Southland and The Catlins Region Overview and Activities
Invercargill, The Catlins, Winton.

Southland and The Catlins

The region is known for its southern hospitality offering a warm welcome to visitors. A trail known as the Southern Scenic Route runs from Te Anau directly south via Manapouri, Clifden, Tuatapere, Riverton, Invercargill, on through the Catlins settlements of Tokanui, Papatowai, Owaka, Balclutha and on to Milton Waihola and Dunedin. There is a trail brochure which points out the many points of interest along this route.

The major centre of this region is Invercargill. New Zealand's Southernmost city. It has a population of around 50,000 and so, naturally has all of the services expected in a commercial centre. It has an airport and rail services, being the termination point of the Southerner Passenger Service. Much of the commercial base revolves around agricultural, pastoral and timber industries. The aluminium smelter at nearby Bluff is also an economic 'shot in the arm' providing employment in the production of the aluminium and in its support services such as maintenance. Also operating out of Bluff is the fleet of Oyster boats, with Bluff Oysters being a renowned delicacy, the Stewart Island Ferry depart from here.

Southeast of the city are the Awarua Wetlands. The largest area of protected wetland in southern New Zealand. Providing a feeding ground for native and migratory birds.

The Winton, Lumsden, Gore, Mataura, and Wyndham areas, being based around the Oreti and Mataura Rivers, are renowned for their fishing.

The south eastern corner and coast of this region is known as "The Catlins"

and contains the Catlins Forest Park, made up of 10 separate forests.

The coast of the Catlins has beautiful bays and rocky points. Some of the better known features being Curio Bay when the petrified fallen logs and stumps of a Jurassic forest can been seen at low tide. Cathedral Caves between Chaslands and Papatowai, is a bush and beach walk to spectacular caves accessible at low tide, it is about an 80 minute return walk and there is a small toll fee payable. A visit to Purakaunui Falls involves a 20 minute returns walk through beech and podocarp forest. Nugget Point with it's lighthouse, seal colony and seabirds provides splendid views of the coastline, take your binoculars an allow 20 minutes return.

Balclutha has a population of around 4,000 and is situated on the Clutha River. A distinctive concrete bridge crosses the river whilst down stream the river splits to form an island known as Inchclutha.

 

	Fly fishing in Southland Come and explore some of the most picturesque scenery in New Zealand. Our crystal clear waters, allow you to sight fish for the abundant and large brown and rainbow trout for which New Zealand is renowned. :Website: http://www.southlandflyfishing.co.nz/
Winton
	Dunsdale Scenic Reserve. Situated in Hokonui Hills 20mins drive from Winton. Picnic area and walks.
	Forest Hill Scenic Reserve. Native Forest With picnic area and walks.
Gore/Mataura/Wyndham
	All based on the Mataura River known for it's excellent brown trout fishing.
	Out of Gore there is good access to the Hokonui Hills which has several walking tracks.
	Croydon Bush, 7km west of Gore. has the Dolamore Track 2km (45 mins return and the Whiskey Creek Track 2.7km. Both walks start at Dolamore Park  and incorporate native bush and regenerating forest. A side track off the Whiskey Creek Walk takes you to Popplewells Viewpoint, panoramic views over Mataura and Edendale, and  as far as Stewart Island.
	Gore has several museums. The Historical Museum, The Air force Museum, Hokonui Moonshine Museum and Hokonui Pioneer Park.
Invercargill/Bluff
	Walks:
	Kilmock Bush Walk, At the northern end of Sandy Point domain, this walk is reached through Fosbender Park.
	Seaward Bush, Thomsons Bush and Otatara Scenic Reserve all contain short bush walks.
	Foveaux Walkway, skirts the peninsula south of Bluff. Stirling point to Ocean Beach 6.6 kms (2 1/2 hours one way) add another 3.5 km to return to vehicle.
	Glory Track  Bluff, 1.5km (30 minutes one way).Stirling Point or the Gunpit Road access.
	Other Activities:
	Awarua Wetlands. The largest area of protected wetland in Southern New Zealand at 14,000 acres. Awarua Bay is a good location for bird watching and the mouth of the Waituna Lagoon is a popular spot for anglers.
	Southland Museum and Art Gallery showcases Southland History and has 3 exhibition galleries as well as a live Tuatara display. Audio visual and static displays on the sub Antarctic region. :Website:   http://www.southlandmuseum.com/
	Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter at Bluff has guided tours Mon-Fri at 10am,bookings essential, minimum age 12 years.Tiwai Smelter Tours 'Phone:  (03) 218 5494 Open 10 am most weekdays. Prior bookings essential.
	Awarua Wetlands. The largest area of protected wetland in Southern New Zealand at 14,000 acres. Awarua Bay is a good location for bird watching and the mouth of the Waituna Lagoon is a popular spot for anglers.
Catlins
	Walks:
	Waipohatu. a 30 minute walking track on edge of podocarp forest. Picnic area. Turn off highway 92 at Tokanui
	Curio Bay, best viewed at low tide, see the remains of a Jurassic fossilized forest.  Turn off highway 92 at Waikawa River and follow the road out to the coast, (or continue towards Waikawa after Wapohatu walk and turn off to Curio Bay)
	Cathedral Caves at Waipati Beach, bush and beach walk, caves can only be accessed at low tide. Allow 80 minutes return.
	Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk, onto a pristine estuary, watch for Fernbirds.
	Pounawae Nature Walk. South east of Owaka. Easy walk through podocarp forest, return via the salt marsh if low tide.
	Nugget Point Lighthouse and seal Colony wild and rugged rocks are the resting place of Hooker, Elephant and NZ fur seals. allow 20 minutes return, take binoculars.
	Journey South -Catlins Nature Encounter - Explore the rugged coast, Waipapa Point (shipwreck site) Slope Point, the southern most point of the mainland, Waikawa, Tautuku Beach and the Cathedral Caves (tide permitting) short walks through native bush to McLean Falls and Purakaunui Falls. Enjoy Nugget Point, Kaka Point Beach, wildlife (sea lions and fur seals) and return to Invercargill or drop off in Dunedin if required. :Website:     http://www.journeynz.co.nz/journeysouth_custom_tours.html

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Revised: November 12, 2008