TRIP 4 LOWER SOUTH ISLAND
HIGHLIGHTS
KAKA POINT on the northern edge of The Catlins is a good base for easy access to Nugget Point and is also a special town in its own right, with a line of cribs along its coastline, a few shops, a good swimming beach if you’re visiting in summer, and plenty of great walking tracks. Kaka Point attracts wildlife photographers too, such is its environmental credibility. EDENDALE A tiny but endearing spot on the main road to Bluff, Edendale is the centre of dairy farming with its milk production centre. Visitors will find a few shops, and – brillliantly – tulips!
BLUFF MARITIME MUSEUM Explore shipwrecks, Southport and the history of ships at this famous heritage museum. There’s even a working steam engine from the TST Awarua and the pièce de résistance – oyster boat Monica II – next to the museum with a replica sea bed and oyster dredges. THE LOST GYPSY CARAVAN Take a detailed journey through the off-thewalls imagination of local artist Blair Sommerville. The talented inventor runs this local attraction in Papatōwai Village in The Catlins. This whizz-bang experience evades adequate description; see it for yourself.
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Looking out over Catlins Coast © Miles Holden
BURT MUNRO CHALLENGE Seven racing events over four days culminates in the largest motorcycle rally in the southern hemisphere. Held in Invercargill in February. BLUFF OYSTER & FOOD FESTIVAL Succulent southern seafood is headlined by the Bluff oyster as hungry locals and visitors descend on this famous party in their droves. Held in Bluff in May. HOKONUI CULTURE FEAST A colourful celebration of international music, dance and food, this annual festival gives winter blues the boot. Held at the Gore Town and Country Club in June.