Top Things to do in The Catlins
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in The Catlins, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in The Catlins, New Zealand including The Lost Gypsy Gallery, Cannibal Bay, Papatowai Beach, Roaring Bay, Owaka Museum and Catlins Information Centre, Surat Bay, Purakaunui Falls Walk, McLean Falls Walk, McLean Falls, Florence Hill Lookout.
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. 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!
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. Roaring Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By markf253 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We walked to the viewing hide above Roaring Bay just before dawn and were lucky enough to see three yellow-eyed penguins walk from their nests across the sand to the sea. Beautiful wild beach with the sound of the stones very loud with each wave.
5. 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.
6. Surat Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Divinginnz - Wanaka, New Zealand
Easy to locate - toilet nearby entrance to walk - cafe (if you are lucky to arrive when its open - it was closed when we went) - a short walk through the bush to then walk out onto a most beautiful beach, lovely golden sand - you can walk for as long as you want to - we were lucky enough to have seen a huge seal which was just waking from a snooze and watched him go from the sand bank into the water which was pretty cool, having said that I was from then onwards on the look out for more which may be on the sand/beach (having been chased once by one a long time ago, its amazing how quick they can move!!). we never saw any more but did continue to watch the original seal in the shallow waters swimming around.... the beach walk was so lovely, quiet and so beautiful, we shall certainly return in the future.....
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
