The Enchanting Rugged and Windy Catalins

The Kiwis call this the great southern land where the sea breeze will wipe you out, the shepherds are quite a sight for the ignorant city folks, and hector’s dolphins surf right next to you. If all this sounds like fun, check out the ‘rugged, windy and cold southern coastline.

Also, an ambitious traveler can circumnavigate the southern coastline while living out of tents. The Catlins are a great spot for these ambitious explorers. The name Catlins gives the visitor an image of a very pristine undisturbed land somewhere in the remote corner of New Zealand. It takes at least a couple of days to explore the entire area.

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From Balclutha (off State Highway One), Catalins is a very short drive. En route, Dunedin and Owaka offer some great vistas to the visitors. Although, the road between Christchurch to Dunedin is a boring drive. Please remember one thing though, the wind can be menace. If the wind picks up, it might just blow all your stuff away.

So much for the location. What’s there to do in and around Catalins? Well, here’s your answer. You can go birdwatching in and around the Catalins lake. The lake has excellent picnic spots all around. There’s also the Cathedral caves, which are about a couple of kilometers walk off the parking lot. These are 30 meters high.

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The Catalins also offers a blend of coastline, cliffs, and spectacular falls for the visitors. The exotic names like Purakaunui Falls, and Papatowai, attracts a number of folks to the area. There’s also the fabulous Mt.Cook in the neighborhood area that attracts climbers to the area. Another travel advisory: there are no banks or ATMs in the Catlins area. The cell phone reception is pretty weak as well.

But, cell phones and cash are not that important on a vacation right? Although, if I have a pregnant wife along with me I would consider those items important. Anyways, as people say Catlins is more than just a drive. So check out the spectacular Catalinas for the great vistas of Mt.Cook, surfing dolphins of Curio Bay and the awe inspiring scenic drives.

Image Credits: Cathedralcaves, Letstrekaustralia, Ronmertens

Tags: Christchurch, dunedin, Coastline, South Island