Trek Your Way Through the Catlins and Clutha
Lakes, waterfalls, gold trails, wildlife and rugged coast: these are the drawcards for the Catlins and Clutha area. The district wedged between the Otago and Southland region has a natural landscape that has to be experienced through hiking. We can’t complain about the money-saving side of that too! So where are the good hikes in The Catlins and Clutha district?
Walk in the footprints of the gold miners, where trails have been carved through stunning landscape including deep river gorges and mountainsides. As you move further to the coast, the forest gets denser, the rock formations more rugged, the waterfalls more frequent, and the wildlife more abundant.
The difficulty of the walks varies too, with 15-minute strolls to waterfalls to a multi-day hike on a gold trail. Make the challenge your own. Pick a walk or two from the list below and add them to your Catlins and Clutha itinerary!
1. The Clutha Gold Trail
The most popular bike ride in the area is also a great hike. Spread over 73km (45 miles), it will take you a good 3 days. The trail goes through some of the most historic locations in the area including Maori moa hunting grounds and mining areas. Keep on following the powerful Clutha Mat-Au River through majestic gorges before sidetracking to the aptly named Big Hill Tunnel and finishing at the Lake Roxburgh Dam. Read more about the Clutha Gold Trail in Mountain Biking in the Catlins and Clutha District.
Location: Between Lawrence to Lake Roxburgh Dam. You can start from Commissioners Flat at the small car park about 500 metres (547 yards) below the Lake Roxburgh Dam. The signs are obvious to keep you on the trail.
© Lewis: Verduyn-Cassels on Wikipedia2. Blue Mountain Walk
Choose to start your hike in Black Gully or Whisky Gully and tackle the demanding 6-hour trail that will lead you through native bush to mountain tops taking in 360-degree views of the area. Be ready for a rocky track along the way. You can arrange to stay in a hut with the Department of Conservation or sort out a pick up from your arrival point.
Location: Black Gully or Whisky Gully in Tapanui.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Bull Creek Bush Walk
From small waterfalls to wide ocean views, this short 40-minute track has it all. Pack up your togs (that’s Kiwi speak for swimsuit) to make the most of the ocean. If you are looking for a lengthier hike in the area, consider walking to Bull Creek from Chrystalls Beach. The walk will feature fur seals, sea lions and maybe even elephant seals.
Location: Follow the signs from Milton to Bull Creek.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Blair Athol Walkway
When staying in Balclutha, you will probably spend some time in Naish Park. The Blair Athol Walkway starts just behind this park and follows the Cluth Mata-Au River for 1 hour through a colourful flowery landscape. You will also be able to spot native birds feeding on the banks of the river.
Location: Naish Park, Balclutha.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Taieri Millenium Track
Following the Taieri River, the easy 4-hour one-way track leads to the John Bull Gully hidden in native bush. Be impressed by the views along the track, especially when rising above the river level. The track can also be biked, but usually by the more experienced, as most people hike.
Location: 4km (2.5 miles) north of Waihola, turn right ontoTaieri Ferry Road. Turn right just before the bridge and drive to the end of the riverside road where you can park and start the track.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Purakaunui Falls
Purakaunui Falls are a major attraction in the area part of the 18 Amazing Attractions You Can’t Miss in the Catlins. They are the perfect New Zealand picture: a gorgeous dark waterfall nestled in thick forest. The access to the falls are well-marked and provide a few different observation lookouts over the pool below.
Location: South of Owaka in the Catlins. Take Papatowai Highway south and turn left onto Purakaunui Falls Road. Follow the road for about 2.8km (1.7 miles). The falls are well-signposted.
© Oren Rozen on Wikipedia7. Jacks Blow Hole
The 1-hour return track is an easy one yet it hides an impressive secret. The blowhole has been carved by the sea eroding the stone underground until breaching out to the surface at Jacks Blow Hole over 200 metres (219 yards) inland! The sheer sound alone is reason enough to take on this walk.
Location: 10km (6 miles) from Owaka. Turn off the main road (Owaka Highway) into Pounawea Road and follow for 850 metres (930 yards) to the turn into Hinahina Road. Follow Hinahina Road for 6km (4 miles) then turn into Jacks Bay Road.
© Isderion on Wikipedia8. Manuka Gorge Rail Tunnel
Inhabited by a small colony of glowworms, the Manuka Gorge Tunnel is a real treat to visit. This track hardly constitutes a challenge at only 10 minutes return. While in the area, consider hiking an extra 20 minutes to the Mount Stuart Reserve offering a great view to the ancient Stone Viaduct.
Location: 12km (7 miles) northwest of Milton. On State Highway 8, take Rhodes Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Nugget Point
The most photographed feature of the Catlins has to be these nuggets! Starting at Kaka Point and following the coast to the Nugget Point Lighthouse, this hike is the most well-maintained track on this list, mostly because it is so popular. Fur seals, sea lions and other wildlife on the way are a pale attraction compared to the mind-blowing view that is Nugget Point at sunrise. Find out more in our 10 Must-Dos in The Catlins.
Location: 9.2km (6 miles) south of Kaka Point. Take the Esplanade/Nugget Point Road all the way to the end.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Lake Tuakitoto
The lake is only a short drive out of Kaitangata and is a breeze to complete. The trail loops around the lake taking about 2h30min of passing through a few gated farms. Don’t forget to close the door behind you! While walking around the lake you will get a glimpse at the New Zealand native wildlife. Pukeko, black swan and shelduck are just a few of the many species living in the area.
Location: 7.1km (4 miles) north of Kaitangata, take Lakeside Road to the signposted walk.
© Bernard Spragg. NZ on FlickrCrave More of the Catlins and Clutha Stuff?
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Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
