Catlins Day Trip - 15/03/25

We have heard about the Catlins but neither of us have ever been there, so today was the day to do this.  It is unfortunately, a little overcast and cold but supposed to fine up so we head off as this is something I had wanted to do down here.  We take the ute and leave the caravan in camp.

First stop was the Waipawa Point Lighthouse, where we were almost blown inside out!

Very windy

Waipawa Point Lighthouse

Wrapped up well
Sheltering from the wind

It was hard to stand up and take photos

Second stop was at Slope Point, which is the southernmost point of NZ not counting Stewart Island, which is still on the do to list.

To get to Slope Point, you need to walk through a farmers paddocks (private land) out to the point, which was also still windy as.














We made it to the southernmost point
of the South Island



Moving onto Curio Bay, where there is a 170 million-year-old petrified forest accessible at low tide.  No dogs allowed as it is also a penguin site but not in the day time.

Petrified tree


Petrified forest logs




Southern seaweed


















Next stop was Florence Hill Lookout, about halfway around the Catlins.  There are loads more places but some were too far for us with Goochie or they did not allow dogs at all.
Looking down Tautuku Bay

Close up

Still windy

Next we head for Papatowai and find the picnic ground, so wander down onto the beach area for our lunch we packed.

Catlins area map



Goochie loves the beaches

 


After lunch we head for Purakaunui Falls as a lady had said t was beautiful and looked good in the pictures. Having turned early, we ended up on a dirt road which took a few km's to get to the falls.  I was already not popular by this time.



Purakaunui Falls


Goochie made it too




Another bush walk....















Goochie came out a little wetter and blacker than when he went in and needed a clean up!

Further along we went through Owaka and out to Pounawea, which was quite pretty and appears to be a beach holiday place.  There was a wedding taking place down the end of the street.


Wharf with kids swimming


Finally it has warmed up a bit and so we decide to head into Owaka and get an ice cream before starting the long journey back to camp.  



Sheep running loose down the main street

We take a look around town and find the country's largest and apparently voted number one souvenir shop.  It sure had a little bit of everything in it and worth taking a look. 


Daryl recognises this from his younger days

After a long drive back, much of which was gravel and the GPS took us the back way through the back road towards Clinton and then over to Mataura before turning down towards Invercargill again.
Sunset at camp tonight

Comments

  1. MadMel16 March 2025 at 13:19

    I read that as CAITlin and was starting to wonder. Looks like a special spot

    ReplyDelete

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