Catlins Forest Park Vacations

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Catlins Forest Park

Catlins Forest Park Hotel Deals

Croydon Lodge Hotel

Croydon Lodge Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Waimea Street Croydon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$98 nightly
The price is $113 total per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
$113 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
Total with taxes and fees
8.4/10 Very Good! (252 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2026

Croydon Lodge Hotel
The Kaka Point Motels

The Kaka Point Motels

4 out of 5
24 Rata Street Kaka Point
$92 nightly
The price is $107 total per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
$107 total
Mar 15 - Mar 16
Total with taxes and fees
9/10 Wonderful! (279 reviews)
Clean, comfortable

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026

The Kaka Point Motels
Riverlea Motel

Riverlea Motel

3 out of 5
46 Hokonui Drive Gore
$113 nightly
The price is $131 total per night from Feb 24 to Feb 25
$131 total
Feb 24 - Feb 25
Total with taxes and fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (92 reviews)
Very modern, clean, ideal temperature lovely bathroom a premium motel short walk to everything with plenty of space. I'd go to Gore just for a meal out in town and a night here.

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2026

Riverlea Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Find the Best Catlins Forest Park Vacation Packages

Things to do in Catlins Forest Park

Catlins Forest Park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and romantics alike, offering stunning scenery and various activities. Must-try experiences include exploring the arcade adventure zone and hiking some of the best trails in the area, such as picturesque routes that showcase the park's natural beauty. Don't miss the opportunity to discover popular tourist spots and immerse yourself in the outdoor adventures that Catlins has to offer.

Shopping

In Catlins Forest Park, you can find local artisan shops offering unique souvenirs and handmade crafts. If you're up for a drive, head to nearby Balclutha for larger retailers and a vibrant market scene, where you can discover more gifts and local products.

Recreation

Experience the tranquility at The Catlins Wellness Retreat, where you can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and yoga sessions amidst lush forest surroundings. Explore the scenic walking trails and immerse yourself in nature, while enjoying the calming sounds of the forest and the fresh, clean air.

Adventure

In Catlins Forest Park, explore the stunning landscapes on the numerous hiking trails, such as the captivating walk to the Catlins River. Experience wildlife encounters at Curio Bay, where you can see penguins and dolphins. For thrill-seekers, try kayaking in the beautiful coastal waters or mountain biking through lush forests.

Nightlife

In Catlins Forest Park, nightlife is tranquil yet captivating. Enjoy stargazing and guided night walks to experience the serene beauty of nature. Local pubs and cafes offer cozy atmospheres for evening drinks, while occasional live music events create a warm, inviting community vibe.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in and around Catlins Forest Park

Catlins Forest Park offers a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and romantics alike, featuring breathtaking waterfalls, serene lakes, and intriguing caves. Explore diverse attractions that provide adventure and scenic beauty, making it ideal for all types of travelers. Don’t forget to check out rental options in the park for a comfortable stay while you immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings and unique experiences Catlins has to offer.

  • McLean Falls: Experience the breathtaking beauty of McLean Falls, a stunning waterfall nestled within Catlins Forest Park. The surrounding lush greenery and the sound of cascading water create an enchanting atmosphere perfect for outdoor adventures and romantic moments.
  • Cathedral Caves: A short drive from Catlins Forest Park, Cathedral Caves offers an awe-inspiring adventure. These impressive limestone caves, shaped by the ocean, provide a unique exploration opportunity, showcasing nature's artistry in a dramatic coastal setting.
  • Purakaunui Falls: Just a short distance away, Purakaunui Falls captivates visitors with its tiered beauty. Surrounded by native bush, this picturesque waterfall is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and couples seeking a romantic backdrop for their adventures.

Best time to go to Catlins Forest Park

The best time to visit Catlins Forest Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Catlins Forest Park falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Catlins Forest Park falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
February57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
March55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
May48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
June44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
July44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
August45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
September46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to Catlins Forest Park

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Catlins Forest Park.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically May and July to August) for more affordable package holidays to Catlins Forest Park.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Catlins Forest Park Essential Information

Language
English
Currency
New Zealand dollars
Max Temp Winter
50ºF
Max Temp Summer
65ºF
Top Sights
McLean Falls, Cathedral Caves and Matai Falls

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Catlins Forest Park vacation package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Catlins Forest Park escape. However, factors like the length of stay, hotel choice and season will influence how much your vacation to Catlins Forest Park costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Catlins Forest Park?
February, November and December are great times to look for cheap Catlins Forest Park vacation packages. Traveling in quieter months means you can generally find better prices on flights and accommodations.
How many days is enough for Catlins Forest Park?
The ideal duration of your Catlins Forest Park vacation depends on what you'd like to see and do. Generally, a few days to a week will give you plenty of time to check out all the major sights and explore some hidden spots along the way.
How to find the best Catlins Forest Park package deals?
Bagging a cheap Catlins Forest Park package deal is a breeze with Expedia. Once you've entered your destination and travel dates under our "Packages" tab, set your budget, apply a few filters and see what's available. You can tweak your search by "Popular locations," "Property type," "Guest rating" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most affordable Catlins Forest Park package deals. Want a simple trick to get even more savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider traveling on a weekday, when prices are often lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Catlins Forest Park vacation as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your next Catlins Forest Park retreat by booking a personalized vacation package. Check the "Package" heading, then enter your travel dates and destination to browse the best hotel prices and airfares. Bundle everything into a great-value package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may land a better deal.
When to book a vacation package to Catlins Forest Park?
Score amazing discounts by reserving your flights in advance with Expedia. If spontaneity is more your style, grab one of our last-minute deals for a spur-of-the-moment Catlins Forest Park escape.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Catlins Forest Park vacation packages?
Your Catlins Forest Park trip should be an escape from your daily routine, not a reason for money-related stress. So to allow you extra flexibility, we've partnered with online lender Affirm to bring you our Book Now, Pay Later vacations. Choose one of our vacation packages with payment plans and split up the cost over 3, 6 or 12 months. Plus, there aren't any hidden or late payment fees to worry about.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.