A-Z of NZ Locations, Life at No.22, New Zealand, Six Word Saturday

A-Z of NZ Locations: Curio Bay

Suzanne

In my series of A-Z of NZ Locations, I will take you for a meander around areas that are unique gems, some yet to be polished though worth a visit for either historical reasons, culinary delights or for the sheer vistas.

C is for Curio Bay on the Catlins Coast – a place to find yourself, not others.

We leave Barrytown and head down into the depths of Southland, with various towns and villages worth lingering for a night or two or just to stretch your legs before embarking on the next part of your journey to enter the Catlins.

The Catlins

This area was one of the most incredible places we have visited here in New Zealand. Firstly, we humans aren’t a prominent venture here; mother nature is. One warning is that the weather is challenging and chillier even during summer.

Though the weather doesn’t distract too much from the wild, quiet, majestic, and beautiful rugged coastline to the fresh kai moana, something about this corner of Aotearoa got under our skin, and we chatted about our time here way after we headed northwards.

It’s home to incredible wildlife, rugged beaches, an array of waterfalls, and history. You’ve got everything from lush native forests and lighthouses to rare penguins and dolphins.

What’s not to love and inspire?

Les watched his step while walking along the rugged coastline and marvelling at the colossal kelp left behind by the tide.

Curio Bay

At low tide, there is an easily accessible purpose build ramp and stairway that you can use to see close up the fossilized remains of an ancient forest. Embedded into the bedrock are the petrified stumps, fallen trees and fern imprints from the Jurassic period estimated to be over 180 million years old. Searching out the various markings and patterns of the trees was quite fascinating. The stumps used to be a lot taller but over time storm borne driftwood and logs have battered the height of them down.

Wading amongst the fossils, it is common to sight yellow-eyed penguins. No, we didn’t see penguins.

Petrified Forest, Curio Bay, at low tide is the only time you can view this area

Having a feed of Cod ‘n Chips from the iconic Blue Cod Caravan in the village is a much-loved treat. Especially as the cook has a night off, a win-win situation.

After pursuing our Cod n Chips, we headed to the Headland overlooking Curio Bay without a seagull in sight. A magical early evening treat and a fitting end to a wonderful relaxing long weekend exploring part of the Catlins.

To see more about the Catlin Coast that we visited can be viewed at the following link – A Slice of Paradise

Published by Suzanne

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

30 thoughts on “A-Z of NZ Locations: Curio Bay”

  2. The Catlins were my favorite part of a repeat visit to the South Island when Mark and I rented a campervan there in 2014. It’s a special place. I still remember the rows of trees with their needles blown to one side due to the prevailing, strong, winds. And the penguins in Curio Bay. The scenery was more pleasant than the weather. 🙂

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    1. Yes, the Catlins would be your sort of place to explore, Liesbet 🙂 I think in my previous post about the Catlins I mentioned the trees and wind. The weather is a challenge that is for sure.

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  3. NZ has some amazing scenery. I had hoped to have a road trip there before the pandemic struck, but wanted my son to accompany me and he is still having health issues. So I am enjoying your A – Z.

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    1. Scotland has the right idea. Though perhaps due to the isolation of the Catlin area is protection enough. Time will tell. We thought the area was interesting though the lack of mobile coverage makes for short trips when living fulltime on the road.

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    1. Hi Pauline, that photo of Les was taken over 10 years ago when we were full-time motorhomers touring around NZ. It is a beautiful part of Southland and worth the journey to experience nature.

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    1. It is a beautiful part of New Zealand, Mel, and I am sure you would enjoy it, not so much for cycling, but more for hiking. I’m not too fond of strong winds while cycling, though this might be enjoyable for others.

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        1. There is a huge amount of cycling trails in NZ without mountains unless you’re into mountain biking. Cycling is a major sport here from the serious to the recreational cyclists 🙂

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