Doubtful Sound / Patea, Southland, New ZealandScenic Southern Route. Man who lives in Invercargill said there isn't much to see; decided not to stop.
Today's area is known as The Catlins, encompassing the remote southeast with a rugged coastline known for impressive nature and fascinating wildlife.
Several detours to various scenic spots along the coast:
Today's area is known as The Catlins, encompassing the remote southeast with a rugged coastline known for impressive nature and fascinating wildlife.
Several detours to various scenic spots along the coast:
TeWaewae Bay: Great lookout. At Orepuki: Stairway to top for spectacular views of Te Waewae Bay including Monkey Island, which is accessible at low tide. This was a former Maori whaling lookout.
Bluff, the southernmost city. Amazed at the wind-swept trees. Wind must be ferocious to bend them like that.
Coastal paths had stunning views over the ocean on this bright sun shining day.
Viewing platform on Bluff Hill summit, awesome today. Could see the port and clear enough to see Stewart Island.
Typical tourist photo at famous Stirling Point signpost, beginning of Hwy-1. Bluff is world renowned for their oysters; however, season begins March 1. Just missed it.
Coastal paths had stunning views over the ocean on this bright sun shining day.
Viewing platform on Bluff Hill summit, awesome today. Could see the port and clear enough to see Stewart Island.
Typical tourist photo at famous Stirling Point signpost, beginning of Hwy-1. Bluff is world renowned for their oysters; however, season begins March 1. Just missed it.
Gas and groceries in Tokanui.
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CAMP CURIO BAY - Curio Bay is toward the southern end of the coastline. The southernmost bays are known for having dolphins playing in the waves right by the beach. The campground is on Porpoise Bay, a beautiful crescent-shaped bay lined with beautiful sand. Spent about an hour sitting by the bay watching the Hector's Dolphins that were close to shore. Ideal spot to be camped.
Dinner at Blue Cod Blues take out wagon, Great cod fish and french fries.
Fossil Forest: The outgoing tide reveals a 180 million year old Jurassic fossil forest – one of only three such accessible fossil forests in the world. Fossil tree stumps and fallen logs are scattered over the exposed sea floor at Curio Bay. A viewing platform and information panel overlooks the fossil forest, which can be explored at low tide.
Yellow-Eyed Penguins nest in the area. They are a rare species only found in New Zealand. At dusk they come from feeding in the ocean. Great place to watch them; saw three. Could see them great through the binoculars. So cute with their pink feet. The guy that works for the conservation told us all about these penguins. Awesome!
One of the highlights of our trip; spectacular coastal scenery and wildlife.
Fossil Forest: The outgoing tide reveals a 180 million year old Jurassic fossil forest – one of only three such accessible fossil forests in the world. Fossil tree stumps and fallen logs are scattered over the exposed sea floor at Curio Bay. A viewing platform and information panel overlooks the fossil forest, which can be explored at low tide.
Yellow-Eyed Penguins nest in the area. They are a rare species only found in New Zealand. At dusk they come from feeding in the ocean. Great place to watch them; saw three. Could see them great through the binoculars. So cute with their pink feet. The guy that works for the conservation told us all about these penguins. Awesome!
One of the highlights of our trip; spectacular coastal scenery and wildlife.
2025-05-22