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
Shops
- The fossil forest can be explored at low tide. There is a viewing platform and information panel overlooking the fossil forest.(10 min 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.
- Cathedral Caves is only accessible at low tide 35min drive from Curio bay plus 15min 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 35min drive from Curio Bay
- Museum: local museum is in Waikawa, which is only a 5 min. drive away. Great place for history about the area
- There are many short walks throughout the Catlins (bush /beach)
- Waipohatu: lovely native bush walk - 15. min. easy stroll or 2.5 hours circuit waterfall bush track
- 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
- For great nature + wildlife fotos of New Zealand + our area go to: www.naturwelten.com
Eating out
- Niagara Falls Café/Restaurant – Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner (only pre bookings for dinner)
Waikawa (5 min. drive) phone +64 3 2468 577 - Blue Cod Blues – Take-aways bus for fish + chips etc.
Waikawa beside Museum, 5 min. drive (summer only) - Tokanui Tavern + Bistro
Tokanui, 20 min. drive, phone + 64 3 2468 725 - Fortrose Cafe/Restaurant – Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Fortrose, 25 min. drive, phone + 64 3 2469 888
Shops
- Camp shop, 10 min. walk along the beach, phone +64 3 2468 897
- 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