The Catlins
Travel Guide





Visit The Catlins

The Kaka Point Motels
Everything was amazing! The people, the views, the marshmallow comfy bed!
Reviewed on Dec 22, 2025

Curio Bay Salt House Motel
A wonderful view looking out to the ocean. The studio is modern like new.
Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025

Catlins Newhaven Holiday Park
Intimate, clean and friendly.
Reviewed on Nov 30, 2025

Kākā Point Beach House
Very clean tidy comfortable place.
Reviewed on Dec 14, 2025

Tram Track Retreat accommodation in Papatowai, The Catlins
A lovely cabin beautifully appointed with everything one needs. Very praceful and relaxing. I wish we had more time there. Only downside is the lack of a store nearby for groceries.
Reviewed on Dec 12, 2025

Surfinn Eco Cottage - Papatowai Cottage
Warm and amenties suited our needs. 2 double rooms. A great garden to get out of the wind and have drinks in the afternoon. Close to village and beach.
Reviewed on Dec 11, 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.

Jack's Blowhole
See the powerful natural feature named after a Māori chief by following a short trail on a private sheep farm.

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.

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.

Purakaunui Falls
Visit the Catlins’ most famous waterfalls to see why it has adorned postcards and postage stamps for decades.

Kaka Point Scenic Reserve
Enjoy awe-inspiring nature hikes in the South Island’s native bush, watching for wildlife that can only be found in New Zealand.




