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Activities
For those who like to walk and do things, there is plenty to do and see in the immediate area. For a tussock lined, white sand beach try: Surat Bay or Cannibal Bay. For a short walk try: the route from Cannibal to Jacks Bay, or a stroll up to Jacks Blowhole. For a longer day walk there's always the Catlins River Walk. Nugget Point, which has yellow-eyed penguins and seals, is only a short drive from the cottage.
The Southern Scenic Route was the first touring route in New Zealand and stretches 440kms from Te Anau, the Gateway to Fiordland National Park to Dunedin on the east coast. The little town of Owaka is the perfect base to explore some of the most beautiful sections of the route.
The Catlins is one of the most remote and diverse stretches of coastline in New Zealand, being both rugged and spectacularly beautiful. The Catlin coast has it all with hidden coves, beautiful beaches, lighthouses, shipwrecks, Sea Lions, Hector dolphins, penguins and ancient podocarp forest and much Maori and European history.
Top things to do in The Catlins
Kaka & Nugget Point
A 47 hectare scientific reserve is a sanctuary for many species of birds and animals native to the south coast. Nugget Point with it's historic lighthouse (dating back to 1870) is home to southern fur seals, native sealions and occasionally elephant seals. There are also numerous seabirds including gannets and shags, shearwaters, blue penguins and native yellow-eyed penguinsPurakaunui Falls
These dramatic tiered falls are among New Zealand's most photographed. A short bush walk leads to the falls, and there is a viewing platform at the baseCathedral Caves
Located near Wapiti Beach, these deep chambers with their high 'ceilings' were carved out of the cliffs by the sea. It is a 15 minute walk to the beach, and a further 25 minutes to the caves. The caves rise up to 30 metres and can only be entered at low tideSurat Bay, Cannibal Bay & Jack's Bay
Surat Bay was named after the sailing vessel Surat was wrecked on this coast in 1874. Walk along white sandy beaches pounded by surf, whilst keeping an eye out for yellow-eyed penguins and Hooker Sea LionsThe Owaka River walk
Follow the River through native Beech forest and enjoy seeing rare native birds. Five hours one-wayCurio Bay
The fossilised forest at Curio Bay is 160 million years old and one of the most extensive in the world. It can be viewed at low tide.Slope Point
The most southerly point on the South Island, known for it's wind swept beautyJack's Blowhole
From Jack's Bay there is a 30 minute walk across farmland to Jack's Blowhole. Best viewed at high-tideNiagara Falls
A tiny waterfall named by a Surveyor with a sense of humour. It also marks the start of the Heritage Trail possibly one of New Zealand's best kept secrets
