The Catlins in New Zealand are staggeringly beautiful. The natural exquisiteness of this part of this country has so much to offer if you like marine wildlife, birds, a petrified forest, waterfalls, and a scenic coastline. You can see unforgettable sunsets and sunrises. Catlins is the perfect place for photography, travel, and appreciation of nature.
We had the most fantastic week!
You need a few days to see most of the places I will mention. Not only to visit and enjoy the views, sunset, and sunrises but to take in the vitality and strength that nature can give you. It is comforting and definitely recharges your batteries.
About The Catlins, New Zealand
The Catlins, Te Akau Tai Toka, is the southern point of the South Island. It has a fantastic coastline from Balclutha and Invercargill. You’ll find a world of scenic nature, such as forest trimmed by high cliffs, stunning beaches, cascading waterfalls, caves, and don’t let me forget to mention a charming lighthouse and even a petrified forest. The wildlife is exceptional, where you can find an array of maritime animals such as seal lions, seals, dolphins, penguins, and birds.
Getting to the Catlins, New Zealand
Driving From Christchurch is around 8 hours. The highway takes you there, but if you want to see exceptional spots on the coast, exit Highway 1 in Balclutha and go towards Kaka Point. Then you can stop at the Nugget Point Lighthouse and for many other stops.
When to Visit the Catlins
I suggest visiting during the summer, from December through March, when the weather is more agreeable. The weather is cooler but pleasant. We had a constant 65F – 70F. Winter must be beautiful, too, but it will be cold.
What to See
◾ Nugget Point Lighthouse
Nugget Point Lighthouse is the most photographed icon in New Zealand. I stayed for the sunset to catch that incredible light and got the most magical scene. The nugget touched by the light is undeniably extraordinary. The whole picture becomes mystic. Two days after I took the first pictures of this beautiful scene, I saw and photographed an aurora. Absolutely breathtaking.
◾ McLean Falls Walk – Papatowai
McLean Fall is one of many waterfalls you can find in the Catlins. Waterfalls are spectacular, one more than others, but McLean is genuinely fabulous. You go on a short hike in a dense forest to reach the fall. The scenery is so peaceful; it is definitely worth it to visit.
◾ Cathedral Caves
During the low tide, you can explore a very cool cave and be lucky to see penguins. If there are penguins or seals, keep your distance, don’t make noise, and you can appreciate these animals. I was lucky to see two blue penguins. This cave has two entrances, where you can enter on one side and leave from the other.
◾Tautuku Bay
Tautuku Bay is an impressive round headland with golden sand. New Zealand beaches have, in general, black sand. A long time ago, a whaling station existed near the peninsula. Today, it is closed. Because of the remote area, much marine wildlife stops by to rest. You might see Sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins, dolphins, and even whales. These remind me of onawe-pa-banks-of-peninsula.
◾ Purakaunui Falls
Purakaunui Falls is another beautiful fall that I recommend visiting. From the parking lot, it’s about a 20-minute walk through an impressive podocarp-hardwood forest – native species in New Zealand. The waterfall is astonishing; it is a great waterfall to photograph.
◾ Surat Bay Beach
Surat Bay is one of my preferred. It’s a tranquil and peaceful beach. Almost desert. It is home to sea lions, oyster birds, penguins, and many more. This bay was called after the ship “Surat,” which shipwrecked there in 1874.
Surat Beach is one of these places where I feel serene and at peace, as I mentioned on my blog shag-rock-beach-Rapanui, the-blue-springs, and new-brighton-beach. I think it must be the presence of the water.
◾ Curio Bay and the Petrified Forest
Curio Bay is a fantastic natural area. You can see the remains of an ancient fossilized forest when the tide is low. This forest is approximately 170 million years old. It dates back to the Jurassic period. Incredible!
The Catlins in New Zealand
The Catlins in New Zealand is definitely a place that I recommend visiting. The natural beauty of the area, the astonishing waterfalls, the stunning forests, and the diverse wildlife are awe-inspiring. It allows you to be deeply in touch with nature. You get that good vibe and positive energy entering your heart and soul that revitalizes you. If you are coming to New Zealand, try to plan the Catlins because it is worth it. Make time to discovery-of-Stewart-island and exploring-mason-bay
“Collect moments, not things.”