Things to do in The Catlins
Top 10 things to do in The Catlins
1. Explore Surat Bay
Step straight from Surat Bay Lodge, motel and backpackers onto beautiful Surat Bay beach. Walk along the coastline, enjoy views across The Catlins Estuary and keep an eye out for New Zealand sea lions, which are regularly seen resting along the beach.
2. Walk from Surat Bay to Cannibal Bay
Follow the beach and coastal track from Surat Bay towards Cannibal Bay, another beautiful stretch of Catlins coastline and an important habitat for New Zealand sea lions. Take your time and enjoy the coastal views along the way.
3. Visit Nugget Point Lighthouse
One of The Catlins’ most iconic attractions, Nugget Point features a historic lighthouse perched above the coast with spectacular views over the distinctive nugget-shaped rock formations. Wildlife including fur seals and seabirds can often be spotted from the viewing areas.
4. Discover Pūrākaunui Falls
Surrounded by native forest, the three-tiered Pūrākaunui Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in New Zealand. A short forest walk leads to the viewing area.
5. Explore Cathedral Caves
Walk through native forest and along the beach to the impressive Cathedral Caves, where enormous sea caves have been formed into the coastal cliffs. Access is tide-dependent and seasonal, so check opening information before travelling. Please check opening times as this is tidal.
6. Visit Jack’s Bay and Jack’s Blowhole
Discover the small coastal settlement of Jack’s Bay before walking to Jack’s Blowhole, an impressive natural feature connected to the sea by an underground tunnel. It is particularly dramatic when the sea is rough.
7. Visit McLean Falls
Take a beautiful walk through native forest to McLean Falls, where the Tautuku River cascades over a series of rocky terraces.
8. Explore Owaka
Spend some time in nearby Owaka, the main township of The Catlins. Stop for food and coffee, browse local businesses and visit the Owaka Museum and Catlins Information Centre to discover more about the area’s history.
9. Discover the Catlins Estuary
Right on our doorstep, the Catlins Estuary is home to a variety of native and coastal birdlife. Explore quietly, bring your binoculars and see what you can spot around the estuary and shoreline.
10. Experience a Catlins Night Sky
With very little surrounding light pollution, Surat Bay is a wonderful place to step outside after dark and look up. On a clear night you may see the Milky Way, countless stars and, if conditions are just right, the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights).
Wildlife around Surat Bay
One of the special things about staying at Surat Bay Lodge is sharing the coastline with wildlife.
New Zealand sea lions are regularly seen around Surat Bay and Cannibal Bay, while the wider Catlins coastline is home to fur seals, penguins and an abundance of native and coastal birdlife.
Please Give Wildlife Space
Wildlife is wild, please enjoy watching it without approaching or disturbing it.
Keep at least 20 metres away from New Zealand sea lions and fur seals, and never position yourself between an animal and the sea. Keep dogs under control and away from wildlife, avoid blocking an animal’s path, and give wildlife extra space if it appears unsettled or begins to move towards you.
For current wildlife guidance and information about tracks, tides and access conditions, check with the Department of Conservation before heading out.
Discover More of The Catlins
There is much more to explore during your stay. Find waterfalls, walks, wildlife experiences, heritage attractions and places to eat on the official Clutha District destination website.