Top Things to do in The Catlins
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What to do and see in The Catlins, South Island: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in The Catlins, New Zealand including The Lost Gypsy Gallery, The Catlins Brewery, Cannibal Bay, Owaka Museum and Catlins Information Centre, Purakaunui Falls Walk, McLean Falls Walk, McLean Falls, Kaka Point Beach, Kaka Point Scenic View Point & Picnic Area, Matai Falls Walk.
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. The Catlins Brewery
3. 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!
4. Owaka Museum and Catlins Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
A great small museum - also with information centre, gallery, shop, library all under one roof to give visitors to The Catlins the best start to their visit.
Reviewed By GSAJ - Blenheim, New Zealand
Called in here to obtain some local information and visit the museum. Museum is definitely well worth visiting to obtain a great understanding of the local history of the early settlers plus the maritime events along the coastline. Art gallery associated with the centre displays some great local talent.
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. 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.
9. Kaka Point Scenic View Point & Picnic Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Zavija - Otago Region, New Zealand
When driving from Balclutha (nearest town) to Kaka Point, on the approaches at Kaka Point, everyone has to drive past a beautifully laid out and sculpted rest and picnic area. There are a few sheltered seats and tables, to have your snacks or meal, enjoy the views over the sea (northwards towards Kaitangata and the Clutha river mouth - southwards towards Nugget Point and the Catlins). This spot is also a safe place to stay overnight if you are a legally 'self contained' campervan, though take care as can be exposed to strong winds. The Clutha District Council cares for this spot and has provided rubbish & recycling bins, not always found around NZ much these days. I often drive here, just to have my Fish & Chips from Balclutha.
10. 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.
