Top Things to do in Papatowai
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Top 8 Things to do in Papatowai, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Papatowai, New Zealand including The Lost Gypsy Gallery, Papatowai Freedom Kayak Hire, Papatowai Beach, Purakaunui Falls Walk, McLean Falls, Florence Hill Lookout, Lake Wilkie, King's Rock Walk.
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. 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.
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. 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.
5. 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.
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. 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,
8. King's Rock Walk
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
