Curio Bay

Travel Guide

A rocky beach with numerous sand mounds and a distant cliff.
A rocky coastline with waves crashing against the shore and a grassy hill in the background.
A staircase leading to a coastal area with a sign indicating 10 metres ahead.
Curio Bay Salt House Motel

Curio Bay Salt House Motel

3 out of 5
517 Waikawa-Curio Bay Rd Curio Bay
$121 nightly
The price is $139 total per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
$139 total
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach guesthouse in Curio Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Curio Bay Beach and Curio Bay Petrified ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (384 reviews)
"A good basic 2 bedroom apartment, well-appointed, with a great view of the bay and direct access to beach (easier going down than returning). However, there are no windows that open (apart from bathroom, not sure about a window above the bed). No source of outside air. We slept poorly because of ..."

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2026

Curio Bay Salt House Motel
Waikawa House

Waikawa House

3.5 out of 5
14 Lisburn street Waikawa southland
$95 nightly
The price is $110 total per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
$110 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Waikawa. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Porpoise Bay Beach and Curio Bay Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
"Wonderful rural house, will book again definitely!!!"

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2026

Waikawa House
Tram Track Retreat accommodation in Papatowai, The Catlins

Tram Track Retreat accommodation in Papatowai, The Catlins

Papatowai Otago
$92 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Nov 14 to Nov 15
$105 total
Nov 14 - Nov 15
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this cabin in Papatowai. Popular attractions Matai Falls and Purakaunui Falls are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"Needs better signage heading to the property specially after sunset"

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2026

Tram Track Retreat accommodation in Papatowai, The Catlins
See all 13 properties in Curio Bay
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.
Tram Track Retreat accommodation in Papatowai, The Catlins

Tram Track Retreat accommodation in Papatowai, The Catlins

Papatowai Otago
Stay at this cabin in Papatowai. Popular attractions Matai Falls and Purakaunui Falls are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"Needs better signage heading to the property specially after sunset"

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2026

Tram Track Retreat accommodation in Papatowai, The Catlins
Surfinn Eco Cottage - Papatowai Cottage

Surfinn Eco Cottage - Papatowai Cottage

Papatowai Otago
Stay at this cottage in Papatowai. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Matai Falls and Purakaunui Falls are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (19 reviews)
"Great location,another beautiful stay in the Catlins with family.thank you 😊"

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2026

Surfinn Eco Cottage - Papatowai Cottage
Cosy, comfortable cabin in the heart of The Catlins

Cosy, comfortable cabin in the heart of The Catlins

RD2 Owaka Otago
Stay at this cabin in Tahakopa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions McLean Falls and Matai Falls are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (6 reviews)
"Ray was an absolute legend of a host. Kind and thoughtful. The space has everything you need. Please read the full description as it does have a unique layout. Also note that there is no spa pool/jet tub as mentioned by some of the listing companies!"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

Cosy, comfortable cabin in the heart of The Catlins
See all properties in Curio Bay
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.

Stay near popular Curio Bay attractions

Curio Bay Petrified Forest

9.0/10 (95 reviews)
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.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Curio Bay?
The best time to visit Curio Bay is from November through March, when the climate is generally most favorable for travelers. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of June through September are a good option, offering a different experience with cooler weather.
What is Curio Bay known for?
Curio Bay is known for the Curio Bay Petrified Forest, a unique geological site in New Zealand. Travelers can explore ancient tree stumps that date back millions of years, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric times. It's a key natural attraction for those interested in geology and history.
What is a good itinerary length for Curio Bay?
A good itinerary length for Curio Bay is one to two days to explore the Curio Bay Petrified Forest. For an extended stay of three to four days, you could take the Invercargill to Dunedin via the Catlins Small Group 1 Way Tour, allowing more time to discover the surrounding Catlins area.
What are the top things to do in and around Curio Bay?
Curio Bay offers unique natural sights and opportunities for regional exploration:


Can I book a refundable hotel in Curio Bay?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Curio Bay by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Curio Bay with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Curio Bay trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Curio Bay?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Curio Bay can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Curio Bay trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Curio Bay trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Curio Bay trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Curio Bay trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Curio Bay?
If it's your first trip to Curio Bay, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Curio Bay hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Curio Bay hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Curio Bay

A rocky coastline with waves crashing against the shore and a lighthouse on a cliff.

Slope Point

A multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered rocks.

Catlins Forest Park

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