The breathtakingly beautiful Catlins district is
a sprawling mess of bush, forest and rivers, stretching all the
way from Waipapa Point in Southland to Nugget Point in Otago.
Once the area was home to the giant Moa bird but they were wiped
out and with them went the strong Maori influence in the region.
Today the Catlins is a scenic treasure trove of paths to walk
on, lakes to swim in and blowholes to marvel at.
But the best bit about the Catlins is the abundance of wildlife
which calls this area home. You can get up personal with some
Hookers sea lions at Surat Bay or check out the extremely timid
yellow-eyed penguins at Roaring Bay. Porpoise Bay is a popular
hangout for the rare Hector's dolphins and expeditions on the
water can be arranged through the good folk at Koramika Charters.
Other good diversions are to Jacks Bay, which has a mighty powerful blowhole, and Owaka, the main town of the Catlins.
THE CATLINS