A Prehistoric Playground...
Porpoise Bay (5) Swim with the rare hectors dolphin at high tide.
Curio Bay (4) is the location of one of three, currently accessible 180- million year old Petrified Forests in the world. However it is the only one in the world to be home to a rare Yellow Eyed- Penguin colony. They can be seen at sunrise and at sunset. Be sure to pack a windproof jacket and bug spray as it gets a bit "Nippy". Slope Point (2) is the Southern most point of the South Island of New Zealand. After walking through farmland, you are greeted by an "AA" sign with the distance to the equator and a sheer cliff into the ocean, 30 metres below. Waipapa Point (1) is well known for its 13 metre wooden lighthouse and for seeing many Hooker Sealions. The lighthouse was built after the "S.S Tararua" was wrecked on the nearby reef to provide safe passage for all ships. The S.S Tararua wreck can still be seen at low tide and a memorial stone can be visited nearby. The endangered Hooker sealion can be seen on the beaches of Waipapa Point and in the sand dunes sleeping, fighting and mating. Be cautious when taking photos, despite their odd shape, they are very fast on land. Invercargill is home to the "White Pyramid I-Site/ Museum" where live Tuataras can be seen. Tuataras are the last remaining link to the Dinosaurs. Baby Tuataras are born with three eyes, with skin growing over it as they mature. Henry, is 150 years old and can be seen in his habitat in the Museum, feeding demonstrations most Fridays. Travel Times and Distances McLean Falls/ Cathedral Caves, Catlins - Curio Bay: 30km (25minutes) Curio Bay - Slope Point: 25km (20 minutes) Slope Point - Waipapa Point: 25km (20 minutes) Waipapa Point - Invercargill: 50km (45 minutes) Invercargill - Te Anau: 150km (2 hours) Te Anau - Milford Sounds: 120km (allow 2 hours) Te Anau - McLean Falls/ Cathedral Caves, Catlins: 248km (3 hours) |