Top Things to do in The Catlins
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10 Outdoor Activities in The Catlins That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in The Catlins, New Zealand including Catlins Horse Riding, Catlins Kayak and Adventure, Papatowai Freedom Kayak Hire, Papatowai Beach, Roaring Bay, Surat Bay, Purakaunui Falls Walk, McLean Falls Walk, Florence Hill Lookout, Kaka Point Beach.
Restaurants in The Catlins
1. Catlins Horse Riding
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By MichelleA4784
We had an awesome 2-hour farm and beach ride! Cara matched us up well to her amazing good-natured horses. We had mixed riding abilities in our group of 4, and these were well catered to - those who wanted a slower steady pace were able to stay at a walk while the others of us had a good fast ride along the beach. It felt more like riding out with a group of friends than a trekking company ride. Such a beautiful area. Highly recommended, I'm sure we will be back.
2. Catlins Kayak and Adventure
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Our small group tours give you the opportunity to view the remote Catlins Coast. With over twenty years’ experience in these waters our guide will show you a coastline rich in wildlife and history. On your journey to the famous nugget shaped rocks you’ll observe not only diverse and dramatic scenery but unique wildlife that call this place home: the albatross, including the royal; the World’s rarest sea lion and smallest penguin; the Catlins largest colonies of fur seal and cormorant; and perchance the elephant seal, dolphin or yellow-eyed penguin, thought to soon be extinct from mainland NZ. Our tours depart daily with no prior kayaking experience necessary. We provide you with everything you need.
3. Papatowai Freedom Kayak Hire
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Explore the pristine waterways of the beautiful Catlins, including Tahakopa Bay and Tahakopa and MacLennan Rivers. Over 25 kilometers of paddling available on our self-guided freedom kayak hire packages. Our super stable NZ made double and single sit-on-top kayaks provides the paddler with a great platform to experience this pristine area of The Catlins. Exploring Papatowai by kayak allows you to discover areas of The Catlins inaccessible by foot. Kayak hire options start on our Morning Chorus paddle which starts at 5.30 am and allows you to watch the wildlife starting their day. Other hire options are 2, 4 and 8 hours finishing with the Evening Paddle which allows you to watch the sun setting from the water. All abilities and ages suit kayaking at Papatowai as we only kayak on the rivers and bay not the open sea. Full safety briefing before getting on the water hire includes life vest and dry bags. Bird watch, fish for Brown Trout or study the fauna and flora and scenic reserves.
Reviewed By emmalc88 - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Myself and my partner went camping for the weekend and thought we would do some kayaking. We booked online only the night before and got a confirmation email right away. We went to freedom kayak and Mick was really welcoming and chatty, gave us lots of tips for kayaking and told us the best route to go. The water was beautiful and reflected the surroundings like a mirror. Very serene and a lovely way to spend a couple hours. We have been told that on some days the seals come up to the kayak, which would be amazing. Unfortunately we didn’t see any on this occasion and will have to try again another time. Mick and Deb both were brilliant. Highly recommend.
4. Papatowai Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By X8958YEpeterm - Invercargill, New Zealand
We visited Papatowai Beach on a rugged afternoon but that didn't takeaway from this fantastic place. Wild, rugged and a great place to visit.
5. Roaring Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By markf253 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We walked to the viewing hide above Roaring Bay just before dawn and were lucky enough to see three yellow-eyed penguins walk from their nests across the sand to the sea. Beautiful wild beach with the sound of the stones very loud with each wave.
6. Surat Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Divinginnz - Wanaka, New Zealand
Easy to locate - toilet nearby entrance to walk - cafe (if you are lucky to arrive when its open - it was closed when we went) - a short walk through the bush to then walk out onto a most beautiful beach, lovely golden sand - you can walk for as long as you want to - we were lucky enough to have seen a huge seal which was just waking from a snooze and watched him go from the sand bank into the water which was pretty cool, having said that I was from then onwards on the look out for more which may be on the sand/beach (having been chased once by one a long time ago, its amazing how quick they can move!!). we never saw any more but did continue to watch the original seal in the shallow waters swimming around.... the beach walk was so lovely, quiet and so beautiful, we shall certainly return in the future.....
7. Purakaunui Falls Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Weetbix7 - Wellington, New Zealand
These waterfalls are definitely worth the detour off the main road for. There is amble parking then a 10min walk into the falls. The path is wide and well maintained. There are glimpses of smaller versions of the falls as you walk along the path until you get to the main falls. Good view once you get there.
8. McLean Falls Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By jimontour99 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Well worth it, just 15-20 minutes each way. Nice forest easy gradient. Gravel road to get there, toilets at end.
9. Florence Hill Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Weetbix7 - Wellington, New Zealand
Take a few minutes to get off the main road and enjoy the awesome view from this lookout. There is an explanation board to read too.
10. Kaka Point Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Weetbix7 - Wellington, New Zealand
The perfect New Zealand summer beach experience. A large flat beach with golden sand. A surf life guard on duty. Lots of kids and waves. There were lots boogey boarding in wet suits. Easy parking by the surf life station.
