The Catlins is an area in the southeastern part of the South Island of New Zealand and includes the island’s southernmost point. It is a raw coastline that has been minimally populated since the Maori came to New Zealand. Because of its distance to Queenstown, it is a part of the South Island that is less visited by tourists. However, it is the raw landscape that makes it truly appealing to those road-tripping throughout the island. The drive between Dunedin to Invercargill can take one day to see some of the top sights in the Catlins.
1
Dunedin
On the south-east side of the island, Dunedin is the largest city close to the beginning of the Catlins region and most likely where you would start your drive when going from east to west. Before leaving Dunedin, head to the Signal Hill Lookout where you will get views of the Otago harbour and the coastline around the city. A fun thing to check out in Dunedin is the steepest street in the world at Baldwin Street. You can park at the base of the hill and try to walk to the top of the hill as quickly as possible. There are stairs on the sidewalk to make the incline easier to manage.
If you have a sweet tooth and love ice cream, stop by Rob Roy Dairy near the city center of Dunedin for an epic ice cream cone. You can choose up to 4 flavors of ice cream each stacked on top of each other. And make sure to eat it quickly so it doesn’t melt all over your hand!
You can also check out the Dunedin Railway Station in the city center because of its unique architecture. Nearby is Speight’s Brewery, New Zealand’s most popular domestic beer and you can stop in their taproom if you are interested in trying.
On your way out of town, head to the Dunedin Esplanade and check out the water front and salt water pool at the end of the esplanade.
The Southern Scenic route is the tourist highway that links Dunedin to Queenstown via the Catlins and Invercargill. While it is a tourist highway, it is one of the lesser driven roads by tourists in New Zealand. The whole drive is quite scenic, even if it is the longer route to get from Dunedin to Queenstown. The drive goes through the Catlins National Park, which protects the land in this part of New Zealand.
2
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Your first stop should be at the Nugget Point Lighthouse where you will get views of the rough ocean below and some of the small islands and rocks that make up the southern region of New Zealand. You may also see some sea lions and marine animals in the water around the lighthouse.
3
Purakaunui Falls
Next, you will continue on the route to Purakaunui Falls and walk through the forest to the picturesque waterfalls.
4
Florence Hill Lookout
Make your way to Florence Hill Lookout where you will get expansive views of the coastline and the beach below.
5
Lake Wilkie and McLean Falls
Stop at Lake Wilkie to walk around the lake and take in the beautiful nature and if you want to walk through even more nature, head to McLean Falls.
6
Curio Bay and Porpoise Bay
Head to Porpoise Bay to try to spot the Hector’s dolphins that like to spend time in the bay. You can also take a walk to see the petrified forest of Curio Bay where you will find signage about the petrified wood and the possibility of seeing penguins along this beach.
7
Southern Most Point of the South Island
Finally, you will make your way to the Southern Most Point of the South Island at Slope Point where you can walk through the fields to reach signage of the southernmost point of the South Island of New Zealand.
After driving through the Catlins, continue on the Southern Scenic route to Invercargill where you can spend the night prior to continuing on your drive to Te Anau, Milford Sound, or Queenstown.
Read More About the Blueprint Travelers' Personal Experience in the Catlins
Update 55: Hiking in Fiordland National Park and Cruising Through Milford Sound
We drove through the Catlins before hiking on some of New Zealand’s Great Walks and visiting Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park from Te Anau.