The Catlins Regional Information
The Catlins | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History
Rediscover yourself in The Catlins. Given the luxury of time, you can encounter wild places that few have ever seen.
View The Catlins scenic video.
The Catlins Overview
The Catlins, (also known as The Catlins Coast), is an area of Southland located in the southwestern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. The Catlins forms the boundary between Southland and Otago.
The Catlins area is sparsely inhabited, enjoying stunning coastal landscape and dense rainforest. Both the rainforest and the coast are home to many endangered species of birds, such as the rare yellow-eyed penguin. The coast attracts numerous marine mammals, such as the New Zealand fur seals and Hooker's sea lions.
Journey through rural heartland, podocarp forests, past rugged coastlines, hidden lakes and stunning waterfalls, all in the beautiful natural landscapes of The Catlins. The wildlife here is truly extraordinary. Explore the rainforest or relax on a beach along the coastline.
The Catlins Highlights
The rugged, scenic coastline of The Catlins includes sandy beaches, blowholes, a petrified forest at Curio Bay, and the Cathedral Caves. The Cathedral Caves are a popular attraction, visitors can reach the caves at low tide.
There are many high cliffs with cascading waterfalls, most notably the iconic Purakaunui Falls on the short Purakaunui River.
Curio Bay is one of the geological wonders of the world. This petrified forest of subtropical kauri and other trees dates back to the Jurassic age, 135 to 190 million years ago.
The Catlins Accommodation
The Catlins is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of accommodation options:
South Catlins Accommodation
North Catlins Accommodation
View more South Catlins Accommodation options.
Useful South Catlins Links
To help plan your South Catlins holiday choose from the main categories below:
- South Catlins Accommodation
- South Catlins Tours
- South Catlins Attractions and Activities
- South Catlins Transport
- South Catlins Cuisine and Dining
- South Catlins Visitor Information
To help plan your North Catlins holiday choose from the main categories below:
- North Catlins Accommodation
- North Catlins Tours
- North Catlins Attractions and Activities
- North Catlins Cuisine and Dining
- North Catlins Visitor Information
The Catlins Region Information
Regional Information
Key information and facts about the The Catlins region.
Activity Highlights
Major activities and attractions in the The Catlins region.
Scenic Highlights
Major natural attractions in the The Catlins region.
History
History of the The Catlins region.
The Catlins Tourism Operators
Choose from our accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below to find a tourism operator in The Catlins.
