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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.
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.
Book with Catlins Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Catlins Tours · Owaka, Otago
The Catlins region, located on New Zealand’s southeastern coast in Otago, is a rugged wilderness where steep cliffs meet wild beaches and dense native forests hide tumbling waterfalls. Catlins Tours offers a standout half-day, 6-hour Beach, Bush & Waterfall Tour that combines some of the area’s most striking natural highlights into one accessible, curated experience perfect for travelers who want to absorb the diverse landscapes without intensive trekking.
Starting near Owaka, your guide leads you through gentle walks and scenic viewpoints, including the famous Nugget Point Lighthouse, perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Here, watch for sunlight glinting off the rocky islets and spot playful fur seals basking on the shore. The tour includes stops at Cannibal Bay, a tranquil beach renowned for sea lion colonies, and Florence Hill Lookout with panoramic views over Tautuku Bay—one of the rarely disturbed coastal estuaries teeming with native birdlife.
The itinerary also features serene bush walks to Lake Wilkie via the Tautuku Boardwalk, revealing lush podocarp and beech forest, and visits to two iconic waterfalls: Purakaunui and McLean Falls, where crystal-clear water cascades over mossy rock ledges. Each stop comes with moderate walking that suits most fitness levels and can be tailored to your pace and interests, making the tour ideal for families and small groups.
Catlins Tours offers an authentic, nature-forward gateway into this lesser-visited corner of New Zealand. By focussing on gentle immersion in coastal and forest environments combined with expert local knowledge, this tour stands apart as both educational and refreshingly unhurried. It’s a rare chance to encounter abundant wildlife, rich native ecosystems, and dramatic seascapes all in one journey—crafted for those eager to absorb the real character of the Catlins.
easy.
6 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves gentle walking with occasional inclines and steps.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly with gentle walking suitable for children; parents are advised to bring child carriers for infants.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, bring layered waterproof clothing, insect repellent, sun protection, water, and snacks.
Yes, Catlins Tours can tailor stops and routes to your interests and fitness level upon request.
You have a good chance of seeing fur seals, sea lions, native birds, and occasionally dolphins along the coast.
Individual walks are generally 20 to 40 minutes one way, with mostly gentle terrain and some steps.
Groups range from 2 to 8 people, allowing for a personalized and interactive experience.
The Catlins area retains a strong Māori heritage and was historically a remote logging and farming region with rugged coastal settlements.
Catlins Tours practices guided visits to sensitive areas with minimal environmental impact, promoting native habitat protection and wildlife respect.
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.
Book with Catlins Tours