Catlins Forest In The Deep South

An interesting drive from Milford Sound to the Catlins on the South Island of New Zealand.


photo of Catlins Forest In The Deep South
Photo of a Yellow-Eyed Penguin
in the Catlins.

We woke to the sight of fresh snow on the mountains which surrounded us and more rain where we were. So headed out of Milford Sound back towards Te Anau and hopefully some sunshine.

We stopped for a brief encounter with a couple of cheeky Kea (alpine parrots) who'd taken a liking to a car parked while waiting for the traffic light change at the Homer Tunnel. They soon turned their attention to our vehicle, and since they just love to pick at the rubber on wiper blades and around the windows, it was time to move on again.

The raging waterfalls beside the road are just stunning and definitely warrant a stop or two. Our aim today is to make it to the Catlins Forest area for the night, and en-route we pass by some interesting landscape where the trees are growing in the direction of the prevailing wind and rolling lush countryside.

Once in the Catlins area our first point of interest is at Waipapa Point, where we come across three Hooker sea lions blobbed out and resting on the golden beach under the lighthouse - this is a stunning location!!

The next beach has some interesting petrified forest remains from volcanic activity many thousands of years ago. And then the cream ... we spot a Yellow-Eyed Penguin come ashore and meet a companion. Eventually, after withstanding the brutal cold conditions (freezing wind) and watching a few of these cute creatures coming ashore, we had one walk right past us then back again.

After that delightful wildlife display we headed straight for the Curio Bay Campground for sunset and to stay the night.


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  Title:   Catlins Forest In The Deep South
An interesting drive from Milford Sound to the Catlins on the South Island of New Zealand.
  Author:   Michelle Coats
  Date:   20.12.06 - nzk3s6768 Catlins Forest in the deep south

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