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: due to Covid in the 2021 season opening times have changed and most places are closed Mon-Wed - you need to book!!
Shops
- The fossil forest can be explored at low tide. There is a walkway with information panels and a platform overlooking the fossil forest (10min walk along beach).
- Curio Bay with its beautiful sandy beach is popular for swimming, surfing and body boarding. We rent out surf boards, body boards and wet suits to our guest.
- Curioscape Heritage Centre has a great multimedia exhibition 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 place for history about the area.
- There are many short walks throughout the Catlins (bush /beach)
- Waipohatu: lovely native bush walk + bird watching, 15min 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.
- For more info on the Catlins go to: www.catlins.org.nz
Eating out: due to Covid in the 2021 season opening times have changed and most places are closed Mon-Wed - you need to book!!
- Niagara Falls Café/Restaurant – Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner (only pre bookings for dinner)
Waikawa, 5 min. drive, phone +64 3 2468 557 - Blue Cod Blues Bus - Fish + Chips take away (summer only - closed Mon, Tue, Wed), Waikawa, 5 min. drive
- Curioscape Cafe/Restaurant - Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner (only pre bookings for dinner)
- Tokanui Tavern/Pub + Bistro
Tokanui, 20 min. drive, phone + 64 3 2468 725 - Fortrose Cafe/Restaurant – Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner (only pre bookings for dinner)
Fortrose, 25 min. drive, phone + 64 3 2469 88
Shops
- Tokanui Dairy, in Tokanui, 20 min. drive, phone +64 3 2468 876
- Tokanui Tavern/Pub/Liquor store, 20 min. drive, phone +64 3 2468 725
Curio Bay Accommodation - Nick & Dani Stratford
521A Waikawa - Curio Bay Road / South Catlins - New Zealand
Ph +64 3 2468 797
email: curiobayaccommodation@gmail.com
521A Waikawa - Curio Bay Road / South Catlins - New Zealand
Ph +64 3 2468 797
email: curiobayaccommodation@gmail.com