South Island Otago/Southland Region 2021 Catlins

Catlins
Otago/Southland Region South Island
New Zealand
2021


Owaka
On the way, we walked to Nugget point lighthouse 40 minutes return and down to the viewing hut for yellow-eyed penguins but too early in the day. We were going to stay just up the road at a cap but it looked full and no answer to the phone means probably was full.
Tomorrow, we need to backtrack a few kilometres to do some walks.























Purakaunui Bay
Stayed 3 nights at Purakaunui Bay Doc Camp (no wifi) although only beach and rock walking here it was nice to have a rest in such a beautiful spot.
On the first day, we backtracked from Owaka, to do the short 20min return walk to a historic railway tunnel.
Then out to the coast on a gravel road to Surat Bay to do the 2-hour return beach walk seeing sea lions, seals, and birdlife.
You can get to the walking track from the mouth of the estuary then along the beach to another track ending at Cannibal Bay where we came to an abrupt halt with a seal resting on the track, with no way around her we turned around only to find at the other end we were blocked in by a sea lion, we managed to get through scrub and back on the beach.
Second and third days at the Doc camp we went for a walk along the rocks coming across a penguin resting it looked a bit lonely by itself and was moulting.
Finally, we called into the Purakaunui Falls on the way to our next camp. A short 10-minute walk along a well-maintained path to lovely falls, we have had no rain for a while so think the falls must look dramatic with rain










































Tawanui Doc Camp
Staying 2 nights at this very peaceful camp (no wifi). We walked 4km of the Catlins River Walk after lunch, that was enough for the day it was so hot. The track is beside the river but we really had to watch where we were walking amongst heaps of tree roots.
The next day we did 10kms hiking up a hill and back it was part of the Wisp Loop Track that connects to The Catlins River Walk Track the Loop takes 2 days, and even though half the walk was uphill was steady climbing and not hard we enjoyed it.
Today we backtracked to Owaka to empty and get fresh supplies. We had lunch at the Owaka Tavern a nice meal for our 48th wedding anniversary, then strolled the little town taking in the museum and craft shops.
Staying the night here again then off to the next Doc Camp not sure if there is Wifi where we are heading.




Papatowai
Staying at Papatowai Doc Camp (wifi good) flush toilets, at this stage we are booked in for 3 nights (no charge with our Doc Pass) just been for a walk before beer o'clock and it's beautiful here. On the drive here all of 26kms from Owaka we stopped at Matai and Horse Shoe Water Falls, bonus was the walk along the Catlins River Branch Railway Walking Track for us the best part. Round trip 5km of easy walking especially the rail track.
Tomorrow we have a walking track to do.

















Slept in later than usual this morning then set off for the walk to Kings Rock. Just up the road is the Lost Gypsy Gallery it cost $8 each and for us we enjoyed it putting smiles on our faces and giving us a laugh to boot. How quirky and imaginative this guy is and you can buy a coffee as well. It's not far from there to the start of the walk that has beautiful Forrest, in the end, there is some private farmland to negotiate to the beach before returning the same way 7km return.





Sunday, was a washout of rain showers all day, and what happens when we aren't active we sleep, eat and drink. Today we made up for it with a 9km walk through a lovely forest breaking out onto the beach making a loop walk adjacent to the river. On the way back to camp we found another nature walk with an amazing bird song.
Tomorrow we need to go back to Owaka for the third time to get fresh vegetables at the four square. We are taking our time to do the Catlins so this is the only option if we want fresh food.




Owaka
This morning we got an early start (for us) and did several walks before we turned around and backtracked to get supplies and stay the night in Owaka















Niagara
We walked the 40minutes return to the McLean Water Fall on the way to Niagara NZMCA Camp today staying a couple of nights or more depending on what we find to do.
We loved the walk into the falls, and the stunning forest it was like a planted garden and one of the best falls we have seen.


















Koropuku Falls
From Niagara NZMCA Camp we biked 20kms return to the falls. Then walked 40mins return. We passed the sign yesterday and noticed that there was no parking for a Motorhome.
Well worth the effort loved it.















Curio Bay
From Niagara NZMCA Camp we biked 24kms return to Curio Bay, stopping at the Waikawa Museum along the way.
Fossil forest
The fossilized remains of an ancient forest are exposed at Curio Bay during low tide and we got the tide right this time. We then did the live forest short walk across the road and after lunch the walk to the clifftop Head Land.
On the ride home, we stopped at Waikawa again for a short walk at the George Aiken Walk.

















Waipohatu Waterfall Track
6km loop recommended as a medium track but lots of climbing so little bit hard for my old bones, although we did manage it within the 3 hours stated. It's muddy even in March with no rain so good hiking boots are a must. We enjoyed the waterfalls a great incentive to tackle the steps. There is free camping here at tonight's park.










Tokanui
Seemed like a busy day today, the first stop Slope Point the most Southern Point of New Zealand.
It's an amazing place enjoyed the visit heaps.
2nd stop is The Waipapa Point Lighthouse another interesting spot with a very photogenic lighthouse and great views and a sea lion sunbathing.
3rd stop is The Cliffs at Fortrose stunning views overlooking Mataura River Mouth.
All three stops had amazing views looking to Stuart Island.
Tonight's park is Tokanui Tavern.












































Useful Links




Signup to follow us
* indicates required