Catch the Catlins!

Often talked about, seldom seen – the remote, bush-clad rain forests and wild, romantic beaches of the Catlins on the south-east coast of the South Island belong to a region still unexplored by most New Zealanders. Frequented by a handful of hardy overseas visitors with the right guide books, this magical land of gushing waterfalls, quiet bays, and some of the worlds rarest sea animals is as untouched as it was 40 years ago. See it now before it changes.

1 mustn’t miss

World famous, yet hidden away in a village of just 25 inhabitants, “The Lost Gypsy Gallery and its associated ‘Winding Theatre of Sorts’ is unique collection of wacky, fun automata created by Blair Somerville. This small-scale engineering genius has his work in a number of noted venues around the country and, most recently, was commissioned to create a 70^th birthday gift for Sam Neil!

2 wonderful waterfalls

With the highest number of rain days in the country (but don’t let that put you off!) Catlins’ waterfalls are the place to head, especially when its wet, wet, wet. Purakaunui and Mclean Falls, just a 30 minute drive from each other, are torrents of rushing water on a rainy day and still majestic when the rain clouds lift. Enjoy reaching them on short, well-formed forest paths.

3 best bays

Without doubt, it’s the solitude of long, lonely bays dotted with rare animal life which brings visitors to the Catlins. Surat Bay, just a 5 minute drive from the township of Owaka, rewards the curious with sightings of Hooker’s sea lions basking in the dunes or playing with each other at the water’s edge.

Tahakopa Bay close to Papatowai, offers long, forest-backed beach walks and the chance to spot a multitude of different water birds including the comical spoonbill. Take the Old Coach Road track which leads from the car park at Tahakopa Bridge and follow it out to the river estuary where birdlife is abundant.

South Catlins’ Porpoise Bay is well known for its rare Hector’s dolphin viewing and, if the often playful mammals are in the mood for company, they may even surprise you with an up-close encounter while you are taking a swim! Backing onto this scene is Curio Bay where an ample viewing platform affords the opportunity to spot the majestic yellow-eyed penguin (early mornings and evenings are best).

4 fave food stops

Owaka’s Bus-based Bakehouse Takeaways fires up a mean wood-burning pizza oven in the summer season and serves pizza in style at its rustic outdoor dining area. Gourmet burgers and old fashioned fish and chips are also on the menu.

The Little Rocket Café does a great coffee. Attached to The Lost Gypsy Gallery, and with loads of charm (it’s based in a very cute caravan), you can rely on its take away cups to be 100% enviro-friendly.

Sit down in old-school style at the Niagara Café. Based in the sweetest of ex-classrooms, its sunny balcony and pretty garden makes a soft-spot to while away the afternoon with a cool drink. Be sure to make time to browse the shelves of its little shop for local crafts.

Waikawa’s Blue Cod Blues operates out of a retro caravan (yes, caravans are a feature of the Catlins!) serving New Zealand’s best seafood takeaways and refreshing fruit smoothies. If the owner’s fisherman husband is on deck, quiz him about his catch as you sit at the establishment’s sunny tables or under cover in its little covered nook.

Don’t delay – head to the Catlins before the rest of the world hears about it!