Discover the wild coastal beauty of the Catlins on a guided 3-hour ATV tour with Catlins Tours. Encounter farmland, wildlife, and dramatic ocean views in an accessible, off-road adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness required; participants sit for the tour but should be able to mount and dismount the ATV safely.
Wildlife
History
The Catlins area hosts a strong history of early Maori settlement and pioneering farming communities dating back to the 19th century.
Conservation
Local tours emphasize minimal environmental impact and support sustainable farming and marine conservation initiatives.
Catlins Tours
Discover the wild coastal beauty of the Catlins on a guided 3-hour ATV tour with Catlins Tours. Encounter farmland, wildlife, and dramatic ocean views in an accessible, off-road adventure.
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 layered, weatherproof clothing
The coastal climate can be unpredictable with strong winds and occasional rain, so bringing layers and waterproof gear is essential.
Bring good hiking shoes
While seated in the ATV, comfortable, sturdy shoes are important for safely mounting and dismounting the vehicle.
Use insect repellent
Be prepared for sandflies and other insects often present in coastal and farmland areas during warmer months.
Wear a sunhat and sunscreen
Protect yourself from sun exposure on open stretches, especially during summer.
Waterproof jacket
Protects against coastal rain and wind during the ATV tour.
all
Sunhat
Provides shade and protection during sunny stretches of the ride.
summer
Insect repellent
Helps prevent bites from sandflies and other insects common in the area.
spring|summer|fall
Sturdy shoes or hiking boots
Needed for safe and comfortable boarding and disembarking the ATV.
all