Waipapa Lighthouse

Waipapa Point Lighthouse – located at Waipapa Point in Southland, New Zealand. About an hour’s drive south from Papotowai  or 50 mins from Invercargill, in the beautiful Catlins district.

Easter – 2016

We decided to visit one of our favorite places for Easter – Papatowai in the Catlins. The DOC camp was quite busy which we hadn’t expected, the last time we stayed there were only about four other groups staying there. The weather was good,  overcast at times but warm enough.

Curio Bay – Catlins

Located near the southern end of New Zealand’s South Island, Curio Bay is a coastal area best known as the site of a petrified forest some 180 million years old. Curio Bay is one of the major attractions in the Catlins, attracting around 100,000 visitors per year.

Nugget Point Light House

The Nugget Point lighthouse is a must see if you are visiting the Catlins. Nugget Point  is one of the  most  distinctive landforms  along the Otago coast.  It’s a steep headland with a lighthouse and a scattering of rocky islets (The Nuggets).

Catlins Heads

The Catlins Heads is located across the Catlins river mouth from Surat Bay. A great walk along the beach and rocks with amazing rock formations.

Surat Bay – Catlins

Surat Bay in the Catlins is a quiet, peaceful and beautiful spot. Home to many sea lions  and native birds, all of which can be viewed in their natural environment.

Papatowai – Catlins

Papatowai is a small settlement in the Catlins district,  situated at the mouth of the Tahakopa River.  With a permanent population of about 30, the population rises dramatically during the holiday season.