Things to do in the Catlins
Wild life viewing (see the Curio Bay section for more detail on Wildlife)
In the summer Hector's dolphins/papakanua play in the surf (watch from your accommodation’s window)
Yellow-eyed penguins/Hoiho nest at the fossil forest, in the evening or at sun rise your are able to watch the Hoiho come ashore from viewing platforms (10min walk along beach).
Fur seals and sea lions regularly haul themselves out of the water along the coastline. New Zealand sea lions/Whakahao often make themselves at home on the beach or at the campground here at Curio Bay.
Note: strictly NO DOGS allowed as there are penguins nesting in the gardens!
In the summer Hector's dolphins/papakanua play in the surf (watch from your accommodation’s window)
Yellow-eyed penguins/Hoiho nest at the fossil forest, in the evening or at sun rise your are able to watch the Hoiho come ashore from viewing platforms (10min walk along beach).
Fur seals and sea lions regularly haul themselves out of the water along the coastline. New Zealand sea lions/Whakahao often make themselves at home on the beach or at the campground here at Curio Bay.
Note: strictly NO DOGS allowed as there are penguins nesting in the gardens!
McClean Falls
Activities
Eating out - check online for opening times.
Shops: No food shops out here at the edge of the world!
Great little design store in Tokanui called "Small Phrophet" which sells original art, redeemed furniture, fashion and coffee - you will be surprised! www.smallprophetdesign.com
- The fossil forest can be explored at low tide. There is a walkway with information panels and a platform overlooking the fossil forest.
- Living Forest walkway, descendants of the petrified forest, 20min return. Great birdlife!
- Curio Bay has a beautiful sandy beach called Porpoise Bay and is very popular with locals for swimming, body boarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, kite/wing/wind surfing.
- Curioscape Heritage Centre/Cafe/Restaurant/Camping ground has a great interactive museum about the history of the fossil forest and the local wildlife.
- Cathedral Caves is only accessible at low tide, 40min drive from Curio Bay plus 20min walk to cave entrance.
- Waterfalls: there are a number of waterfalls to take in but the McLean Falls are one of the better ones to see, 40min drive from Curio Bay.
- Museum: local museum is in Waikawa, which is only a 5min drive away. Great little place for history about the area.
- There are many beautiful short walks throughout the Catlins (bush/beach).
- Waipohatu: lovely native bush walk + bird watching, 20min easy stroll or 2.5 hours circuit waterfall bush track, 10min drive away.
- For cycling there are a number of quiet country roads to navigate around and explore.
- Storm walking :)
- For more info on the Catlins go to: www.catlins.org.nz
Eating out - check online for opening times.
- Niagara Falls Café/Restaurant – Breakfast + Lunch
Waikawa, 5min drive, phone +64 3 2468 557 - Blue Cod Blues - Take away fish & chips and more. Waikawa, 5min drive away. Open October - April. Check Facebook @ blue.cod.blues for opening times
- Curioscape Cafe/Restaurant/Heritage Centre - Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner (bookings for dinner advised)
- Tokanui Tavern/Pub + Bistro/Liquor store
Tokanui, 20min drive, phone + 64 3 2468 725 - Fortrose Cafe/Restaurant – Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner (bookings for dinner advised)
Fortrose, 25min drive, phone + 64 3 2469 888
Shops: No food shops out here at the edge of the world!
Great little design store in Tokanui called "Small Phrophet" which sells original art, redeemed furniture, fashion and coffee - you will be surprised! www.smallprophetdesign.com
Curio Bay Accommodation - Nick & Dani Stratford
521A Waikawa - Curio Bay Road / South Catlins - New Zealand
Ph +64 3 2468 797
email: [email protected]
521A Waikawa - Curio Bay Road / South Catlins - New Zealand
Ph +64 3 2468 797
email: [email protected]