Excursion Catlins coast discovery tour at bluff

Discover the highlights and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Catlins region of New Zealand.

Fortrose, Waipapa Point, Tararua Shipwreck

Depart the pier and journey to Fortrose (an old whaling station) for a brief stop and a possibility to see the shipwreck (depending on the tide). Next, travel to Waipapa Point and stroll down to the beach to see an old lighthouse and New Zealand's worst civilian shipwreck, "Tararua". Here you may also spot some New Zealand seals. Continue to Slope Point for an opportunity to take a short walk to the iconic signpost at the southernmost point of the South Island or simply take in the spectacular views of windswept trees and Southern Ocean waves crashing onto the rocks.

Curio Bay & Petrified Forest

Afterwards, continue to Curio Bay, a bay of international significance for its Petrified Forest dating back to the Jurassic period. The tree fossils you see here, similar to Kauri and Matai, are approximately 170 million years old. The forest was alive when New Zealand was part of Gondwanaland.

Living Forest Walkway, Lunch, Tumu Toka Curioscape & Wildlife Spotting

Curio Bay's Petrified Forest is best viewed at low tide from the viewing platform. You may choose to walk through the Living Forest walkway to witness how the Petrified Forest may have looked millions of years ago. This is a special occurrence in the world to witness a fossil forest so close to its living counterpart.

After lunch, visit Tumu Toka Curioscape, a world-class interpretive center intended to educate and share the special stories of Curio Bay and try to spot some of the local wildlife. The bay is a home to colony of Yellow Eyed Penguins and Hectors Dolphins amongst other wildlife.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and continue back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Curio Bay, Fortrose, The Catlins, Waikawa, Slope Point, Tararua Shipwreck, Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 4 kilometres, at times over uneven, natural, and sandy surfaces and inclines, with some steps to negotiate at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The tour sequence may vary. The coach supply in Bluff is very limited, coaches used are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of larger New Zealand ports.