Discover the wild coastlines, native bush, and stunning waterfalls of New Zealand’s Catlins with Catlins Tours. This gentle 6-hour outing offers sea lion encounters, lighthouse views, and tranquil forest walks tailored to your pace.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves gentle walking with occasional inclines and steps.
Wildlife
History
The Catlins area retains a strong Māori heritage and was historically a remote logging and farming region with rugged coastal settlements.
Conservation
Catlins Tours practices guided visits to sensitive areas with minimal environmental impact, promoting native habitat protection and wildlife respect.
Catlins Tours
Discover the wild coastlines, native bush, and stunning waterfalls of New Zealand’s Catlins with Catlins Tours. This gentle 6-hour outing offers sea lion encounters, lighthouse views, and tranquil forest walks tailored to your pace.
Catlins Tours is a tour operator based in Owaka, Otago, offering guided experiences across the Catlins coastline and hinterland. The operator runs a selection of curated day trips that highlight the region’s coastal scenery, native wildlife and waterfall walks. Catlins Tours lists three core experiences: the Beach, Bush & Waterfall Tour, the Catlin's Coastal ATV Experience, and a Sunrise Tour focused on early-morning wildlife viewing.
Each itinerary emphasizes close encounters with local wildlife and iconic Catlins locations. The Beach, Bush & Waterfall Tour is a six-hour outing that includes views from Nugget Point Lighthouse, sea lion sightings and walks to scenic waterfalls, with opportunities to tailor the route to guest interests. The Catlin's Coastal ATV Experience is a three-hour guided ATV ride across farmland and coastal terrain, with chances to see grazing sheep and cattle and to learn about local farming landscapes. The Sunrise Tour offers access to a private viewing location at dawn to observe Yellow-eyed Penguins heading to sea and to watch seabirds in their natural habitat.
Tours operate from Owaka and focus on small-group, guided exploration of the Catlins. Descriptions emphasize wildlife, coastal viewpoints and photographic stops. Catlins Tours promotes direct wildlife viewing, coastal landscapes and waterfall walks as core elements of its offerings.
Base Location
Owaka, Otago
Central hub for Catlins tours
Typical Durations
3h & 6h
Guided tours range 3 to 6 hours
Tours Offered
3 Experiences
Beach, ATV and Sunrise tours
Wildlife Viewing
Yellow-eyed Penguins & Sea Lions
Wildlife encounters featured on tours
Reserve a Beach, ATV or Sunrise tour today to secure wildlife viewing and coastal photo opportunities.
Wear sturdy walking shoes
Trails include gentle inclines and some steps, so supportive footwear is recommended.
Bring layered clothing
Weather can shift quickly near the coast; waterproof layers and thermals ensure comfort.
Pack insect repellent
Bush walks around forested areas can have sandflies and other insects, especially in warmer months.
Carry water and snacks
The tour lasts about six hours with moderate activity; staying hydrated and energized helps.
Waterproof jacket
Protects you from sudden rain and coastal winds during the tour.
fall|winter|spring
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides support and grip for uneven bush and coastal trails.
Insect repellent
Keeps biting insects at bay during walks through native forests.
summer|spring
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is important during the 6-hour outdoor adventure.