The Catlins
Travel Guide





Visit The Catlins

The Kaka Point Motels
Clean rooms. Great view. We can see Nugget Point Lighthouse from our window. Check in instruction was clear. Restaur
Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Curio Bay Salt House Motel
Breath taking view, enjoyed nibbles and drinks in the sun. The electric fry pan was a must. Very comfortable beds. A most enjoyable stay
Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Catlins Newhaven Holiday Park
Loved the serenity. Proprietors were awesome, too! Lovely people to deal with!
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2025

Kaka Point Luxury Spa Accommodation
Amazing views at the property. Wonderful place to stay. Truly bliss!
Reviewed on 6 Nov 2024

Catlins Lake Sanctuary
This was a great base camp for exploring the Catlins. Beds were clean and comfortable, although I felt I had to wipe down the kitchen before using it. The property was amazing! Beautiful views of the estuary, a peaceful place to walk in the mornings, and good view of stars at night.
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2020

Koru Flat
The property was neat and tidy. We didn't spend too much time in the property - just to eat and sleep! The bathroom isn't flash but the shower was just amazing! Was so tired but the water pressure was perfect - better than a massage!
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2022
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.

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.

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.

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

Cannibal Bay Beach
Cross rolling fields and dense macrocarpa forest to reach this isolated bay, home to hollow waves and a colony of sea lions.

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