Distinction Hotels

NZ Wide Hotels & Conference Centres

BEST RATEGUARANTEE DEALS Vouchers

The Catlins

A spectacular coastal stretch between Invercargill & Balclutha on the Southern Scenic Route which is rated as one of the world’s top 10 drives. From Curio Bay where the outgoing tide reveals a 180-million-year-old Jurassic forest to the Nugget Point lighthouse perched on a spur of land, you’ll find abundant natural beauty amongst its wildlife, forests, sandy beaches and waterfalls.

Nugget Point
The iconic Nugget Point is located near Kākā Point. Commence your 20 minutes return walk from the carpark to the Nugget Point Lighthouse, built in 1869-70. Wave-eroded rocks, which are likened to the shape of gold nuggets, can be seen from the viewing platform at the end of the path. Along the way you may see the fur seal colony on the rocks at sea level to the left of the track and also below the lighthouse, or the many seabirds that make The Nuggets their home. During the months of December – February elephant seals also make The Nuggets their stopover point. Roaring Bay is on the road to Nugget Point. Yellow-eyed penguins can be seen here as they move from the sea to their nesting places in coastal vegetation. These shy birds are best viewed late in the afternoon when they come ashore after fishing at sea.

Pūrākaunui Falls 
Framed by native forest and cascading 20 metres over 3 tiers, the Pūrākaunui Falls are among the most photographed waterfalls in New Zealand. The waterfall is a short walk (10 minutes) from a side road off the main Owaka-Invercargill highway.

Curio Bay
The outgoing tide here reveals a 180-million-year-old Jurassic fossil forest – one of only three such accessible fossil forests in the world. Millions of years ago the Curio Bay area was part of the eastern margin of the ancient supercontinent Gondwanaland. The forest was destroyed multiple times by massive sheet floods of volcanic debris; growing back only to be covered again. These events are clearly recorded by distinct bands of fossils in the now exposed cliff face. The erosion of the sea has exposed tree stumps, logs and other fascinating fossils. You may also see protected yellow-eyed penguins at Curio Bay in the late afternoon as they come ashore after a day at sea.

Slope Point
Spectacular views of windswept trees, southern ocean waves crashing onto the rocks and a photo opportunity at an iconic signpost are features of this southernmost point of the South Island.

Waipapa Point & Lighthouse
Scenic sand dunes, rugged coastline, sea mammals and a historic lighthouse are to be found in this far southwest corner of The Catlins. A great spot for a walk or picnic, nature watching or to soak up some history!

Distinction Invercargill Hotel offers luxury accommodation in Invercargill, your base for exploring The Catlins. Contact our helpful team for more information and to book your awe-inspiring experience to The Catlins

Photo credits: Great South Southland Regional Development Agency, Liz Carlson, Sam Deuchrass
A spectacular coastal stretch between Invercargill & Balclutha on the Southern Scenic Route which is rated as one of the world’s top 10 drives. From Curio Bay where the outgoing tide reveals a 180-million-year-old Jurassic forest to the Nugget Point lighthouse perched on a spur of land, you’ll find abundant natural beauty amongst its wildlife, forests, sandy beaches and waterfalls.
Explore Invercargill & Southland
The Catlins
Distinction Invercargill Hotel - Coming SoonThe Catlins
Distinction Invercargill Hotel - Coming SoonThe Catlins
Distinction Invercargill Hotel - Coming Soon
JOIN THE D-CLUB