Guided Tours
The Catlins, unique to the eastern coast of the South Island, is rugged, remote and endowed with large tracts of native rainforest. It has an abundance of wildlife, sparsely populated, scenic and unspoilt.
A temperate climate and generous annual rainfall nurture the predominantly green landscape. River valleys, hills, farmland, and forests stretch to the sea and dominate the landscape. Coastal cliffs, estuaries, beaches, sea caves, rock stacks and a petrified forest add to the seascape.
Wildlife, native plants and trees are attractions of the Catlins. Sea birds are prolific. You may see the forest-dwelling birds Tui, Bellbird, Fantail, Keruru (native pigeon) and the rare Mohua. At certain times, you may observe yellow-eyed penguins from the viewing hides.
The Catlins is also home to the New Zealand sea lion, fur seal and the Hector’s dolphin.
The forests contain many native tree species especially tree ferns, Rata, Kahikatea, Miro, Kamahi, and Silver Beech.
NOTE: Tours change daily to meet the interests of our guests, the points of interest are a guideline only.
Sunrise Tour
3-4 hours (weather dependent)
Adult (17+) $150
Child (0-16yrs) $75
Departure time: 6.00am
Meeting point: from Mohua Park or by arrangement at pick up point
Tour Group: min 2, max 6
Fitness Level: Easy/Moderate
Guided tour includes:
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See Yellow-eyed penguins going out to sea
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Private location & Bay to view Penguins
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Explanation of various landmarks and points of interest
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New Zealand Fur Seal viewing
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Sea Bird viewing
Walking time: 20 mins (one way) to Lighthouse. Walking time to Bird viewing hide 15min (one way)
Beach, Bush & Waterfall Tour
5-6hrs (weather dependent)
Adult (17+) $250
Child (0-16yrs) $125
Departure Time: 9am
Meeting Point: from Mohua Park or by arrangement at pick up point
Tour Group Size: min 2, max 8
Fitness Level: Easy/Moderate
Guided tour includes:
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Visit Cannibal, Purakaunui, Tautuku Bays
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May have encounters with Sea Lions
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Florence Hill Look Out
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Lake Wilkie
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Purakaunui, McLean and Matai Falls
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Nugget Point Lighthouse
Walking times varied: max walking time 40 one way, most walks for above points of interest are 20min each way – gentle walking with some inclines, and some steps on tracks.
In Depth Nature & History Tour
8hrs
Adult (17+) $350
Departure Time: 5.30am
Meeting Point: Catlins Mohua Park
Tour Group Size: min. 2 - max. 6
Fitness Level: Easy/Moderate
Guided tours to suit the individual or group.
Tour Includes:
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Guide with 20 years’ wildlife experience
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Yellow eyed penguins
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Nugget Light House
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New Zealand Fur Seals
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Sea birds, wading birds, native bush birds such as the rare Mohua
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Beech Forest
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Catlins River & Valley Walk
This tour is for people with a passion for bird spotting and an interest in New Zealand natural history.
** Wholesome Country Breakfast picnic style, provided during the tour and a light lunch at Mohua Park.
Catlins Coastal ATV Experience
3-4hrs
Adult 13yrs+ $180pp
Child 5-12 yrs $75pp
Departure time: 9.00am
Meeting point: from Mohua Park or by arrangement at pick up point
Tour Group: min 2, max 6
Fitness Level: Fitness Level – N/A driven Side by Side 6-seater ATV (ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE)
Guided tour includes:
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Drive from Mohua Park to a private farming property on the Catlins Coast (15-20 mins)
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Tour over lush coastal farmland, you’ll be right in amongst the stock on hand (sheep/cattle) grazing on these paddocks.
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Guide will point out landmarks and points of interest, farming practices etc, driving along the cliff tops, incredible coastal vista’s, rolling countryside, making our way down the wide-open spaces of the beach.
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ATV drive along the surf on the beach with, dramatic windswept trees, sea birds, great photo opportunities.
Helmets/Safety equipment supplied.
Rocky Knoll ATV Drive/Hike Tour
2hrs (CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE - from June 2020) To be advised!
Adult 13yrs+ $135pp
Child 5-12 yrs $75pp
Departure time: 9am
Meeting point: from Mohua Park or by arrangement at pick up point
Tour group: min 2, max 6
Fitness level: Moderate/Fit – Walking sticks recommended.
Guided tour includes:
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Depart from Mohua Park, ATV 6-Seater side by side
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Gravel roads, rough forestry tracks, ruts & mud
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Guide to point out various landmarks and points of interest, look back onto Mohua Park from afar
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Base of Rocky Knoll, exit ATV
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Hike to top to Rocky Knoll, incredible vistas of surroundings, Catlins River Valley, forestry and NZ Native Bushland, sea views... Breath-taking!
Walking time: 30 mins (one way) to first lookout. 200m more to highest lookout.
What to Bring
For all tours bring the following items:
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Warm & waterproof clothing. Layers recommended, light thermals and jackets
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Good walking shoes
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Hiking boots are recommended for In-Depth Nature Tour
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Walking poles
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Sunhat & sunscreen
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Insect repellent
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Water bottles & snacks
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Carry personal medication
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Parents of infants should bring a child backpack to carry them safely
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Please advise at the time of booking if you have any medical conditions or food allergies, or allergies in general.
