30 - The Catlins

🌿 About this place

The Catlins is one of the most untouched and wild regions in New Zealand, located in the southeast of the South Island. There is no single widely used Māori name for the entire region, but the area has long been connected to coastal Māori communities and traditional food gathering.

This is a place of rugged coastline, dense native forest and hidden waterfalls. Far from the main tourist routes, The Catlins offers a raw and authentic experience of New Zealand’s natural beauty.

✨ What to do around The Catlins

⭐ Don’t Miss

• 🌊 Nugget Point Lighthouse
  One of the most iconic coastal views in NZ, with a lighthouse overlooking dramatic rock formations in the ocean.

• 🐧 See yellow-eyed penguins (Hoiho)
  One of the rarest penguins in the world. Best seen at sunrise or sunset from protected viewing areas.

• 🌿 Purakaunui Falls
  One of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand, surrounded by native forest.

• 🌅 Wild coastline views
  Constantly changing weather and light create dramatic landscapes.

🧭 Explore More

• 🐬 Curio Bay (fossil forest & dolphins)
  An ancient petrified forest visible at low tide, with the chance to see dolphins nearby.

• 🦭 Sealions and wildlife spotting
  You may encounter sea lions resting on beaches.

• 🚶 Short forest walks
  Easy access to waterfalls and coastal viewpoints.

• 📸 Remote photography spots
  Less crowded, more raw and natural scenes.