Explore a petrified forest and unique wildlife on New Zealand's picturesque Scenic Heritage Trail.
The Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail (CCHT) offers a unique opportunity to explore a lesser-known, captivating corner of New Zealand. This offshoot of the Southlands Scenic Route takes you on a journey through a remote and isolated region in the South Island, where you'll find waterfalls, craggy coasts, petrified forests, and unique wildlife.
Your adventure begins at Bluff, Southland, New Zealand, which is often noted as a key access location. From here, you can start the trail and journey through 13 stopping points that require at least five full hours of exploration.
One of the first stops on the CCHT is the Waikawa Museum in The Catlins. This museum showcases the way of life of the native MaΜori and European settlers who lived in the area beginning in the late 19th century. Visitors can walk around the Waipapa Reservation Area, reading informative plates about its unique history. Overlooking the reservation area stands the beautiful wooden Waipapa Point Lighthouse, built three years after the disaster that occurred at Waipapa Point in 1881, claiming 131 lives in the sinking of the SS Tararua, New Zealand's worst civilian maritime disaster. The lighthouse remains operational today.
Another highlight of the CCHT is Curio Bay, home to a petrified forest that is over 160 million years old. Tumu Toka Curioscape, an interactive museum and campground near the petrified forest, is also worth a visit.
The CCHT leads to several ports, inlets, and coves, including Porpoise Bay, a special location where Hector's dolphins, unique to southern New Zealand, can be seen.
Accessing the CCHT involves flying to the smaller airport in Dunedin from either Christchurch or Wellington, followed by a two and a half-hour drive along the Southlands Scenic Route to reach the town of Niagara. Slope Point, the most southerly point on the South Island of New Zealand, can also be visited as part of your journey. However, please note that Slope Point is closed from September to November due to lambing season.
New Zealand is a country where a mountain is legally considered a person, and exploring it by renting a car or camper van is one of the best ways to do so. July is one of the best times of the year to visit New Zealand, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
So, pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable adventure on the Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail!
