The Catlins Trip

On Tuesday 13th January we headed to the Catlins. The family had never been there before and WOW what a beautiful place. I couldn't believe that we lived so close and had never been there before.

Our first stop off point was Balclutha to get supplies (milk, bread, ice etc). We then took the scenic route towards Kaka Point and stopped at Nugget Point where we walked out to the lighthouse and saw a magnificant view of the sea and rocks not to mention sealions and many shags. This is the location of one of New Zealand's oldest lighthouses, built 1869. The area is a wildlife sanctuary for Yellow-eyed Penguins, fur seals, elephant seals and many sea birds. There is a spectacular 20 minute walk from the car park to the lighthouse. Nearby is a viewing hide to observe Yellow-eyed Penguins - best seen in the later afternoon as they come in from the sea.

Nugget Point

Back in the car to our next destination which was Owaka. The drive was amazing even with the many road works. Once in Owaka (a cute little township) we had to decide whether or not to camp here or continue on to McLean Falls. I rang ahead to the McLean Falls camping ground and it was only a 20min drive from Owaka so we carried on to McLean Falls. On our way to the camping site we saw some fantastic views.

Tautuku Bay

Viewed from the Florence Hill lookout on the Scenic Route, this beach is famous for its symmetry and beauty. The whole valley behind the beach is still clothed in native forest and is the site of the Tautuku Outdoor Education Centre. Tautuku Peninsula, at the west end of the beach, was renowned as an early European whaling base.

We got to our destination McLean Falls Camping Ground. Its still under development but what was there was very impressive. They even had a restuarant called The Whistling Frog Cafe. Just outside the cafe there was a pond full of tadpoles all at different stages. We set up camp which didn't take long although Dave nearly pulled out some shrubs just so he could have the tent in a certain place. With day one shot we just chilled out at the site and enjoyed the peace and tranquility even though there wer lots of mozzies (lucky I had bought repellant). I managed to sleep with Dave this time thanks to trademe where I purchased a portacot for Kate (brilliant piece of equipment to take camping).

Our camp site

Day 2, Dave went for his usual casual morning run and the rest of us got ready to explore the area. Packed picnic, water bottles filled, sunscreen lotion and repellant. The greatest thing about the Catlins were the walks, ie not to long and easy for little people. Another great purchase off trademe was the backpack for Kate. Our first place we looked at was Lake Wilkie a This is a good place to experience old-growth mixed podocarp forest. The 20 minute walk from the main road takes you to a boardwalk at the edge of a small, tranquil lake. Forest birds, rimu and rata trees are features, and beside the walk there are good interpretation signs giving information and aiding identification.

Lake Wilkie

Then we headed into Papatowai and had lunch at Tautuku Beach it was lovely rather hot but still lovely. After lunch it was off to Matai Falls, a 20 minute walk from the main road through regenerating native forest brings you to the Matai Falls, the larger of two forest-surrounded waterfalls here. Again a great walk and awesome scenery.

Matai Falls

Back to the camp site for a well deserved BBQ tea and talked about our adventures. We had a couple of hick ups along the way but we wont dwell on them lets just say it pays to ring and ask for prices of things and not rely on the internet. Stay tuned for day 3 in the next post..............