The Catlins & Nugget Point

Where the wild South Pacific meets a rugged coastline, The Catlins and Nugget Point offer one of New Zealand’s most dramatic and untamed landscapes. This remote corner of the South Island is a haven for wildlife, with fur seals, sea lions, and the rare yellow-eyed penguin sharing the rocky shores. The iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse perches on a steep headland, with a walking track that delivers breathtaking views over the ocean and the scattered rocky islets (the ‘nuggets’) that give the point its name. The Catlins region itself is a tapestry of native forest, waterfalls, and deserted beaches, perfect for a self-drive itinerary that values solitude and raw natural beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Nugget Point Lighthouse – A short, paved walk leads to this 1870 lighthouse. At dawn or dusk, you’re likely to see fur seals and sea lions hauled out on the rocks below, and the ‘nuggets’ glow golden in the low sun.
• Roaring Bay – A short detour from Nugget Point, this sheltered beach has a hide where you can watch yellow-eyed penguins waddling ashore at dusk (keep quiet and still).
• Cathedral Caves – Only accessible at low tide, these towering sea caves are a dramatic sight. Check tide times and bring a torch.
• McLean Falls – A 20-minute walk through lush podocarp forest leads to this multi-tiered waterfall, one of the Catlins’ best.
• Curio Bay – A fossilised Jurassic forest is exposed at low tide on the beach, with petrified tree stumps and logs clearly visible. Also a good spot for Hector’s dolphins.
• Purakaunui Falls – A classic postcard waterfall with a short, easy walk through native bush to a viewing platform.
• Slope Point – The southernmost point of the South Island mainland, marked by a windswept cliff and a signpost showing distances to the Equator and the South Pole.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can get a taste of the Catlins in a long day if you’re driving from Dunedin or Invercargill, but to really soak it in, spend two full days. This allows you to hike a few walks, wait for penguins at dusk, and explore the beaches without rushing. The winding roads and gravel sections mean you’ll average about 50 km/h, so plan your driving accordingly. Overnight in Owaka or Papatowai for easy access to the main sights.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dunedin – A two-hour drive north, this historic city offers Victorian architecture, a vibrant café scene, and the Otago Peninsula’s albatross colony.
• Invercargill – The southern city is a gateway to Stewart Island; also home to the quirky Bill Richardson Transport World museum.
• The Southern Scenic Route – The Catlins form a key part of this scenic drive linking Dunedin, Invercargill, and Te Anau. Combine with Fiordland for an epic road trip.
• Stewart Island – A ferry from Bluff (near Invercargill) takes you to Rakiura National Park, where you can spot kiwi in the wild and hike the Rakiura Track.
• Fiordland National Park – A few hours’ drive west via Invercargill, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound offer world-renowned fjord scenery.

Please check official sources for current details.