Top Things to do in The Catlins
Countries
Top 10 Things to do Good for Couples in The Catlins, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in The Catlins, New Zealand including The Lost Gypsy Gallery, Catlins Horse Riding, Catlins Kayak and Adventure, Papatowai Beach, Purakaunui Falls Walk, McLean Falls Walk, McLean Falls, Florence Hill Lookout, Kaka Point Beach, Lake Wilkie.
Restaurants in The Catlins
1. The Lost Gypsy Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 162 reviews
A little gem in The Catlins, artist Blair Somerville's intricately crafted automata are wonderfully irreverent. The bamboozling collection in the house bus ($ free) is a teaser for the brilliantly eccentric Winding Thoughts Theatre ($8). Push buttons, wind handles, all is about movement here (Entry 13+ yrs). For coffee and bakeries, say hi to Carol in the Little Rocket and cuddle Ginny the Gypsy dog. Open in summer (end Oct – end April). Wednesdays closed.
Reviewed By C5795TEmichellet - Timaru, New Zealand
I'd seen this place advertised and so thought I'd call in for a look and a coffee to go. I sat down, with my dog as he was allowed which for me was a huge plus. I assume the lady that served me was the owner and she was super friendly. What a great, quirky wee place...a wee treasure. Loved looking around and my dog enjoyed being able to be with me while I had my coffee
2. 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.
3. 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.
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. 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. 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.
7. McLean Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By chimayred - Durham, United States
A beautiful falls, easy to find the parking lot (which has a bathroom facility); about a 15-20 minute walk in, a bit strenuous toward the end. STairs are there but are dirt so they were very muddy. I’m not quite as stable as I used to be so I recommend a walking stick. BUt worth it. Really worth it. Much more attractive than the otherwise attractive Purakaunui falls....one of the nicer “small” falls I’ve seen.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Lake Wilkie
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 921AliA
In the right conditions this is fantastic, beautiful short walk to the lake, best when rata are flowering in January, and still and sunny for clearest reflections,
