While you're here
The Catlins: waterfalls, wildlife and the wild southern coast
The empty, forested coast between Dunedin and Invercargill — waterfalls, sea lions, penguins and a petrified forest.
7 min read · updated 2026-09
The Catlins is the stretch of coast between Dunedin and Invercargill that most itineraries skip because the map shows a longer way round. That is exactly why it is worth doing. Podocarp forest runs almost to the water, the beaches are wide and usually empty, and the wildlife is unusually easy to find for a place with no crowds.
The stops that justify the detour
- Nugget Point — a lighthouse on a knife-edge headland with rock stacks scattered out to sea. The short walk out is the most photographed view in the region, and there is a hide nearby overlooking a penguin beach.
- Purakaunui Falls — a tiered waterfall reached by a ten-minute walk through beech and podocarp forest.
- Cathedral Caves — enormous sea caves, accessible only around low tide and only when the access track is open. Check before driving in.
- Curio Bay — a 180-million-year-old petrified forest exposed on the shore platform at low tide, and one of the more reliable places to see yellow-eyed penguins come ashore in the evening.
- Slope Point — the southernmost point of the South Island, with wind-sculpted trees permanently bent inland.
- McLean Falls, Matai Falls and Koropuku Falls — short forest walks, all worth it if you have the time.
Wildlife, honestly
New Zealand sea lions haul out on Catlins beaches and are genuinely large and genuinely fast; stay at least 20 metres away and never get between an animal and the sea. Yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) are endangered and easily disturbed — watch from the marked viewing areas, keep quiet, and do not use flash. Hector's dolphins are sometimes seen off Porpoise Bay.
Wildlife is wild. Evenings and early mornings give the best chance of penguins, but nothing is guaranteed, and any operator promising a sighting is overselling.
Driving it
| Route | Approximate driving time |
|---|---|
| Dunedin to Invercargill direct (SH1) | About 3 hours |
| Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlins | About 4 hours 30 minutes moving time |
| Realistic Catlins day with stops | 8 to 10 hours |
Several of the best stops sit at the end of short gravel side roads. Fuel is limited once you leave the main towns, so fill up in Balclutha, Ōwaka or Invercargill. Mobile coverage is patchy throughout.
When to go
The Catlins is at the bottom of the South Island and the weather is changeable in every month. Summer gives long daylight, which matters when you want an evening penguin watch and still need to drive out. Winter days are short — plan far fewer stops.
Common questions
- How long do I need for the Catlins?
- One long day gets you the highlights between Dunedin and Invercargill. Two days with a night in Ōwaka or Curio Bay lets you slow down and catch an evening wildlife watch.
- Are the roads sealed?
- The main route is sealed, but several attraction access roads are gravel and narrow. Drive slowly and check your rental agreement.
- Can I visit Cathedral Caves any time?
- No. Entry depends on low tide and on the access track being open, and the caves are closed for part of the year. Always check the current access times before you set out.
Make it a private day out
Your own local driver-guide for the day: you choose the stops, we handle the driving, the timing and the road knowledge. Add or drop places on the day as long as the finish time still works.
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