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Aug 13, 2022 · The Catlins Coast, nestled in the southeastern corner of the South Island, is where backpackers can get their New Zealand wildlife fix in some of the most rugged and varied scenery in New Zealand. Walk amongst the thick green forests to many, and we mean many, super stunning waterfalls .
- 12 Best Things to Do in The Catlins - NZ Pocket Guide
The wild coast of the Catlins is full of epic natural...
- 12 Best Things to Do in The Catlins - NZ Pocket Guide
Sep 2, 2022 · The wild coast of the Catlins is full of epic natural attractions from sea caves to waterfalls, lakes to rare wildlife. But if you’re only visiting this remarkable corner of New Zealand for a short while, what are the best things to do in the Catlins?
Sep 17, 2024 · 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.
- Waterfalls
- Purakaunui Falls
- Mclean Falls
- Matai Falls
- Waipohatu Falls
- Lighthouses and Viewpoints
- Nugget Point Lighthouse
- Jack’s Blowhole
- Florence Hill Lookout
- Slope Point
One of the best things to do in the Catlins is a waterfall walk. There are some great options, from a 5-minute stroll through the forest to Purakaunui Falls to the half-day walk to Waipohatu Falls.
Purakaunui Fallsis the most popular waterfall in the Catlins, partly because it’s awesome and partly because it’s a very short walk from the car park.
McLean Fallstakes a bit longer to reach (45-minute round-trip walk) but it’s a more impressive waterfall. It’s surrounded by lush forest and drops down several tiers – such a nice spot on a sunny day and it’s way quieter than Purakaunui Falls.
This waterfall is a little more low-key than the first two, but definitely worth seeking out if you love waterfalls. There’s also another waterfall on the Matai Fallstrack – Horseshoe Falls – and the walk from the car park isn’t too arduous.
There are two waterfalls on this track, but it’s a lot longer than the others (2-3 hours return). Waipohatu Fallsis the perfect place for people wanting a bit more of a hike than the other waterfalls and the falls themselves are stunning. You’ll also likely have them all to yourself. READ MORE: Where Are the Best Waterfalls in the Catlins?
The Catlins is home to some of the best coastal views in New Zealand, and you don’t usually have to walk far from the car park to see them.
Nugget Pointis one of the things to do in the Catlins that’s on everyone’s list. It’s one of the most interesting coastal views in New Zealand and it’s really dramatic at sunrise. If possible, try and do it for sunrise, but go there anyway if you can’t!
A short walk from Jack’s Baytakes you to Jack’s Blowhole. It’s a scenic little track and the blowhole is cool too. You might see some penguins and sea lions in these parts – we saw a penguin from the track and heaps of sea lions at Jack’s Bay.
One of the easiest things to do in the Catlins is visit Florence Hill Lookout. It’s just a car park by the side of the road, and the view is amazing. I’d easily put it in my top five coastal viewpoint in New Zealand – you can’t beat that combination of white sand and clear blue water backed by the wild green forest.
Slope Pointis the southernmost point on the South Island, and it’s worth a look for that fact alone. It’s a nice spot (the lighthouse isn’t up to much though) but if you’ve only got a short time in the Catlins this is one place I’d skip (mostly because it’s a longish drive from the rest of the places of interest).
Oct 9, 2020 · Things to Do in the Catlins New Zealand. Wow, the Catlins, where do I start? A bit rugged, a bit wild, with a sense of yesteryear, void of flashy tourism, just a sense of old school off the beaten track beauty, with some beautiful waterfalls thrown in. How’s that for the Catlins in a nutshell?
Plan your trip to the bottom of the South Island with our tried and tested recommendations. These are the best things to do in the Catlins. The Catlins is a charming coastal region that stretches between Balclutha and Invercargill. The feeling of untouched nature is abundant in this southeast corner of the South Island.
The ultimate guide to visiting the Catlins in 2022, including the best things to do, where to stay and how to get around the South Island of New Zealand’s most overlooked destination. The Catlins is one of New Zealand’s most underrated gems.
