Catlins Encounters

Isolated beaches, lakes, waterfalls and fossilised forests combined with some of New Zealand's most amazing native forest, birdlife and scenery. Connections can be arranged with the 'Foveaux Express' Stewart Island ferry.

Organise a group and take time to experience the beauty and tranquility of this rugged and pristine coastal wilderness. The area abounds with interesting native flora and fauna. It is the location of the only place where Fur Seals, Hookers Sealions and Elephant Seals coexist.

Walk along deserted beaches, forest tracks, beside rivers and absorb the feeling of isolation and solitude. Visit areas where flocks of seabirds including Spotted Shags,Gannets and Shearwaters and occaisionally penguins can be seen. There are also Royal Spoonbills nesting on one of the islands off the coast.

In the forest there is an abundance of birdlife - Fantails, Robins, Tuis, Bellbirds and Brown Creeper fill the air with their song. This is a wildlife watchers paradise.

Highlights of our tour can include:

Nugget Point - one of New Zealand's oldest lighthouses.
Surat and Cannibal Bays - sandy beaches and ancient Maori sites.
Tunnel Hill - New Zealand's most southerly railway tunnel.
Catlins River Walk - beautiful walk through native forest.
Jack's Blowhole - a two hundred metre deep hole excavated by the sea.
Pounawea - walking track through native forest and saltmarsh.
Purakaunui Scenic Reserve - bird sanctuary and famous waterfalls.
Tahakopa Bay - fantastic beach with coastal dunes.
Tautuku - some of the best views along the Catlins coast.
Porpoise Bay - Hector's Dolphins playing in the surf and near the fossilised forest.
Cathedral Caves - spectacular sea caves over 30 metres high.
Catlins Lake and River - migratory and wading birds in their natural habitat.

If you wish to spend more than one day in the Catlins, you can do this by either camping out in this amazing corner of New Zealand or pre-arranging backpacker or B&B accommodation.

Rates

Timetable

Catlins Encounters full day nature tours are only available on condition of minimum group of 6 persons.

(Group bookings only) Bookings essential.

Check the tour requirements before you book.