THE CAPTIVATING CATLINS

The Catlins is a road-trippers dream, with winding roads weaving together a rolling symphony of picture-perfect landscapes, blue sea waters bordered by towering cliffs, and stretches of golden-sand beaches and bays. As you stare out at the Hector’s dolphins leaping from the water and seals lazing on the beaches, feel the wind and salt mist on your face. Wander through forests and listen to the song of New Zealand’s native birds while the waterfalls swirl. Welcome to the Catlins.

The rough natural beauty of the Catlins, with all its captivating features, jagged and windswept coasts, makes it the perfect destination for towering lighthouses such as Waipapa Point and Nugget Point Lighthouses. Sea lions may be seen tucked in the long grasses for protection as you wander around New Zealand maritime historic sites. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the seabirds circling the cliff sides and plunging into the seas that posed a threat to ships all those centuries ago.

Watch the water pour over waterfalls in the Catlins with the early morning light shining through the rainforest. The beauty of flowing water is enhanced by the dark stone and the surrounding lush forest. The most well-known is Pūrākaunui Falls, a beautiful waterfall encased by greenery that cascades 20 metres. McLean Falls, the region’s tallest falls, is only a 40-minute return walk. Last but not least, you can’t miss the ironically named Niagara Falls to tick off the bucket list.

Listen to native birdsong calls in the early morning dawn. Scan the waters of Curio Bay for the elusive Hector’s dolphins and rejoice as they leap from the ocean. Visit the petrified forest in the evening to discover the 160-million-year-old remains of a Jurassicera forest and see yellow-eyed penguins emerge from the water after a day of fishing. Fur seals, elephant seals, and sea lions may all be seen lying on the rocks below you, mimicking stranded driftwood.

The scenic beauty and rich history of the area unfold along the Catlins Heritage Trail, enticing you to stop, gaze, and learn something new. The backbone of the Catlins economy during the 1800s was whaling, sealing, and forestry, which has resulted in historic buildings dotted along the coast for travellers to explore and enjoy. The old buildings have been lovingly refurbished by proud locals to house informative museums, quirky accommodation, and cafés filled with delicious homemade locally sourced food.

Discover the quirky side of the Catlins, all of its hidden gems and curious spots. Visit the Lost Gypsy Gallery in Papatowai to marvel at the myriad of odd and peculiar contraptions while sipping an energising barista-made coffee in the Little Rocket caravan. The main gallery is fashioned from recycled bits and bobs and is housed in a converted 1951 Leyland Comet house bus, while an adultsonly gallery beckons up the path with a carnival of even more outrageous sculptures.

There are plenty of wonderful walking tracks in the Catlins that can be enjoyed by both the hiking fanatics and casual strollers, which are easily accessible and allow you to explore the region’s rich natural history. These walks take you through native forests, lakes, rivers, sandy beaches, and magnificent caves, with some even including picnic sites or campers, allowing you to take as much time as you need to explore this stunning corner of New Zealand.

It’s a region steeped in history, where ancient fossils have been recovered from riverbeds and limestone soil and where an abundance of locally grown produce thrives. It’s a place that offers the chance to get off the grid and the opportunity to live the high life. Only 40 minutes from Christchurch, all of this and more is within reach for a day trip, a weekend away, or even longer. The choice is yours.

The landscapes of the Hurunui are about as extensive and diverse as the region’s history. Veer off SH1 at any given point and drop into rugged beaches, like Motunau or Gore Bay. These small settlements cater to every traveller, with some incredible surf, hill walks through native bush, and even permanent table tennis tables in reserves. Back inland, devoted trails like the Hurunui Heartland Ride, Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail and St James Walkway allow for great adventures. There’s nothing like rifling through quaint rural boutiques and finding the ‘one’ – whether it’s homeware, local craft, art, or a piece of clothing. Be sure to set aside time to enjoy the Hanmer Springs and Amberley townships, where second-hand shops sit alongside high-end fashion. Amberley’s Bax and Berg and Ruby Six are popular destinations. The surrounding coffee shops include Little Vintage Espresso and the newly-revamped Amberley Hotel with its trendy outdoor garden.

It’s been a quintessential part of many a Kiwi holiday since its inception over a hundred years ago. With 22 outdoor thermal pools and four aquatic slides, relaxation and fun are covered for all ages at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. The Spa at Hanmer Springs offers an extensive range of therapeutic massage treatments, perfectly paired with a soak in the thermal pools or even one of the private pools.

Within the alpine village, Hanmer Springs Hotel remains an iconic landmark. This historic hotel offers elegance and fine dining, within walking distance of the thermal pool complex. Described as New Zealand’s hidden mountain escape, Matai Peak is a remote and unforgettable stay. The old shepherd’s hut has been transformed into a luxurious hideaway, with the most incredible views over the Pacific Ocean coastline and native forest valleys.

Wind your way into the heart of the Hurunui, where world-class wines are produced from more than 90 vineyards. Best known for its aromatics, the North Canterbury Wine region enables visitors to sip on some award-winning wines in picturesque cellar doors and restaurants. Black Estate, Terrace Edge, Greystone, Pegasus Bay, and Waipara Hills are major players but are just the beginning. You can enjoy these little slices of paradise for even longer by making the most of the on-site accommodation options available at many. See the Hurunui like never before and experience the diverse landscapes on the water or air, albeit briefly. Fifth-generation farmer Tim Loughnan has made a name for himself by taking visitors up the remote Hurunui River with Energy Jet, where you can see historic cottages and bridges and looming limestone cliffs. The Hanmer Springs Attraction jet boat promises a thrilling ride with plenty of twists and turns, travelling through narrow gorges and the Waiau River Canyon. For those wanting even more thrills, you can even try bungy jumping!

An hour south of Hamilton, the mystical world of Waitomo awaits. Millions of years in the making, Waitomo’s awe-inspiring cave network draws people looking for adventure and those looking for a sense of wonder. Much of the internationally acclaimed icon’s natural wonders can be found below the Earth’s surface, with galaxies of glowworms, limestone caverns, and underground passageways awaiting the curious. There is also plenty of fun to be found aboveground. Why not stay a while and explore?

With over 300 known caves in the area, there are a number of walking cave tours on offer. For those looking for a magical and readily accessible caving experience, the 45-minute tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves reveals the subterranean world in all its wonder. The tour includes a gentle boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto with commentary on the caves’ history. Longer walking tour options include the popular Ruakuri Cave, Spellbound Glowworm Cave, and Footwhistle Cave, where guides tell you the myths and legends associated with the area and point out ancient limestone rock formations.

There are plenty of adrenalin-fuelled options for adventure seekers. Guided tours range in duration up to seven hours. They include black water rafting (on inflated rubber tubes) through the caves’ streams and spectacular abseiling and zip-lining, as well as walking, squeezing, and climbing through caves with names like TumuTumu and The Lost World with Waitomo Adventures. While they may sound extreme, a moderate fitness level and a sense of adventure are all that is needed for most of these exciting tours.

Enjoy wonders and hidden gems on any budget with the many great free attractions in Waitomo and the surrounding areas. See the stunning cave formations in Piripiri Cave or along the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve walk – taking in tunnels and native forest; the easy walk boasts a glowworm display in the evenings (don’t forget your torch). Or visit the spectacular Marokopa Falls and Mangapohue Natural Bridge which includes the 17 metre high limestone arch, the remains of an ancient cave system, and 25 million-year-old fossils exposed in the limestone outcrops.

Take the time to check out some of the neighbouring towns. The Sir Edmund Walkway, in Ōtorohanga, pays homage to all things Kiwiana and features displays of sporting greats, iconic personalities, and memorable brands, while Kawhia’s beach excites young and old with its natural hot springs. Take a bucket and spade and dig your own hot pool. Plus, discover the rich farming history of Te Kuiti, known as the shearing capital of the world, admire the huge shearer statue and while away some time in its shops and cafés.

Great adventures should always be fuelled with delicious local fare, from award-winning restaurants overlooking Waitomo landscapes to great local eateries with a welcoming Kiwi atmosphere, such as Huhu Café. There are plenty of dining options on offer in the heart of the village. If you need even more to satisfy your tastebuds, nearby Ōtorohanga is bursting with cafés and eateries.

With so much to explore in the Waitomo area, why not find a place to stay and stick around for a few days. Pamper yourself with the finer things in life at the stunning Waitomo Hilltop Glamping, grab a cabin with your mates at Waitomo Homestead, pitch a tent or park your campervan at Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park, or choose one of the many other options. You are bound to find a spot to suit.