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The Catlins is a rather small area on the south-east coast of
the South Island, spanning Otago south of the Clutha River,
and a little part of Southland. This is an area of strong unity
and considerable character, unique on the east coast. The coast
itself is very scenic, predominantly rocky with numerous bays
and headlands. There are also some larger sandy bays. The backcountry
is rugged and covered in moist native forest that sometimes
comes close to the shore. The coast can be accessed in a number
of places, and there is a good choice of walks. The wildlife
is rich and spectacular, with many shore and seabirds, penguins,
seals, sea lions and sea elephants.
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View from Florence Hill over Tautuku
Bay and Peninsula. In the 1840s a whaling station was located
near the saddle of the peninsula. Photo courtesy Tourism Southland.
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LOCATION |
MAP |
DETAILS
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| See
map below |
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| Kaka Point |
1 |
A small
seaside township and resort with accommodation and services,
at the eastern entrance of the Catlins Coast. Fine stand
of native forest (30 mn walk), with several species of native
birds. |
| Nugget Point |
2 |
This
is one of the best known landmarks on the Catlins Coast.
A lighthouse is located at the end of the narrow headland,
which is now a scientific reserve. The views are spectacular,
and the area has a very rich marine wildlife. This is the
location of one of mainland New Zealand's largest fur seal
colony, and the only place where all three fur seals, Hooker's
sea lions and sea elephants coexist. There are also colonies
of yellow-eyed penguins and blue penguins. Other seabirds
include spotted shags, sooty shearwaters, and gannets. Royal
spoonbills nest on one of the islets. |
| Surat and Cannibal
Bays |
3, 4 |
The sandy
beach at Surat Bay is a resting place for Hooker's sealions.
There is road access to Cannibal Bay, or it is possible
to walk over the dunes from Surat Bay. In this case watch
out for sealions, and make sure you do not approach them
too closely. |
| Pounawea |
5 |
This
is a small settlement on the banks of the estuary of the
Catlins River. There is a fine walking track in tall native
forest and saltmarsh (45 mn), with numerous native forest
birds, and migratory godwits, royal spoonbills and white-faced
herons. Motor camp. |
| Jacks Bay and Blowhole |
6 |
Jack's
blowhole can be reached from Jacks Bay by a 30 mn walk one
way. It performs best at high tide in stormy weather. It
is 55 m deep, and is located 100 m (328') from the sea. |
| Papatowai |
7 |
This
is a small township in the central part of the Catlins Coast,
with some accommodation and services. There are a number
of fine walks, especially through the native forest that
comes right to the coast. It includes large rimu and matai,
as well as the most southern silver beech in New Zealand.
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| Tautuku |
8 |
From
Florence Hill lookout there is a fine view over Tautuku
Bay and beach, Tautuku Peninsula and the Rainbow Isles.
This area is representative of the wilderness of the Catlins
Coast, and there are several reserves and easy walks to
discover and enjoy the various natural environments: forest,
estuary, beach, and wetland at Lake Wilkie. |
| Cathedral Caves |
9 |
These
sea caves at the north end of Waipati Beach are among the
best known features of the Catlins Coast. They can be reached
at and within one hour of low tide by a 25 mn walk through
forest and along the beach (Waipati Beach Scenic Reserve).
The first two caves are the most spectacular, being over
30 m (100') high. |
| Porpoise Bay |
10 |
Hector's
dolphins are often seen at Porpoise Bay, either from the
beach, or on a specially organised watching cruise. |
| Curio Bay |
11 |
The outstanding
and famous feature at Curio Bay is the fossil forest. The
trees, related to kauri and Norfolk pines, were buried in
volcanic ash and scoria 160 million years ago. |
| Slope Point |
12 |
This
is the southernmost point of land in the South Island. There
are impressive views of the cliffs and rocky coast. |
| Waipapa Point |
13 |
This
area of sandy beaches and dunes marks the end of the Catlins
Coast and the entrance to Foveaux Straits. |
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Specific references for this page:
Neville Peat 1998: The
Catlins and the Southern Scenic Route. University of Otago
Press.
Mark Pickering 1995: Wild
Walks - Sixty Short South Island Walks. Shoal Bay Press.
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