The Catlins, the spectacular coastal stretch between Balclutha and Invercargill, boasts a rugged beauty and untouched quality that is magnetic. Here you’ll find a world of native forests fringed by high cliffs, deserted sandy beaches, sparkling bays, cascading waterfalls, hidden lakes, blowholes, caves, picturesque lighthouses and even a petrified forest. These environments are home to an array of fauna, from native birds, to seals, sea lions, dolphins, and penguins. The Catlins’ natural landscapes are enthralling and the wildlife is extraordinary.
Fortrose Cafe & Restaurant
Enjoy great coffee and food in the quaint township of Fortrose.
Location: Fortrose
40 minutes drive from Invercargill
Slope Point
The southernmost point on the South Island of New Zealand, accessible via a 20 minute walk. The views of the surrounding ocean and coastline off of the point’s steep rugged cliffs
are spectacular!
Location: South Catlins
1 hour drive from Invercargill
Niagara Falls Cafe
Housed in a historic school building, Niagara Falls provides quality meals using home grown vegetables and the best of Southland’s fresh produce, as well as good coffee and beverages.
Location: South Catlins
1 hour drive from Invercargill
Curio Bay
This unique bay is of international significance for its fossilised forest. The tree fossils you can see here date back to the Jurassic period and are 160 million years old - the forest was alive when New Zealand was part of Gondwanaland!
Location: Curio Bay
1 hour and 10 minutes drive from Invercargill
Tumu Toka Curioscape
A world class interpretive centre especially designed to share the stories and history of this amazing place on the edge of the world. Tailor your own experience with interactive touch screens and more! The centre also has a cafe for a bite to eat.
Location: Curio Bay
1 hour and 10 minutes drive from Invercargill
Pūrākaunui Falls
These falls are one of New Zealand’s iconic, most-photographed sights. The 15 minute return track to the falls trails through mature beech and podocarp forests.
Location: Clutha Catlins
2 hours drive from Invercargill
