A-Z of NZ Locations, New Zealand

A Slice of Paradise – The Catlins, NZ

Suzanne

Rugged, dramatic, and pristine.

You will be blown away in more ways than one

When exploring this mostly under-explored part of New Zealand.

You do need to go and visit the Catlins.

We did and automatically fell in love with it.

Nugget Point

walking up to nugget point

Our trip down was enjoyed via the comfort of a home on wheels [our motorhome] during the timespan when we were full-time motorhomers. The narrow winding road heading to the northernmost point of the Catlins wasn’t the most enjoyable ride for her, who sat in the passenger seat. What was enjoyable and rewarding was the views that overlooked the picturesque bays with their sandy beaches. It ended with us luckily being able to park in the allocated parking area so the Squire could walk out to Nugget Point. On the other hand, I bailed out halfway into the walk, too many vistas of wind-sculptured vegetation clinging desperately to the cliffs. My lack of a head for heights became quite apparent that afternoon. I could still appreciate that majestic view, just from a safer position.

We enjoy a grand lighthouse, and this one was no exception with the delightful name of “Tokata”, sitting proudly on a promontory rising out of deep waters, with nuggety rocks scattered into the ocean beyond.

Edwin Catlin is the person for whom this southeastern corner of New Zealand is named; he was a sea captain/whaler and, some say, a wannabe land dealer. He and the Ngãi Tahu chief Hone Tãhawaiki, known as Bloody Jack, 1840 traded forests and fisheries for muskets and thirty pounds. Luckily, that deal was eventually overturned, and much of the land remains pristine today.

There is no doubt why this part of New Zealand can be classed as nature’s domain with its abundance of waterfalls, wildlife, and walks. Unfortunately for us, it would seem that their yearly 200 days of rainfall coincided with our visit. Leaving many of those treasures down the more isolated gravel back roads flanked by ancient tōtara to be unexplored by us.

Purakaunui Falls

waterfall

Not all was lost; its most famous are accessible by easy walking tracks, which meander through the lush bush. One memorable moment is arriving at Purakaunui Falls. It is easily reached as it is only a 10-minute walk through podocarp and beech forest. The falls are spellbinding and just 20 kilometres from the central Catlins service township of Owaka.

The birdlife is incredible, and you, like us, will have the enjoyment of many, far too many to name here. One cheeky bird is the fantail, which danced around us on a walk to a beach inhabited by sea lions. Which always seem intimidating enough to stop us from attempting to pass them by.

Driving down an inland road that is more than likely to be lined with moss-covered fence posts to the peaceful and meandering Catlins River and forest. Here, flashes of yellow and the rapid chattering of the Yellowhead, or mohua, light up the forest-green canvas. The area is one of the bird’s last strongholds.

On virtually every road, we were spoilt with beautiful vistas and a few walking options. The centuries-old podocarp specimens were commanding our attention. While walking through the thick native bush, it would not be long before the sound of crashing waves became audible, which would have us emerging onto yet another beach, and we would have all to ourselves. Ditching the map or any accurate set plans is a winning formula in this region, where the rain and sun seem to be continuously jostling for attention.

Colac Bay

Curio Bay 3

Stopping in this bay was a highlight for us; not only did we have expansive sea views ourselves, which had us sitting and absorbing its wonderment for hours on end, but we also had the pleasure of accessing seafood. Kai Moana [seafood] was gathered by the Squire late afternoon, and he never grabbed more than what was needed for a light meal for two. These were the most giant mussels we have had the pleasure to eat, and surprisingly, they were so close to shore. We did notice that many locals were walking further around the coast for paua. With no wet weather gear, we were content with feasting on the local mussels.

After experiencing many areas, from the bush to the sea, it became clear to us that should you all decide not to visit. In addition to the locals leaving, the native flora would reclaim the land, and the wildlife would be back in droves, ending in the noise from the bird life becoming more overpowering than it was last visited this slice of New Zealand paradise a few moons ago.

What are you waiting for? Go and see for yourself.

Published by Suzanne

Travel and Life Musings from New Zealand and Beyond. . . . . . .

49 thoughts on “A Slice of Paradise – The Catlins, NZ”

    1. Thanks, Deb, the notifications weren’t showing up. Hence my late reply to you and everyone! What was an easy task is now becoming challenging since I changed over to Lifeatno22. Just teething problems 🙂 It is such a beautiful area, just remember your raincoat 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. It is Cathy and very different from where we live up in the North. Though there are many forest bush areas around all parts of New Zealand. Just that the forest/bush areas in the Catlins is more concentrated and less populated by humans. Most of our population is in the North Island.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I’ve lost the enthusiasm for long-haul flights though, especially as it takes me 3 hours to reach the nearest airport – add on check in time and almost a day has gone before I even board a plane!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

        1. I don’t blame you Jude. Long haul flights do lose their attraction after awhile. Unfortunately for us kiwis we have no choice if we want to travel. I think I have had my fill of long haul flights!
          Though never say never 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

  12. Thanks Terri, we are a country that has some enticing spots to suit a variety of outdoor pursuits. Terri I hope you get to experience it too. It’s worth the long haul flight.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Natalie, if you had a month to explore, I would use 3 weeks or the 4 weeks of it to see the South Island and then fly up to the Bay of Islands. We live in the Bay of Plenty, the beaches are gorgeous though up north the scenery is more dramatic. The west coast of both islands are rugged and more dramatic. North Island for beaches and the South Island for expansive mountain landscapes. Most of the long treks to do are in the South Island.

      Like

      Reply

  14. The Catlins are amazing! And the view from Nugget Point has been my desktop photo for many years! Mark and I were very lucky with the weather during our few days in this relatively remote area, as the sky was blue and the wind absent. We saw penguins in Curio Bay, which made the visit even more special. No regrets about driving all the way out there during our three-week trip in the South Island in 2015.

    If you’re at all curious about our visit to the Catlins, check out this post I wrote about it: http://www.itsirie.com/2015/05/south-island-scenery-catlins.html

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I was curious and went and had a read. A good write up Liesbet. Seeing the penguins is a treat as seeing an animal in its own habitat is terrific.

      Like

      Reply

  18. Gorgeous photos Suzanne – wild and beautiful. You’re so lucky to be able to enjoy such wonderful scenery – we’ll get there one day!
    Thanks for linking up with MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. Beautiful photos. I never thought I would want to visit New Zealand until I started having friends go there and share photos. Then, I started reading posts written by New Zealanders. Then, a friend and her husband decided to move to New Zealand for a year after they retired. Her husband actually working as a doctor there for the year they live there. What an adventure they are having! Now, I’d love to visit New Zealand.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Wonderful to hear about your connections to New Zealand and I hope you get the chance to explore down these parts.

      Like

      Reply
  24. Pingback: A-Z of NZ Locations: Curio Bay – Life at No. 22
  25. Pingback: A-Z of NZ Locations – Pounawea Estuary – Life at No. 22

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.