The Catlins Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit The Catlins
The Kaka Point Motels
Clean rooms. Great view. We can see Nugget Point Lighthouse from our window. Check in instruction was clear. Restaur
Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025
Curio Bay Salt House Motel
Kitchen was great. Unit was cosy and views were forever changing and beautiful. Direct access to the beach was awesome and everyone was so friendly. Easy walk to cafe and viewing platforms. Also beautiful views all around the campground.
Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025
Catlins Newhaven Holiday Park
Loved the serenity. Proprietors were awesome, too! Lovely people to deal with!
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2025
Private Bush Shrouded Seaside Hideaway
Really well set up. Very comfortable. Highly recommended.
Reviewed on 8 May 2025
Tram Track Retreat accommodation in Papatowai, The Catlins
Kaka Point Holiday House
Loved the wood burner so cosy, amazing to see up close the wildlife in the area, sea lions, seals. Birdlife amazing. Friendly locals. Wonderful views. Private and quiet excellent beds.
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2025
Popular places to visit
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Sitting high above the water’s edge, this historic lighthouse has been a fixture of the Catlins for more than a century.
McLean Falls
This two-part waterfall is the end-point of an easy walk through varied forest and bush land and one of the most impressive in the Catlins area.
Curio Bay Petrified Forest
Explore the great outdoors at Curio Bay Petrified Forest, a lovely green space in Curio Bay. Stroll along the beaches or visit the monuments while you're in the area.
Jack's Blowhole
See the powerful natural feature named after a Māori chief by following a short trail on a private sheep farm.
Cannibal Bay Beach
Cross rolling fields and dense macrocarpa forest to reach this isolated bay, home to hollow waves and a colony of sea lions.
Purakaunui Falls
Visit the Catlins’ most famous waterfalls to see why it has adorned postcards and postage stamps for decades.
