The call of the Catlins

By MONIKA FRY

Way down on the south-east coast of the South Island lies the Catlins Coast, a beautiful landscape of waterfalls, white-sand beaches, peaceful estuaries, penguins, dolphins, seals, native birds, but very few people.

Farmers and fishermen have replaced the whalers, sawmillers and goldminers and now eco-tourism is the fastest growing business as news of this pristine part of New Zealand spreads north of Dunedin.

Although the Catlins Coast lies off main southern highways, most of the roads are sealed and well signposted. A spectacular view pops up around every corner and several days are needed to explore. The Department of Conservation maintains bush walking tracks as well as the area around a petrified forest at Curio Bay, where you can clamber over remnants of a petrified Jurassic forest.

The Tourism Southland internet site hosts a comprehensive amount of information and you can download maps.

Several companies organise eco-tours. You can arrange a quickie one-day sightseeing tour from Invercargill or Dunedin with such companies as Catlins Tours. The folk at Nugget Point Eco Tours also run tours as well as fishing trips, farm outings and accommodation.

It is advisable to book accommodation for the summer high season. There are motels, farmstays, bed and breakfast accommodation and motor camps and locals rent cottage beds.