Top Things to do in The Catlins
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Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in The Catlins, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in The Catlins, New Zealand including Catlins Horse Riding, Cannibal Bay, Papatowai Beach, Surat Bay, Purakaunui Falls Walk, Florence Hill Lookout, Kaka Point Beach, Cathedral Caves Walk, Matai Falls Walk, Tunnel Hill.
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. Cannibal Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By RAFwherever
Fantastic walk from Cannibal Bay to Surat Bay. We were lucky and saw many and very large sea lions. Keep your distance!
3. 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.
4. 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.....
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Cathedral Caves Walk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 164 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand
During our 5 day visit to the Catlins this was by far the most popular spot for travellers, that said it still wasn’t overly busy. You need to time the tides right to gain access to the caves as it must be low tide so access is available two hours before low tide and one hour after low tide when tides fall within daylight hours of 7.30am and 9.00pm. If you have time there are more caves a little further on. That said the main event remains the 199 metre u turn cave with 2 openings. While down on the coast take the time to view yet another beautiful beach. The climb up the hill (100 vertical metres over a 1.5km track) has a couple of steep spots. We viewed both sets of caves and were down and back in 75 minutes. The caves are closed and inaccessible over the winter months. Entry is $10 per adult and $2 per child. EFTPOS available.
9. Matai Falls Walk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 75 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By wuvulu - Auckland Central, New Zealand
A nice short walk through coastal rainforest to a very pretty fall.Well worth a stop .Nice falls for long exposure shots.
10. Tunnel Hill
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By C5795TEmichellet - Timaru, New Zealand
Decided to walk through here...it was a little creepy but also rather cool. Had my wee dog with me for company. Not a long walk through and there was graffiti on inside of tunnel. Definitely recommend a torch
