One Day in the Catlins, New Zealand
The Catlins of New Zealand refers to the southeastern region of the South Island. Home to one of the largest forests on the island, the Catlins Coast spans over 700 square miles and is named after the 20+ mile Catlins River that cuts through the region and into the Pacific. The beaches along the Catlins are some of the most popular to visit in New Zealand during the summer months, but the area still offers plenty to do if you visit during the off-seasons. Read below for our recommendations on the best things to do in the Catlins in just one day to make the most out of your trip.
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1. The Nugget Point Lighthouse
Though not the southernmost point on the island, a walk to the Nugget Point Lighthouse in the Ahuriri Flat area of the Catlins feels a bit like a walk to the end of the world. It is among some of the closest inhabited areas to Antarctica on the planet, and if you’re lucky you may even be able to spot a few yellow-eyed penguins on your excursion to the lighthouse. More commonly, you may also see some fur seals, elephant seals, and regional seabirds.
To get there, you’ll be able to leave your car in the allotted parking lot on The Nuggets Road. After that it’s just a short one mile out and back path up a slight incline (308 ft total elevation gain) along the cliffs. As the fall would be quite steep, visitors are not allowed to stray off of the prescribed paths.
The trail ends at the Nugget Point Lighthouse. First built in the mid-1800s, the lighthouse itself now runs automatically and is not open to visitors. The landings beneath the beacon look out over a cluster of “nugget” shaped rocks surrounded by the vast South Pacific Ocean and is free for entry.
2. The Cathedral Caves
Located along the Waipati Beach Scenic Reserve, the Cathedral Caves make up one big through-path through the surrounding cliffs. The caves stretch nearly 100 feet tall at their largest point and are only accessible at the water’s low tide hours, so be sure to check the schedule ahead of time and plan accordingly.
The tunnel through the caves itself is only about 650 feet long, often with pockets of pooled water to tread through, but the entire trek from the parking lot to the caves runs about 1.6 miles out and back. While the majority of the walk is flat along the beach, the immediate trail from the parking lot cuts through a short but dense forest of podocarp and kamahi plants and has an elevation gain of about 320 feet before it breaks into the sand.
There is a $5 NZ dollar charge to access the track to the caves & parking lot.
3. The Purakaunui Waterfalls
A short walk through a beech & podocarp filled forest off of the Papatowai highway near Owaka will take you to the Purakaunui Waterfalls. The trip to the falls is relatively easy, with only a 68 ft elevation gain and a total length of just 0.4 miles out and back. The top viewing platform for the falls was also built to be wheelchair accessible.
The trail to the Purakaunui Waterfalls is free for entry.
4. The Lost Gypsy Gallery
The Lost Gypsy Gallery is an off-the-beaten-path stop along the Southern Scenic route through the Catlins. Self-titled the “fantastic cabinet of obscurities,” the gallery is a collection of interesting pieces put together by ‘chief tinkerer’ Blair Somerville. The artwork consists mostly of quirky sculptures and automata (moving mechanical devices) made up of everyday objects.
The main gallery is free for entry and tickets into the Theater cost $8 NZ dollars.
5. The Catlins Forest Park
A bit of a default to being in the area, a drive through the Catlins Forest Park to enjoy the scenery and coastal views of the vast reserve should make every visitor’s list nonetheless. There are ample country roads and hiking paths branching off of the Forest’s primary routes to explore as well.
Where To Stay in the Catlins
- Owaka: Mohua Park
- Kaka Point: The Kaka Point Spa
- Hinahina: Beach Front Oasis
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About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.
I enjoyed this article and I’m going to add The Purakaunui Waterfalls to my travel list. New Zealand looks amazing, well done ❤️
Thank you so much Lasma, that’s so nice to hear! I hope you have an amazing trip 😊
The Purakaunui Waterfalls look so beautiful and lush! I’m traveling to New Zealand for the first time next year. Hopefully I can make it to the Catlins while I’m there!
It’s a beautiful country, you’ll have a great time!! Thanks for reading 🙂
The Nuggest point lighthouse looks cool, but it’s the walk there that really has my attention! What a beautiful journey. Next up would be Purakaunui waterfall for me, as we love anywhere with a waterfall 🙂
Hahah we do love anywhere with a waterfall 😀 and yes the cliffs leading up to Nugget Point are gorgeous!
The Purakaunui Waterfalls look spectacular! I’d love to see them in person one day! Thanks for the great guide!
Thanks for reading! 😊
WOW looks incredible! I would love to go on that walk and visit the gallery (how great that it’s free!)
Yes the gallery was so nice to explore! Highly recommend visiting Blair’s museum.
This place sounds unreal! I am entering in Australia soon for a year and I hope to get to New Zealand after. I love your blog and will definitely refer to your post for my future travels. Thanks
That’s so exciting!! I hope you have an amazing time! Thank you for reading I really appreciate it 😊
The Cathedral Caves look amazing to visit! Can’t wait to travel to New Zealand and check out some of these spots.
Definitely one of the coolest stops in the area!
The waterfalls are awesome. Great post.
Thank you for reading!
Our list of places to see and things to do in New Zealand keeps growing. I can see why we might plan to spend some time in Catlins. The outdoor sights look beautiful. Great stops on drives through the country.
New Zealand is the best country for a road trip!
I’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand one day! I’ve never heard of the Catlins before reading this! I’ll have to check out this spot If I ever make it to New Zealand. Thanks for sharing all your tips for a one day itinerary!
Thank you for reading! Have a good trip 🙂