The Catlins Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit The Catlins
The Kaka Point Motels
Clean, comfortable
Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026
Curio Bay Salt House Motel
Our room was spotless and had everything that we needed. The location was absolutely beautiful!!!!
Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026
Surat Bay Lodge & Backpackers Hostel
Staff were very friendly and helpful. Rooms were clean, comfortable and well equipped. Lovely beach feel. Beautiful part of the country. We were blessed to see seals swimming in the bay from the deck at the front of the property and a stunning sunset.
Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025
Kaka Point Luxury Spa Accommodation
Yes. It was a panoramic view.
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Catlins Lake Sanctuary
This was a great base camp for exploring the Catlins. Beds were clean and comfortable, although I felt I had to wipe down the kitchen before using it. The property was amazing! Beautiful views of the estuary, a peaceful place to walk in the mornings, and good view of stars at night.
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2020
Pounawea Waterfront Motels
Loved the view, how quiet it is but close to Owaka with its cafes and 4 square, also how central it was for attractions.
Reviewed on 6 Mar 2022
Popular places to visit
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Sitting high above the water’s edge, this historic lighthouse has been a fixture of the Catlins for more than a century.
Jack's Blowhole
See the powerful natural feature named after a Māori chief by following a short trail on a private sheep farm.
McLean Falls
This two-part waterfall is the end-point of an easy walk through varied forest and bush land and one of the most impressive in the Catlins area.
Purakaunui Falls
Visit the Catlins’ most famous waterfalls to see why it has adorned postcards and postage stamps for decades.
Kaka Point Scenic Reserve
Explore the great outdoors at Kaka Point Scenic Reserve, a lovely green space in Kaka Point. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.
Cannibal Bay Beach
Cross rolling fields and dense macrocarpa forest to reach this isolated bay, home to hollow waves and a colony of sea lions.
