See the highlights of The Catlins plus hidden gems only known to locals, with a DOC certified tour guide. Get more out of your visit to the Catlins!
Catlins Tours is owned and operated by born and bred Kiwis, Lyndon & Gill McKenzie. They live locally and have extensive knowledge of the area and its history. Not only do they know the best places for wildlife sightings and photo opportunities, their relationships with local residents means they have exclusive access to places unavailable to the public, making these tours appealing to fellow Kiwis as well international travellers.
Catlins Sunrise Tour
3-4 hours (weather dependent)
Note. There are no Sunrise Tours during 1 Sept – 15 Oct due to farming practices.
If nature and wildlife is your thing, you’re going to love our Sunrise Tour. Watch Yellow-eyed Penguins meander down the banks to the sea just as the sun is coming up over the ocean. See an abundance of seabirds in their natural habitat.Â
- See Yellow-eyed penguins going out to sea
- Private location to view Penguins entering a bay
- Explanation of various landmarks and points of interest
- Sea Bird viewing
- Walking time: 20 mins (one way) to viewing hide.
Catlins Beach, Bush & Waterfall Tour
6-8 hours (weather dependent)
The best of bays, waterfalls and the Nugget Point Lighthouse. Tours can be amended to suit your interests.
- Nugget Point Lighthouse
- Visit Cannibal Bay
- May have encounters with Sea Lions
- Florence Hill Look Out with views of Tautuku Bay
- Lake Wilkie / Tautuku Boardwalk (time dependent)
- Purakaunui and McLean Falls
- Walking times varied. Max walking time 40 minutes one way, most walks for above points of interest are 20 min each way – gentle walking with some inclines, and some steps on tracks.
Catlins Coastal ATV Experience
3-4 hours (weather dependent)
The most captivating views of the bays, beach, and farmland that the Catlins have to offer. See farm animals, sheep and cattle up close and grazing on lush farmland.
On this tour your are chauffeur driven in an ATV (All terrain vehicle) which is a 6-seater, side by side arrangement. Seat belts and helmets must be worn, helmets are provided.
- Tour over lush coastal farmland, you’ll be right in amongst the stock on hand (sheep/cattle) grazing on these paddocks.
- Guide will point out landmarks and points of interest, farming practices etc, driving along the cliff tops, incredible coastal vista’s, rolling countryside.
- Â Dramatic windswept trees, sea birds, an abundance of sea mammals, incredible rocks covered in lichen. A photographers dream location, giving breathtaking photo opportunities.
- Helmets/Safety equipment supplied
Pick up point by arrangement. We shall discuss this during the booking process.
