7 Easy Walks in The Catlins, New Zealand

The Catlins is the most southerly region of the New Zealand South Island and is an adventure and outdoor lovers paradise. As part of the Southern Touring Route, The Catlins offers incredible scenery to boot, as well as many fun things to see and do including walks, watersports and wildlife spotting.

As someone who isn’t a big walker, our two days in the region was to be solely focused on Mick enjoying some of the regions great walks. But arriving I was pleasantly surprised to discover just how many of the walks, including some of the regions best, are short and easy for all fitness levels.

Needless to say I got a whole lot more out of The Catlins than I expected and want to share it with you too. Here are my picks for the best easy walks in The Catlins, all under an hour and perfect for those non-walkers like me.

Slope Point

Walk Time: 20 minutes return

Starting Point: Drive east on The Catlins Hightway and take a right when you see the sign for the “Coastal Scenic Route”. Follow the signs along the gravel road.

This walk takes you through private farming land to the southern most point of New Zealand’s South Island. There’s a sign at the point to take some fun photos at and on a clear day, views of Stewart Island. The walk is closed during lambing season, from September to November each year.

Cathedral Caves

Image Source Ian Cochrane on Flickr

Walk Time: 40 minutes return

Starting Point: Travelling west along the Southern Scenic Route about 10 minutes past the town of Tautuku, follow the turn off to the Caves.

There are two parts to this walk. First make your way down towards the beach through dense bush and then along Waipati Beach to the caves. It’s important to note that the walk is only open when the tide is right which is two hours before and after low tide each day. You can find up-to-date tide times here. There is also a small $5 fee per adult ($1 for school aged children) to access the caves.

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Read More: Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary

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McLean Falls

Image Source Rosino on Flickr

Walk Time: 40 minutes return

Starting Point: Travelling west along the Southern Scenic Route about 10 minutes past the town of Tautuku, take Rewcastle Rd for 3 km following the signs.

The walk takes you on a gentle climb through the forest to reach what is said to be one of the best waterfalls in The Catlins area.

Nugget Point Lighthouse

Walk Time: 40 minutes return

Starting Point: From the town of Kaka Point take The Nugget Point Esplanade to the end where you can park for the walk.

The most popular and well know attraction in The Catlins, the Nugget Point Lighthouse was built in 1869 and sits on the point which overlooks what is know as “The Nuggets”, rocks rising from the ocean that look like nuggets. On the walk keep your eye out for many species of wildlife including elephant seals, fur seals, New Zealand (Hooker’s) sea lions, the rare yellow-eyed penguin and many other species of seabirds.

Curio Bay Fossil Forest

Walk Time: A minute or two from the carpark, then time exploring the rocks.

Starting Point: Access from the headland at Curio Bay.

This is one of the most interesting and unusual walks in the region. At low tide an ancient fossil forest with imprints of fallen trees and ferns from 180 million years ago rises from the ocean and can be accessed on foot. Also keep an eye out at sunrise and sunset for the small population of endangered yellow-eyed penguins that nest nearby.

Purakaunui Falls

Walk Time: 20 minutes return

Starting Point: Heading west on the Papatowai Highway, turn left into Purakaunau Falls Road just after crossing The Catlins River and follow the signs to the falls carpark.

This walk takes you through native forest to one of the most photographed waterfalls in New Zealand. Half of the track, to the first viewing platform, is wheelchair accessible so it’s a pretty easy walk for most. You can also walk further to the base of the falls via natural steps which takes an extra few minutes and is worth it.

Jack’s Blowhole

Walk Time: up to 1 hour return

Starting Point: Follow the signs form the town of Owaka to Jack’s Bay Road.

Like Slope Point, the walk to Jack’s Blowhole is on private farming land and is part of the Tunnel Rocks Scenic Reserve. The blowhole itself is 55 metres deep and 200 metres from the sea. Depending on currents the display or gushing water can become quite impressive. The track is closed for lambing season from September to November.

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Over to you!

Do you enjoy walking? Which part of the world is your favourite for walks?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.