There are so many places in The Catlins to visit. We went to the ends of the earth with each other, saw some very cool rocks and a couple of waterfalls. First stop, Waipapa Lighthouse. This the site of New Zealand’s worst shipwreck on 29th April 1881, SS Tararua a passenger vessel on it’s way from Bluff to Melbourne hit the reef at Waipapa Point with the loss of 131 souls. After this event, the Government built a lighthouse here in 1884.

Next stop was to the end of the earth – well the furthest most southerly point in New Zealand’s Mainland. I love the trees here – you can certainly tell which way the prevailing wind blows. Thankfully it wasn’t too blowy when we were there.

From here, we visited Curio Bay. Site of a petrified forest that is over 180 million year old. You really see the trees, stumps of trees and logs that are now stone. There is some huge kelp which is quite mesmerising as it flows back and forth with each wave that rolls in. Such a fascinating place – make sure you visit at low tide.

Our first waterfall of the day is McLean Falls. Water flows down over several drops and through a chasm which make it really interesting to look at. You walk through some lovely bush to get to the falls, including past a very wrinkly tree!

We had planned to go to the Lost Gypsy Gallery having read about it. Then heard about how wonderful it was from a lovely couple we met on Stewart Island, it made us even more excited to go and visit. Unfortunately, they close for the winter and we were a couple of days too late. Next time then!

Our next waterfall was at Parakaunui Falls. Again, you have a lovely walk through native bush, including past trees that are hollow in the middle and yet are still in full leaf!

On finally to Nugget Point where we walk up to the lighthouse. On the pathway up to the lighthouse which runs at the top of the cliff face, the trees grow as if blown upwards from the bottom and they then form a kind of tunnel over the path. You can really see why it’s called NUGGET Point when you look out at the rocks from the viewing platform. If you want a real rush, go and stand on the metal grating. Just hold on to your hat!