Nugget Point can be popular, I encountered far fewer crowds than I was expecting – especially after living in the Mackenzie Region for six months. If you’re traveling the South Island around Dunedin, you don’t want to miss this area! Here are the best spots to visit in the Catlins.
The Best Places to Visit in the Catlins
Kaka Point
This pretty seaside town has a stunning, long, sandy beach and is very popular with surfers. There’s a really nice bush walk here, approximately 1.6km. Kaka Point is a great spot to base yourself for a beach getaway and exploring more of the area.
Nugget Point
Nugget Point is one place you can’t miss in the Catlins. This rocky formation on the coast has a number of rocky islands (the Nuggets) jutting up into the sea. The lighthouse here is one of the oldest in New Zealand! It’s 0.9km from the car park to the viewing platform at the lighthouse – bring your binoculars, as you can see seals and other wildlife in the water and on the beach below! There is a penguin colony here, but sadly I visited in the middle of the day and didn’t see any.
Cannibal Bay
If you’re wanting to see sea lions, head to Cannibal Bay. This wide, sandy beach is remote – the roads to get here are unsealed, although in decent condition and fine with 2WD vehicles. I saw lots of sea lions here! Most of them were sleeping/resting. If you do visit, remember to give wildlife a wide berth and not disturb them.
Jack’s Blowhole
This natural attraction is a huge blowhole, 55 meters deep, right by the ocean just 200 meters from the sea. The walk here goes across farmland and is approximately 3km – it’ll take about 1 hour. When the waves come in, water shoots from the blowhole.
Purakaunui Bay
Purakaunui Bay is a truly spectacular beach in the Catlins. There are steep cliffs on one side, and a long stretch of white sand. There’s a basic DOC campsite here, if you want to spend the night. Note that it’s approximately 10km on an unsealed road (which can be narrow with potholes in places) to reach the bay.
Purakaunui Falls
This pretty waterfall is one place you can’t miss in the Catlins. It’s just a short walk from the car park, through peaceful rainforest, to see Purakaunui Falls. There are several tiers to this waterfall, which is 20 meters high.
Matai and Horseshoe Falls
Matai and Horseshoe Falls are two waterfalls connected on an easy walk in the forest. It’s just about 1km total to see both of the waterfalls. The parking area here is located directly next to the busy road, so be careful turning in.
Florence Hill Lookout
I’ll never forget seeing the incredible view from Florence Hill Lookout over Tautuku Beach, first thing in the morning. It was absolutely stunning – this is one viewpoint you’ll want to stop for! The beach can be accessed from the parking area.
Lake Wilkie
Lake Wilkie is located just off the Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins. There’s an easy 10- to 15-minute walk on the boardwalk around the lake. I did this early in the morning, and had the whole place to myself – it was so peaceful! It’s a great spot to stretch your legs as you’re driving.
Cathedral Caves
One place you can’t miss in the Catlins? Cathedral Caves. This spectacular sea cave is only accessible at certain times of day due to the tide times, and you’ll need to walk about 15 minutes from the car park through the bush to reach the cave on Waipati Beach. That being said, it’s absolutely phenomenal – I loved this spot so much! The cave has two huge entrances; you can walk through one and out the other. There’s an admission charge of $15 per person. Be sure to check their website for opening hours, which change every day based on the tide. Try to get there as soon as the gate opens to avoid the crowds.
McLean Falls
This was probably my favorite waterfall in the Catlins. There’s about 3km of unsealed road to reach the car park, and from there it’s a short 15-minute walk through the bush to reach the waterfall. It’s 22 meters high, and so impressive! The walk in total is just over 2km, and will take 20-40 minutes, depending on how long you spend at the waterfall.
Curio Bay
Curio Bay was somewhere I never planned on visiting in the Catlins, but I’m so glad I did! At low tide, you can see a fossilized forest on the beach – it’s 180 million years old! The bay is also home to a pod of dolphins and a penguin colony, so you might see some of New Zealand’s wildlife here, too. There’s a visitor center, cafe, and campsite here.
Slope Point
Slope Point is a special spot to visit as it’s the southernmost point of the South Island of New Zealand. You can reach the spot at the very bottom of the country on a short and easy walk through private fields – it’ll take about 10 to 15 minutes. If you’re driving through the Catlins, you can’t miss Slope Point and the chance to visit the most southerly point on the South Island.
Waipapa Point
This is a pretty part of the coast in the Catlins, with sand dunes and a cute lighthouse. There’s a short walk from the car park here – keep an eye out for sea lions, which sometimes hang out on the beach close to the lighthouse! Waipapa Point is a nice spot for a picnic or a rest along the coast.
Planning Your Trip to the Catlins
The Catlins is located in the southeastern part of the South Island, south of Dunedin and east of Invercargill. Dunedin airport is probably easiest for flying in and out – I use Skyscanner to find the best deals. You’ll definitely need a car to see the most of this area. There isn’t much public transport, and you’ll have so much more freedom to stop where you like! Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. If you’re looking for tours around Dunedin, check out the options below!
Where to Stay in the Catlins
I camped at Papatowai DOC Campsite, which was a great choice for a budget campsite. It’s right off the highyway, but still very quiet. I didn’t have any phone signal here, though. There’s also the DOC campsite at Purakaunui Bay, and the large campsite at Curio Bay. There’s a large area for self-contained freedom camping at Fortrose, which is a peaceful town on the coast.
- Budget: Thomas’s Catlins Lodge and Camp Ground – a great all-round spot for budget accommodation in Owaka, with unpowered and powered campsites, a dorm room, and simple private rooms
- Mid-Range: Nugget View Kaka Point Motels – rooms, studios, and apartments available in Kaka Point, all with their own balconies
- Mid-Range: Catlins Area Motel – simple, clean, and comfortable rooms and apartments in a convenient location in Owaka
- Luxury: Tranquility Tiny House – a well-equipped small property with a peaceful garden close to Owaka
- Luxury: Kaka Point Spa Accommodation – self-catering studios with a spa bath for a truly luxurious getaway, with a gorgeous view of the ocean
The Catlins is a beautiful and underrated part of New Zealand. With stunning beaches, cool caves, pretty waterfalls, and loads of wildlife, you don’t want to miss this area on your trip. I hope this post helps planning a trip around the Catlins!
Have you been to the Catlins? What were your favorite places?
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