6 epic things that can be done in the Catlins on a New Zealand road trip

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Are you looking for ideas for activities in the Catlins? You are in the right place. From epic waterfalls to the observation of some of the rarest types of wild animals in the world, The Catlins is an indispensable adventure destination on the South Island of New Zealand.

Although the Catlins were not at the top of my personal list of places to be visited in New Zealand, I was pleasantly surprised when I found out how incredible this region is. After a spontaneous decision at the last minute we packed our camper in Queenstown and set off to explore the east coast.

of hikes, waterfalls and wild animals we have certainly not found a lack of activities and sights in the Catlins.

Catlins Reiserouutenkarte

Here is a map view of all Catlins route points on this list to help you plan your road trip!

2 inevitable Catlins tours

The Catlins are a relatively unexplored region compared to adventure mega centers such as Queenstown. Therefore, you may not find that many tours in the region. But below I listed two great tours that you should definitely watch!

  • Seekajak tour to the Nugget Point Lighthouse-Look the Fantastic Nugget Point Lighthouse from the water and discover unique wild animals such as Albatrosse, sea lions, penguins, fur gear, cormorants and dolphins.
  • Sunrise Kayak Tour - would you prefer to get up early? Take a look at this alternative kayak tour for an unforgettable sunrise experience.

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6 epic things that can be done in the catlins

Unfortunately I had far too little time in the catlins. With this knowledge I wanted to put all these things into a quick 3-day series route. In retrospect, I should have used at least a week to make the best of this beautiful region.

Regardless of this, a list of my favorite adventures in the Catlins is here. Remember if you have further suggestions for activities or activities for other travelers, leave a comment below.

1. Hunt the amazing waterfalls from Catlins

The catlins are all about waterfalls. And it is no wonder why ... surrounded by many protected, local forests and dozens, if not hundreds of freshwater flows and streams, epic waterfalls are a matter of course!

Here are three of my favorite waterfalls. Here you will also find a more comprehensive Catlins waterfall leader.

Purakaunui Falls

The Purakaunui Falls, known as the most photographed New Zealand waterfall, are a must on its Catlins RoadTrip.

This is located near Papatowai and is easy to reach via an paved road, just a few minutes from the highway.
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MClean Falls

Next, the McLean Falls are coming up. This is another popular waterfall on the South Island, which is also one of the tallest I found in the Catlins.

While you cannot swim on the main waterfall, there are numerous freshwater bathrooms on the river along the way to the waterfall.

The short walk to the McLean Falls is also refreshing and gives you a good insight into the natural forest area of ​​the South Island.
Alt = "MClean Falls Main Water Fall">

Matai and Horseshoe Falls

A short stop at the Matai Falls and Horseshoe Falls, directly on the highway between Papatowai and Owaka, offers two epic forest water cases that are only a few minutes' walk.

If you want a quick but worthwhile stop, these two waterfalls are a good choice. The way to both is scenic, but very simple. You can reach the upper waterfall within 10 minutes after leaving the parking lot!
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2. See the rarest penguin in the world in Curio Bay

In the Catlins, it's not just about hikes and waterfalls! One of the most popular activities in the Catlins is visiting Curio Bay.

Here you can catch a look at the rarest penguins in the world every evening; the gelbauenpenguin or the Hoiho.

While this penguins are extremely protected according to New Zealand Nature Conservation Act, the DOC has set up safe viewpoints where you can take a look at how the adult penguins return to the nest every night.

The best time to see Hoiho is between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at sunset.
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Related: Epic things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand

3. Waipohatu Forest Loop-Epic Catlins hike

One of my favorite hikes in the Catlins, the Waipohatu Forest Loop, is a must for anyone who stops near Curio Bay.

This day hike is a waterfall loop that takes about 2-3 hours. If you have some time to kill before you go to penguin observation, I can only warmly recommend this hike.
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4. Visit the cathedral caves

The Cathedral Caves are a huge, 200 m long coastal cavity passage shaped by the sea, which is only accessible at low tide.

Unfortunately, during my trip to the Catlins, I had no opportunity to visit the Cathedral Caves. However, after I was told more about it, I really wished I had planned to visit during the low tide.

You can find complete instructions for the cathedral caves in this blog.

5. Take a look at Lake Wilkie

Another short but worthwhile pit stop on the Chaslands Highway is the Lake Wilkie.

The route is short, but relatively simple again and leads to the edge of the lake, where you can take some great reflective photos.
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6. The incredible papatowai

The Papatowai coast offers some pretty picturesque views of the east coast of New Zealand.

The highlights for worthwhile stops are the Florence Hill Lookout, where you can watch the waves at Papatowai Beach.
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Accommodation options in the Catlins: Accommodation leader

below are my top 3 recommendations for accommodations in the catlins.

  • Best Hostel / Dorm Lodge: Lazy Dolphin Lodge - this lodge is one of the few accommodation opportunities for backpackers and price -conscious travelers near Curio Bay and offers access to the beach and unlimited WLAN. The guests seem to be quite enthusiastic about the view and the common area. Good accommodation if you want to see the rare gel building penguins.
  • backpack tourists in Owaka: Surat Bay Lodge Another cheap option for backpackers, but this time closer to Owaka. Surat Bay Lodge is one of the most popular accommodation opportunities in the catlins, with access to the beach and a large garden to relax.
  • Hilltop Lodge: Hilltop Accomodation Catlinsdiese Lodge is located near Papatowai and is one of the top rated lodges in the catlins. This historic building is located right next to local forests and is a perfect retreat for two people in Catlins.

associated guidelines: 9 epic things in Arthur’s Pass

Are the Catlins worth a visit?

This is a question that I initially thought about. Since I had heard little over the east coast of the South Island, I wondered if I should stay in the Fjordlands or open to the Catlins.

Because of my experience, I can only highly recommend visiting the catlins. If you have read other articles in this blog, you know that we are all about adventure trips. For those among them, the hikes, waterfalls, wild animals and epic coastal roads and even great pubs prefer, then the catlins is just the thing for you.

Catlins Camping and Leader

Free Doc Campingplatz: Weir Beach Reserved Camping is the only free campsite for camper in the Catlins. It is essentially a large grassy paddock with amenities such as a toilet and a sink with non -drinkable freshwater. Just beware of the sand flies.

Purakaunui Bay Campsitedies is a good place to spend the night if you want to visit some of the nearby waterfalls. This campsite is another DOC (paid) campsite with basic amenities.

Papatowai Campsite This is another paid campsite in the forest lighting near the beach.

Ferienpark: Ferienpark Curio Baywenn Better to set up your motorhome or set up a tent and want to receive access to a few other facilities, then this is a good choice, especially if you have longed for a warm shower. The fee for a site, which is not supplied with electricity, is $ 20 for 2 people, while a power -supplied site costs $ 30 for 2 people.

TIP: Remember to download useful apps such as campermate, spaceships app and wikicamps NZ so that you can find the best campsites.

Beyond the Catlins: Further activities in New Zealand

I hope this article about activities in the catlins has provided you with enough Inspiration to visit this coastal jewel! If you are looking for more free travel guides for New Zealand, be sure to take a look at some of the lower left.

My camera and photo equipment

  • Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
  • drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
  • 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
  • landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
  • all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
  • telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
  • Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
  • landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
  • camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
  • Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip

A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.

If you want to use one of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my print store or contact me directly for customs deductions from pictures on WE Seek Travel.
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