Page 14 — Otago Southland Tourist Times, February 2020
CLUTHA - CATLINS The Catlins
The Catlins offers a glimpse of rural New Zealand set amid native forests, fringed by high cliffs and golden beaches. This spectacular coastal stretch is home to an array of marine life – sea lions are regular beach visitors, while dolphins frolic in the shallows. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare but distinctive hoiho, the Yellow-eyed penguin. Here, you’ll also find a world of waterfalls that are amongst the most photographed in the world. Some of the highlights of the Catlins include; Walking the rugged coastline to Nugget Point 100 metres above the heaving Southern Ocean; seal pups play in their sheltered rock pools below and thousands of sea birds circle around the iconic lighthouse and rock nuggets which have been a menace to ships for over 150 years. The water tumbles over rock faces at the spectacular Purakaunui Falls and McLean Falls which are highlights of the Catlins. It is a short 10 minute walk to both waterfalls through tall temperate rainforest where you will hear the call of the tui and bellbird. At Lake Wilkie you will find a piece of tranquillity. Time seems to slow down at this serene, reflective lake where the reeds stand still and the forest above whispers lightly in the breeze. Feel dwarfed by the sheer size of the Cathedral Caves. The caves are only accessible very close to low tide. Walk for ten minutes through ancient native forest and suddenly a beach appears before you. The brooding entrance to the caves is at the northern end of the beach where you will hear the dripping of water into reflective pools and breathe in the ocean smells.
Nugget Point
Just a short drive from Kaka Point is the site of the Nugget Point Lighthouse built in 1869. The lighthouse was built due to the rocky islets which are surrounding the tip of the headland. Originally powered by an oil burner, it was converted to a 1000 watt lamp in 1949, with electricity by a diesel generator in the 1960’s and then was automated in 1989 and is now computer-monitored . A 20 minute walk with breathtaking views will take you along this spectacular track to the viewing platform at the lighthouse, another 20 minute walk will also take you to Roaring Bay, where you can observe an abundance of wildlife, seals, sea lions, yellow eyed penguins and sometimes elephant seals, one of the few places in New Zealand with regular occurrences of this species. From the shore you may also be able to spot humpback whales, orca or the Hectors dolphins. Nugget Point is an absolute must-do if you’re in the area.
Nugget Point
DISCOVER
The Catlins A new wonder every 10 minutes… Cascading waterfalls & hidden lakes Geological forms Unique wildlife Rugged coastal beauty
Purakaunui Falls
To Alexandra Mtn
Lawrence
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Tapanui
Situated in the heart of the bay is the perfect place to take a holiday or even just a break on your journey. Visit the pristine Jurassic Fossil Forest, view rare and endangered species of penguins and dolphins in a spectacular unspoiled setting by the sea. The Gateway Experience is a world-class interactive centre especially designed to share the unique stories of this amazing place on the edge of time. Open from 8am -10pm 7 days a week. Guided Tours are also available. The Café & Restaurant is an excellent place to stop in for a snack or meal, they are fully licensed and with gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian options available. Open 8am – 10pm 7 days a week. Whether you want to relax, discover, camp, shop or unwind over amazing food and coffee, CURIOSCAPES has everything you need.
EASTERN SOUTHLAND Gore The town of Gore is 64 kilometres northeast of Invercargill and 70 km west of Balclutha – Dunedin and Invercargill are the nearest cities. Gore is well known for its connection with Country and Western music, with the annual New Zealand country music awards having been held in the town for 36 years.[12] It has a sister city relationship with Tamworth, New South Wales, the “Country Music Capital of Australia”
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Blue
Tumu Toka Curioscape Curio Bay - Catlins
To Gore
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Gabriels Gully
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Heriot
Lake To Dunedin Mahinerangi
Beaumont
Waihola
Milton Taieri Mouth
Clydevale Clut
1 Clinton
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Balclutha
Toko Mouth Kaitangata Kaka Point
Catl To Invercargill
ins F ores t Park
Waikawa Curio Bay
Owaka
Nugget Point Pounawea Visit southlandnz.com/the-catlins to find out more!
Purakaunui Falls Papatowai Tautuku Bay
Cathedral Caves
Eastern Southland Gallery
Established in a former Carnegie Library building, it features permanent exhibitions including The John Money Collection: is a large body of New Zealand, Australian, African and American works of art, amassed over 50 years by Baltimore based expatriate NZ academic Dr John Money, and gifted to the Gallery in 2003. The Ralph Hotere Gallery: contains graphic works and paintings by major NZ contemporary artist Ralph Hotere. The Eastern Southland Gallery also features a vibrant programme of temporary exhibitions, performances, workshops and artist projects.
EASTERN SOUTHLAND
GALLERY
Gore
Hokonui Moonshine Museum
Situated in Gore’s Arts and Heritage Precinct, the museum celebrates the history of illicit whisky-making in the south. ‘Hokonui’ or ‘Hokonui Moonshine’ had its origins in the Highlands of Scotland, but made its presence felt in the Gore District with the advent of localised Prohibition in 1902. 51 years of subsequent “drought” gave rise to an illicit moonshining tradition, and over 30 resulting prosecutions. The museum explores this colourful history through recreations, audio-visuals and original artifacts.
HOKONUI
MOONSHINE MUSEUM Celebrating the tradition of Moonshine Hokonui Heritage Centre, Hokonui Dr, Gore.
16 Hokonui Drive, Gore, Phone: 03 203 9288 email: goreinfo@goredc.govt.nz Booking service available for activities, accommodation and land transport throughout New Zealand Monday - Saturday The Destination Gore Visitor Centre is front of house for the Hokonui Moonshine and Historical Museums. Operating hours – Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm Saturday 9.30am – 4.00pm Sunday 1.00pm – 4.00pm, booking service unavailable on Sundays, Public Holidays as advertised
Featuring the JOHN MONEY WING & RALPH HOTERE GALLERY Monday to Friday 10am – 4.30pm Weekends & Public Holidays 1-4pm
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Saturday & Sunday 1:00pm - 3:30pm
