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The Catlins are in the extreme south of the South island New Zealand.
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The Catlins or Catlins Coast are a secluded, sparsely populated area between Fortrose and Balclutha. The hills of the Catlins Ranges run through it. The coastline is rugged, the weather is often unpredictable, but nature is still largely pristine and full of sights. About half of the Catlins belong to the Southland region and the Otago region
places
The largest place the Catlins is Owaka with 400 inhabitants, all other places like Kaka Point, Pounawea, Tahakopa, Papatowai, Tokanui, Waikawa and Fortrose are smaller, there are also several hamlets and farms.
Other goals
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getting there
The region is not exactly characterized by good road conditions. On the northern edge of the State Highway
along, a road goes relatively close to the coast, otherwise you will find gravel roads to the small villages and farms in the interior of the region.
mobility
Tourist Attractions
- 1 Nugget Point lighthouse. It stands on a 75 m high cliff near Kaka Point, a colony of fur seals, penguins and sea birds.
- 2 Purakaunui Falls. Spectacular waterfalls, approx. 17 km south of Owaka, easily accessible, popular photo motif from Southland.
- 3 McLean Falls. The water cascades down 22 m.
- 4 Cathedral Caves. The caves are on the coast, they are only accessible for about 2 hours during low tide, the half-hour approach leads over private land (entrance fee).
- 5 Curio Bay on the coast. A 5-minute walk from the parking lot leads to the remains of a petrified forest, and in the evening rare yellow-eyed penguins come to the beach. Don't take souvenirs with you, don't disturb the birds! Dolphins can occasionally be seen in nearby Porpoise Bay.
- 6 Slope point. The southernmost point of the South Island, on the site of a sheep farm. Sept / Oct no entry because of the young animals. There are places to stay on the nearby farm.
- 7 Waipapa Point, at Otara. The lighthouse warns of the place where the ship is Tararua 1881 sank. There is a accommodation.
- Information center, in the Catlins Info Center & Owaka Museum, Owaka.
