Things to See & Do

Enjoying Clutha Country is as much about what you do as it is what you see.  If it's the coast that draws you in, don't forget the Southern Scenic Route - New Zealand's first touring route.  This fabulous coastal journey originates in Dunedin and culminates in Te Anau, Southland. With spectacular scenery, and so much to see and do en route, this provides an excellent touring option.

People
There is no better reason to visit Clutha Country than to experience the hospitality of the region, all thanks to the friendly locals who reside in this beautiful part of the country. While you are here, make sure you take advantage of some of the many activities available.

Water
Life in Clutha Country revolves around water – from the mighty Clutha River and Lake Waihola , to the rugged coast of the Catlins, water-based activities are endless.

Surfing
Some of New Zealand’s best kept surfing secrets are in Clutha Country. These include Brighton Bay, Toko Mouth and other beaches south of Dunedin City.

The Catlins is renowned for its surf action, with breaks being energised by the Southern Ocean and its powerful swells.

• Kaka Point Beach sports a great and safe beginner’s break with gentle, gradual surf with lifeguards present.
• Cannibal Bay is a small, sheltered bay and is home to dramatic rock outcrops and New Zealand sea lions. This is the site of early Maori encampments.
• Purakaunui Bay has the highest cliffs in the Catlins.  For the experienced surfer, it is famous for its Big Wave season during winter, with some of the biggest (and coldest) waves ever ridden in New Zealand.
• In addition to great surfing, Tahakopa Bay is home to rare native plants and old-growth native podocarp forest..
• Camp at Waikawa and Porpoise Bay to enjoy the surf, or see the South Island’s southern most point at Slope Point (truth be known you are in Southland now, but this is all part of the fabled Catlins coast). 
• The idyllic Curio Bay allows you to enjoy the surf with just the wildlife. Here you can also see the renowned fossilised forest which is easily accessible at low tide (again, this location is on the Southland side of the Catlins).

Boating and Kayaking
With so many water features, there is plenty of boating opportunity throughout Clutha Country. Lake Waihola is a popular spot for water skiers, windsurfers and rowers, or go off the beaten track to Lake Mahinerangi.
Jetboats depart from Beaumont for trips on the Clutha River and there are several boat launches at many of the district’s beaches.
Try sea kayaking at the Catlins Lake and Papatowai and paddle up the Catlins and Tahakopa Rivers. Sea kayaking is possible along of the Catlins Coast, but ‘local knowledge’ should be sought before departing. Crossing the bars at Pounawea and Papatowai can be very dangerous and the currents around the Nuggets unpredictable.
For something different, ride the Tuapeka Punt, which is unique to New Zealand as it traverses using the river current.

Fishing
Trout and salmon are sure to be biting in the Clutha, Waipahi, Pomahaka, Tuapeka and Catlins Rivers. To increase your chances, take a guided fishing tour for some of the locals’ best kept secrets.
Clinton is a fisherman’s paradise with some of the best fly fishing in New Zealand, all within a 30 minute drive of the town.
Other notable freshwater fishing spots include the Owaka, Waitahuna, Tokomairiro and Leithen Burn Rivers. Alternatively, try surf casting at the various beaches down the coast, including Bull Creek and Toko Mouth. Or aim to indulge in a New Zealand delicacy, and try your luck at whitebaiting at river mouths such as Kaitangata.

Scenery and Wildlife Viewing
The Sinclair Wetlands and Visitor Centre offers examples of a lost landscape and is rich in natural and cultural history. They are home to rare, native bird, plant and fish species. Over 315 hectares of lagoons, waterways and islands are linked by a series of walkways. Guided tours and accommodation are available (Ph: +64 3 486 2654).
Visit the Taieri Mouth Wildlife Reserve, where sand bar access at low tide takes you to Moturata Island, which is home of the rare Hoiho (Yellow Eyed Penguin).
The Catlins River Walk proceeds through nature silver beech forest in which rare forest birds such as the Yellowhead and Parakeet live. Also look out for lichen, fungi, moss and liverwort. The walk takes five hours (one way) or shorter walks are possible. The Purakaunui Waterfall is perhaps the most photographed in New Zealand, and is a well known feature of the Catlins Forest. A 20-minute return walk on an excellent track views the Falls through beech and podocarp forest. The Purakaunui Falls' car park has a pleasant picnic area with toilets. The McLean Falls is accessible through beautiful rainforest to the 22 metre falls. They can be viewed during the day for spectacular photographs, or by night for glow worm tours. A short 10 minute walk from the Southern Scenic route takes you through a fuschia forest to Matai Falls, with a drop of 10 metres. A steeper track continues from here up to Horseshoe Falls. The Cathedral Caves are famous for their resounding echoes of the sea. A short walk through forest (a small fee applies) finds you at Waipati Beach, the northern end of which has the impressive 30 metre high caves, accessible at low tide. Jack’s Blowhole is located 200 metres from the sea and is 55 metres deep. With high tide and a stormy sea, the waves rushing in far below can be an awesome sight. From the sheltered beach of Jack’s Bay, there is a 30 minute walk to this sea-created sinkhole.

Culture & History
Goldfields and mining history abound in this area as did the industries that supported this era. Fossilised dolphins, artists, museums in most towns and gallery exhibitions are all part of the cultural and historical exploration of Clutha Country.

The South Otago Museum (Balclutha) displays a vast collection of artefacts and archived material that reflect the colonial and industrial history of Balclutha and its environs. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. For group tours, research facilities and historic presentations please book ahead, phone +64 3 418 2388 or email southotagomuseum@xtra.co.nz.

The Old Sod Cottage (Balclutha) is a mud cottage built in the 1860s as a stopping place for miners heading to the Tuapeka goldfields. It is situated in Lovells Flat, on the main highway from Balclutha to Dunedin and is one of Clutha Country’s main tourist attractions.

Visit the whale and dolphin fossils near Milburn. The Milton Museum & Information Centre is housed in an Art Deco building with collections focusing on the local community.

Worth a visit, the well-kept hilltop Lawrence Cemetery, dating to 1864, is notable for its elaborate Victorian ironwork, beautiful Celtic crosses and the Chinese section. Buried here too, along with many illustrious pioneers, is John J. Woods, the composer of the New Zealand National Anthem.

The famed Lawrence Goldfields came into being when Gabriel Read discovered gold here in 1861. Experience what New Zealand pioneers had to endure and do a little gold-panning. The Lawrence Chinese Camp, the earliest and most important Chinese heritage site in New Zealand, is undergoing a detailed archaeological survey in order to commence the planned authentic re-creation of the village. The Wetherstons Blackhorse Brewery Ruins (Lawrence) are a picturesque reminder of Otago’s most successful provincial brewery.  The Tuapeka Goldfields Museum is a must for any visitor.

Waitahuna’s gold mining history can be seen at the Memorial Hall in the village centre and Miners’ Monument that was erected to commemorate the discovery of gold in the Waitahuna Gully on the 20th July 1861. Historic buildings, churches and bridges are just some of what you will find, including a rare wooden suspension bridge built in 1906.
 
One should never let the truth get in the way of a good story, like the one of the Lonely Graves, Beaumont. The story goes that late in 1864, William Rigney found a shivering dog beside the dead body of a good-looking young man. The police were notified but nobody came to claim the body. Rigney dug the grave and everyone at the diggings attended the funeral. The pine slab with these words burned on: "Somebody's Darling Lies Buried Here" marks the grave. When Rigney died in 1912, he was buried alongside the grave as he had wished. His stone was engraved: "Here lies William Rigney, the man who buried Somebody's Darling."

Owaka Museum
Owaka Museum Wahi Kahuika-the Meeting Place opened in October 2007 and is situated in the centre of Owaka. The museum provides a window on what made the Catlins the place it is today. Multi-media exhibitions present stories on Maori and pioneers, shipping, farming, forestry, rail, military and life in general enhanced by Catlins’ collection items. Each exhibition gives the visitor a deeper understanding of the character of the Catlins and those that have lived here. This culminates in the main Catlins Gallery with a significant figurehead of the shipwrecked ‘Otago' positioned to appear as the figurehead of the museum.  The museum is situated in a complex that houses the information centre and library, which also offers a community gallery and research resources.

Tunnel Hill
An historic train tunnel, is located on the way from Balclutha to Owaka. The tunnel was dug out in 1891 by hardy workers using shovels and picks to allow coal carrying trains through McDonald's Saddle. The 200 metre tunnel opened up a new gateway to Owaka. The last train ride through the tunnel was in 1971 and the rail was dismantled sometime after that. The tunnel now serves as a fun night-time walkway.

Adventure & Activities
Get amongst the great activities on offer in Clutha Country. Mountain biking, surfing, walking, running, sea kayaying, hunting, jet boating and sailing are easily accessible in the wide open space and vastly diverse landscape, providing a challenging playground for even the most adventurous of us.

Mountain Biking
Single track riding can be found in Balclutha, along the Clutha River on the Blair Athol walkway and then into the ‘Rhodo Dell’. There is also single track riding in the Kaitangata forests. Tracks are being cut in both the Catlins Forest and the Blue Mountain Forest in Tapanui – ask the local information centres for starting points. There are numerous cross-country, metalled roads and forestry tracks throughout the district – one of the best would be the Beaumont to Millers Flat along the Clutha River, or try the Governor's single track near Lake Mahinerangi. Others such as that in the Catlins, take in many of the scenic attractions. Mountain bikers should enquire with the local Information Centre or Kai Promotions about biking options.

Golf
Golfers can be sure to see a golf course in most villages across Clutha Country. Be sure to play the lovely 9-hole course with sea views in Wangaloa, just beyond Kaitangata. Tapanui also boasts one of the finest 18-hole country golf courses south of Dunedin. There is a unique 9-hole golf course at Owaka, complete with Romney sheep green keepers. Clinton, Lawrence and Waitahuna also have 9-hole golf courses.

Hunting
Red deer and wild pigs can be hunted locally, while fallow deer frequent the nearby Blue Mountains. Hunting permits are required and can be obtained from the Department of Conservation. Hunting permits are provided February to November.

Walking
Be it bush, beach hills or riverside, each town in Clutha Country has several walking options. For more information, see respective information centres.
The Gabriel’s Gully walk (Lawrence) is a 1 hour 20 minute loop walk, which circumnavigates this historic area. A number of interpretation panels explain the history of the site and how the gold was extracted. There is also a longer 3 hour return walk in the reserve, following along a disused water race, and where you have views down to the waterfall, and reach the Otago Dam further along the track, to return the same way. The Lammerlaw Range (Lawrence) is a hike to the windswept open ridge tops, knee deep in golden tussock grass.
The Whiskey Gully Walk (Tapanui) is a 3 to 5 hour return walk, or try the Dusky Forest for walking tracks that radiate out from the grassy areas and lead through dense man made forests.
The Catlins River Walk follows the river shores of the river. This is a 5 hour moderate walk with a campground at the end. Bird watchers will enjoy the opportunity of spotting the endangered Mohua (Yellow Head) near the north end of the track. The native bellbird, Tui, and wood pigeon are common throughout the track.
From Milton trek through the bush on McNally Track, the Bull Creek Scenic Reserve and Cook's Rock - the views from the top are worth it!

Or Try Something Different
En route to Lawrence, take time to view the Mount Stuart Rail Tunnel (Manuka Gorge). Well sign posted and easily accessible, this track is administered by the Department of Conservation and is part of the old Central Otago, Milton to Roxburgh branch railway line. As an added attraction the hushed darkness of the Tunnel, glimmers with glow-worms!
Capture the spirit of the district at the Kaitangata Wild Hore Festival in March.
View the Nugget Point Lighthouse. Built in 1869, it is set atop a lonely windswept promontory. Marine mammals and birds as well as the rugged coastal geography make this a popular attraction.

Nature & Wildlife
The diversity of the landscape in Clutha Country lends itself to an abundance of wildlife and nature.  Experience everything from cave walking to rare bird watching to glow worms, from walking through rainforest to trekking tussock country.

Visit the Lakes Waihola Waipori and Akatore Wetlands to see native wildlife and plant species present in their natural environment. Or see the numerous Black Swans that live in Lake Waihola.
Lawrence, Clinton and Tuapeka are a combination of undulating hills, sheltered valleys and picturesque townships. Or see the glow worms by night in the Mount Stuart Rail Tunnel (Manuka Gorge).
The Blue Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop to the township of Tapanui, offering close encounters with many forest species such as deer or bird life. Picnic with the spring tulips in Tapanui, or take the scenic drive to Kelso and Leithen Glen for similarly beautiful picnic spots.
The Catlins is a popular destination for its magnificent combination of lofty native forest, untamed coastline and abundant native species in their natural habitat. Hooker Sealions can be seen resting on the beach at Surat and Cannibal Bays. For your safety and theirs, please respect this resting area by keeping a distance of at least 15 metres from these large, powerful (but sleepy) creatures! The Nugget Point Lighthouse (built in 1869) is set atop a lonely windswept promontory. Marine mammals and birds as well as the rugged coastal geography make this a popular attraction where you can see New Zealand fur seals (kekeno), Southern elephant seals (ihupuku), Hooker sea lions (rapoka), sooty shearwaters (titi), the rare yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) and many other seabird species. Binoculars are recommended. The yellow-eyed penguin can also be safely viewed from the hideaway at Roaring Bay in the Nuggets Reserve. Coastal and migratory wading birds are prolific through the Catlins and Papatowai estuaries, while the endangered Mohua bird can be found at the north end of the Catlins River Walk. Visit amazing natural coastal scenery at Purakaunui, the Cathedral Caves, Curio Bay (S), Slope Point (S) and Waipapa Point (S). Or experience the unique coastal, native forests and waterfalls, such as McLean, Matai and Niagara Falls (S). Tautuku Bay is famous for its symmetry and beauty. The whole valley behind the beach is still clothed in native forest. Tautuku Peninsula, at the west end of the beach, was an early European whaling base. To see one of the most photographed beaches in Clutha Country, view the beach from Florence Hill lookout on the Southern Scenic Route.
(S) = Southland

Catlins Marine Encounters
Waikawa
Contact: Brian Smith
P: 03 9296580 or 027 2121327
E: catdriver@rivernet.co.nz
W: www.catlinsmarineencounters.co.nz

Catlins Adventures
10 Waikawa Road
Owaka
Contact: Bailey Povey
P: 027 4168822
E: info@catlinsadventures.co.nz
W: www.catlinsadventures.co.nz

Te Taunga Adventures
Horse riding tours
41 Newhaven Road, Surat Bay
Manager/s: Cara McGill
www.catlinshorseriding.co.nz
06 415 8368
classiccharm@hotmail.com

Catlins High Rock Animal Park
2556 Owaka Highway, Owaka
Manager/s: Sue & Derek Paterson
03 415 8597
sdjpat@kinect.co.nz

Catlins Wildlife Trackers
Guided walks
5 Mirren Street, Papatowai
Manager/s: Mary & Fergus Sutherland
www.catlins-ecotours.co.nz
03 415 8613
info@catlins-ecotours.co.nz