Itinerary
Schedule
Driver guides
Wildlife
Our History
Schedule
January - March
Daily
April - December
Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Pick up times and connecting services confirmed when booking.
Please be ready 15 minutes prior to pick up.
Schedule subject to change.
Catlins Coaster Itinerary
Lets describe a typical trip starting and finishing in Dunedin....
With a full day ahead of us exploring the Catlins we depart Dunedin at 7.15am picking you up from your Dunedin accommodation.
The first part of our day follows the main road to Invercargill through the green South Otago rolling farmlands and the Southland plains. New Zealand's most productive farming country. Stop and ask any sheep or cow how they like it!
Invercargill offers you the chance to say hi to Henry and his whanau. Henry is a 120 year old (give or take 10 years) Tuatara who hangs out at the Invercargill Museum and reminds us of pre-historic times, 235 million years ago indeed when these lizard like creatures first popped on to this earth. Many other exhibits here including sub-Antarctic treasures and the Art Gallery. Grab morning tea from the cafe too or a take-away picnic lunch for the day.
Once we've gathered all the troops at 10.30am we head to the depths of the Catlins with our first stop at Waipapa Point, a great scene setter for our day ahead. Note that each day in the Catlins is different and is dependent on weather, wildlife patterns, tides, passenger preferences and what the driver had for breakfast! Your expert driver-guide will ensure that the stops each day are varied and tailored to get you out there amongst it as much as we can. So let's have a look at the main stops you are likely to make.
Waipapa Point
Site of the 1881 wrecking of the SS Tararua in which 131 crew and passengers died in New Zealand's worst civilian shipping tragedy. A lighthouse marks the spot and we keep an eye out for New Zealand sea-lions lurking in the sand-dunes. Views across to Stewart Island and east along the southern Catlins coast including to Slope Point - the southernmost part of mainland South Island.
Curio Bay
Wow. Our lunch spot and we give you time to explore the 180 million year-old fossilised forest and beautiful Porpoise Bay. The remains of an ancient forest exposed at Curio Bay is one of the most extensive and least disturbed examples of a Jurassic fossil forest in the world and stretches about 20 kms from Curio Bay south west to Slope Point. Need more information, see your driver-guide!
At times of the year we may see Yellow eyed penguins on the fossil forest as they nest in close proximity. Please stay close to your driver-guide and do not approach the birds as, particularly at the moulting period, they are easily stressed and scared.
Round the corner at Porpoise Bay we frequently see the New Zealand (Hector) dolphin porpoising in the bar close in. It is not uncommon (on nicer days) for passengers to jump in to the water and have them approach within metres. Just as well we stop here for up to 90 minutes to let you have a good look at the wonders of Curio & Porpoise Bays.
A camp shop offers you a variety of snacks, lunch and tea/coffee. And try one of Steve's ice creams. They're legendary!
Niagara Falls
Nothing like the big 'uns on the Canada-US border. Exact opposite in fact but good for a giggle. Town of Niagara is neighbouring.
Chaslands Forest
We wind in to the Catlins and lush native forest, the most substantial on the East Coast of the South Island in fact, always hugging the coast line as it comes in to view often along the way.
McLeans Waterfall
There are many waterfalls in the Catlins (try over 70!) and your driver will pick out which one to stop at but one of our favourites for sure is McLeans. A 30 to 40 minute bush walk through a mixture of forest types following the river to the spectacular waterfalls of some 22m.
Florence Hill
An iconic Catlins panorama overlooking possibly the Catlins best known beach, Tautuku. Or turn around and look to the dramatic Long Point in the distance. Which ever way you look you will be taking pictures!
Papatowai
Small town in the heart of the Catlins. A shop with motel and close-by backpackers and many walks.
Purakaunui Waterfall
If we have not visited McLeans then Purakaunui Falls is the likely waterfall stop for the day. Picture postcard stuff this one. Lovely short bush walk to it as well.
Owaka township
The main town in the Catlins. We often have a short break here for afternoon tea and a chance to visit the impressive Catlins Museum. $5 is well spent here soaking up some of the rich history of the district.
Nugget Point / Tokata
Everywhere you look an impressive sea-scape. The Lighthouse here marks the jaggerdy rocks below known as the 'nuggets' where New Zealand Fur seals bask on and play amongst. 10 to 20 minutes observation from here will have you seeing many seabirds as well as the large seal colony. Elephant seals may be seen seasonally.
Roaring Bay
View from the hide Yellow eyed penguins returning from the sea in the evening. They nest in the forested areas of the steep terrain of the headland.
Kaka Point
The quaint seaside town of 'KP' is your last chance to farewell the Catlins as we head north on to Dunedin.
Other stops that may be made in the Catlins depending on the day
Lake Wilkie
A short walk to a lookout point over a coastal lake formation. Listen to the bellbirds and tui and take in flowering rata post-Christmas. A slightly longer loop track with interpretation panels explains more about the native forest.
Tautuku Bay
A classic bush and beach walk as you plunge in to beautiful native forest emerging on to the spectacular Tautuku Bay below Florence Hill. Walk the beach where your driver can meet you.
This is certainly not the confines of your Catlins day with us as many other stops could be made. We just do not know what is around the corner but at least with the help of your knowledgeable driver-guide they will safely get you around the corner to see what greets you!
Dunedin
Back to Dunedin arriving around 7:30pm but this does vary depending onwild life and weather.
