Owaka

Nestled in the heart of the Catlins, Owaka is a tiny settlement that packs a punch with its wild coastal scenery, lush native forest, and rich Māori and European history. This is the perfect base for exploring the region's waterfalls, petrified forests, and wildlife, including the rare yellow-eyed penguin. The town itself has a friendly local pub, a small museum, and a handful of cafés serving up honest Kiwi fare. Self-drive is the way to go—the winding roads reveal one stunning vista after another.

Highlights & What to See

• Purakaunui Falls – A short walk leads to one of New Zealand's most photographed waterfalls, cascading 20 metres in three tiers through a podocarp forest.
• Cathedral Caves – At low tide, explore these vast sea-carved caverns on Waipati Beach, with ceilings soaring 30 metres high (check tide times carefully).
• Nugget Point / Tokātā – A lighthouse perched on a jagged peninsula offers panoramic ocean views and a chance to spot seals, sea lions, and penguins at sunrise or sunset.
• Owaka Museum – Dive into local lore with exhibits on Māori history, whaling, shipwrecks, and the region's timber and farming heritage.
• Jack's Bay & Blowhole – A scenic drive and short walk lead to a dramatic blowhole and a sheltered bay perfect for a picnic.
• Surat Bay – A tranquil estuary where you can often see sea lions lounging on the sand—keep a respectful distance.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least two full days to do justice to Owaka and the Catlins. Day one: explore the northern highlights—Purakaunui Falls, Cathedral Caves (timed with low tide), and Jack's Bay. Day two: head south to Nugget Point for sunrise, then wander Surat Bay and the Owaka Museum before a late lunch at the local café. If you have a third day, consider a detour to the remote Waipapa Point lighthouse or the petrified forest at Curio Bay.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Invercargill – The southern city, a 90-minute drive west, offers museums, gardens, and the gateway to Stewart Island.
• Dunedin – A 2-hour drive north-east, with its Victorian architecture, Otago Peninsula wildlife, and the famous Baldwin Street.
• The Catlins Coast – Continue south-east to Curio Bay, Slope Point (the southernmost point of the South Island), and Waipapa Point for more rugged beauty.
• Fiordland National Park – About 3.5 hours north-west via the Southern Scenic Route, Milford Sound and Te Anau are epic additions to a longer road trip.
• Stewart Island / Rakiura – Ferry from Bluff (near Invercargill) for a true wilderness experience with kiwi spotting and pristine hiking trails.

Please check official sources for current details.