Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Catlins River-Wisp Loop Track
(
www.doc.govt.nz
)
Opened in 2013, this 24km loop comprises two 12km sections: the low-
level, well-formed Catlins River Walk (five to six hours), and the Wisp Walk (four to five
hours), a higher-altitude tramp with a side trip to Rocky Knoll boasting great views and
subalpine vegetation. The routes can be walked in either direction as one long day, di-
vided over two days, or split into shorter sections accessed via various entry/exit points.
The main access is via Catlins Valley Road, south of Owaka.
TRAMPING
Catlins Surf School
( 03-246 8552;
www.catlins-surf.co.nz
)
Located in Porpoise Bay, the Catlins Surf School runs
90-minute surfing lessons for $50. The occasional group of dolphin spectators is free of
charge. If you're already confident on the waves, hire a board and wetsuit (very neces-
sary) for three hours ($40). Owner Nick also offers tuition in stand-up paddleboarding
(two hours, $75).
SURFING
Catlins Horse Riding
( 027 269 2904, 03-415 8368;
www.catlinshorseriding.co.nz
;
41 Newhaven Rd, Owaka; 1/2/3hr rides $60/100/150)
Explore the idiosyncratic coastline and landscapes on four legs with Catlins Horse Riding.
Learners treks and the full gallop available.
HORSE RIDING
Information
The i-SITEs in Invercargill and Balclutha have lots of Catlins information. On the road,
you'll pass two information centres: the small Catlins Info Centre in Owaka or even smal-
ler
Waikawa Information Centre
(
10am-5pm)
.
03-246 8464;
waikawamuseum@hyper.net.nz
;
Main Rd;
Online, see
www.catlins.org.nz
and
www.catlins-nz.com
.
The Catlins has no banks and limited options for eating out and grocery shopping.
There's an ATM at the Four Square supermarket in Owaka, and petrol stations (hours can
be irregular) in Fortrose, Papatowai and Owaka.
Invercargill to Papatowai
Heading east and south from Invercargill, SH92 enters the Catlins region at
Fortrose
. Take
the turn-off here towards Waipapa Point and use the coastal route via Haldane, Waikawa
and Niagara (where you rejoin SH92).
