Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Catlins Horse Riding
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.
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
smaller
Waikawa Information Centre
( 03-246 8464; waikawamuseum@hyper.net.nz; Main
Rd; 10am-5pm)
. 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).
The
Waipapa Point lighthouse
dates from 1884, three years after the wreck of SS
Tararua
. Information panels recount the terrible tale, in which 131 people lost their
lives. Tiptoe through the sea lions to survey the beach.
Follow the signs to
Slope Point
, the South Island's true southerly point. A 20-minute
walk across farmland leads to a signpost designating this landmark in underwhelming
fashion. The views more than make up for it, not only of the ocean but of the chunky
rocks tumbling down to meet it. The track is closed in September and October for lamb-
ing.
Further east at
Curio Bay
, fossilised Jurassic-age trees are visible for four hours either
side of low tide. Yellow-eyed penguins waddle ashore here an hour or so before sunset.
Do the right thing and keep your distance. Backing on to Curio is
Porpoise Bay
, a popu-
lar travellers' stop with numerous accommodation options. Blue penguins nest in the
dunes and in summer Hector's dolphins come here to rear their young. Whales are occa-
sional visitors, and fur seals and sea lions may also be seen. There's safe swimming on
the beach, and an excellent surf school.
The next civilised stop is
Waikawa
, which has a small museum, information centre,
some accommodation and a takeway. Keep on trucking to
McLean Falls
. The car park is
