'''The Catlins''' [http://www.catlins.org.nz] refers to a hilly, forested and sparsely populated area (even by New Zealand standards) in the eastern part of Southland. Much of it is preserved by the Catlins Forest Park.
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'''Curio Bay''' - A 160 million year old fossilized forest.
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The '''Catlins River walk''' is one of the best-kept secrets around. It is absolutely beautiful and costs nothing except the fuel to get to Tawanui camping-group from where the five-hour walk starts. You really need a car at the other end (The Wisp) so that you don't have a ten-hour tramp!) Swap keys at the half-way point and meet back at Owaka. If you're lucky you might see a Mohua (yellow-head) a rare and beautiful little native bird. You will certainly see some tomtits which, clinging to tree-trunks look for all the world like black and white butterflies. The bed of the river in places is sheer rock which gives it a unique look. There are some scary wire bridges but no-one has fallen in off one as far as we know.
'''Purakanui Falls''' - The primeval forest leading to them is worth the trip alone.
Catlins Wildlife Trackers. Mirren Street, Papatowai. n the Soutern Scenic Route. 4 3 4158613. ww.catlins-ecotours.co.nz. nights. Z$600. In depth two day, three night small group eco-tours to see and learn about The Catlins rainforest and coast. Sub antarctic penguins and marine mammals are seen. Tours are fully catered in comfortable home-stay accommodation and home-cooked meals. Tours are personalised and guided by hosts Fergus and Mary Sutherland who have 20 years experience in hosting visitors to The Catlins and are well qualified with Masters degrees and conservation credentials.
Top Track. 800 2285467. ttp://www.catlins-ecotours.co.nz/top.htm. 5NZ$. Organised by the people of "Catlins Wildlife Trackers" this is a wonderful 26 km track through varying landscape of the Catlins, taking the hiker over beaches, farmland, hills and native bush.
It is designed as a 2 day track, but can be done in one long 10 h day. One would miss out on one of the coolest things of the track however: the stay in the "top bus", which is an old Dunedin city bus that has been brought up a hill and gives a stunning vista and an excellent place to spend the night, given that is fully equiped. It even has an outdoor shower,heated by the sun. </do>
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Catlins Backpackers. 4 Main Road, Owaka. 64 3 412 8111. ttp://www.catlinsbackpackers.co.nz. 23/56 (Bed in a shared room/Double,Twin). Two cosy and beautifully renovated cottages with 3 individually decorated rooms each. The CAT room really is the proverbial whiskers and the BEE room is really buzzing . No bunks here and shared rooms have no more than 3 beds. Sunny lawns and decks, comfortable lounges, a log fire and heaters in every room make this accommodation a popular choice with travellers from all over the world all year round. An excellent base to explore the Catlins.
Catlins Mohua Park. atlins Wildlife Trackers. 44 Catlins Valley Road. 5 Kilometres South of Owaka. 4 3 4158613. ww.catlinsmohuapark.co.nz. pm. pm. Z$145. Set deep in the heart of The Catlins, Mohua Park offers luxury self-catering accommodation in a tranquil natural setting. Eco-friendly solar design cottages all have great views and acccess to a private native forest reserve. Mohua Park is within walking distance of the Catlins River for trout fishing and the Catlins River Track for bush walking. Within 20 minutes drive is the wildlife-rich Catlins coast.
Hilltop Accommodation. apatowai. 7 Tahakopa Valley Road. verlooking Papatowai. Turn inland between the store and the estuary. 3 4158028. illtopaccom.co.nz. 25 - $90. Two refurbished character farm cottages, set against native forest and with spectacular sea and valley views. Ensuite, double, twin and bunks
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